“Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Warren Buffett
“कोई आज छाया में इसलिए बैठा हुआ है क्योंकि किसी ने काफी समय पहले एक पौधा लगाया था।”
वारेन बुफेट
Monday, August 08, 2022
Quote of the Day August 8, 2022
Current Affairs-August 7, 2022
INDIA
– NDA candidate Jagdeep Dhankhar elected as 16th Vice President of India
– UGC asks all Universities and Colleges to observe August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
– New CAT (Central Administrative Tribunal) Chairman Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More takes charge
– Govt to make 1.5 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health, Wellness centres functional by December this year
– India opens door for persecuted minorities from Pakistan to practise medicine; NMC (National Medical Commission) invites applications
– Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama honoured with the ‘dPal rNgam Duston’ award by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– SEBI constitutes 15-member committee to attract foreign investment; Former Chief Economic Advisor K V Subramanian appointed Chairman
– Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal unveils digital version of One District-One Product gift catalogue
WORLD
– Israel and Gaza militants exchange fire after deadly strikes
– Hiroshima in Japan observes 77th anniversary of the atomic bombing on August 6
– US: Indiana becomes first state to implement abortion ban post SC ruling
SPORTS
– Birmingham Commonwealth Games: Wrestlers Bajrang Punia (men’s 65 kg), Deepak Punia (men’s 86 kg) and Sakshi Malik (women’s 62 kg) clinch gold medals
– Birmingham Commonwealth Games: Athletes Avinash Sable (men’s 3000 metres steeplechase) and Priyanka Goswami (women’s 10,000m race walk) win silver medals
Current Affairs-August 8, 2022
INDIA
– ISRO launches small rocket from Sriharikota carrying Earth Observation Satellite & AzaadiSAT satellite
– 8th National handloom observed on August 7
– PM chairs 7th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog at Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre, New Delhi
– All-Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) blocks movement on Imphal-Dimapur highway (NH-2) and Imphal-Jiribam highway (NH-39); demands more autonomy for hill districts
– Nallathamby Kalaiselvi becomes first woman director general of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– First commercial flight of Akasa Air launched on Ahmedabad-Mumbai route
WORLD
– China to run new drills in Yellow and Bohai seas
INDIA AT BIRMINGHAM COMMONWEALTH GAMES
– Eldhose Paul (17.03m) wins gold in men’s triple jump
– Vinesh Phogat wins gold in women’s 53kg freestyle wrestling
– Ravi Dahiya wins gold in men’s 57kg boxing
– Amit Panghal wins gold in men’s 51kg boxing
– Nitu Ghanghas wins gold in women’s 48 kg boxing
– Nikhat Zareen wins gold in women’s 50kg boxing
– Naveen wins gold in men’s 74kg freestyle wrestling
Migration crisis
An extremely distressing sidebar of the Ukraine war, though rather inadequately reported the world over, is the migration from the former Soviet satellite, believed to be the largest since the Second World` War. There are an estimated 6.2 million Ukranian refugees in Europe and another 6.3 million have been “internally displaced”. A careful calibration would suggest that 30 per cent of the country’s estimated pre-war population have been displaced and forced from their homes. In those terms, this represents by far the largest migration crisis since 1945. Ukraine does not release public accounts of military casualties. The areas overrun by Russia are guesses at best, but officials estimate that tens of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed and many more wounded. Major cities have been levelled.
According to Ukraine’s defence minister, 140,000 residential` buildings have been destroyed, rendering 3.5 million people homeless. Indeed, the bloodshed, dislocation and devastation grows each day. The massive migration has taken its toll on human lives and suffering. Two civilians were killed and five were injured while trying to flee Russian-held territory in the southern Kherson region on Monday. Russian forces are reported to have fired on their red minibus at what officials said was “pointblank range”. In the east, the focus of the recent Russian offensive, carrying women, children, elderly people and many with reduced mobility to safer territory in the west was the priority this week. The migration from Ukraine, therefore, has affected the entire country, in itself a heartrending facet of the Russian invasion.
President Volodymir Zelensky has pleaded with some 200,000 civilians in the east to evacuate the already depopulated areas’ near the frontlines, where Russian artillery has laid waste to whole towns. But the nub of the matter must be that many cannot do so. And they include many who cannot leave because of age, illness or even because they are encircled by Russian attackers. There are others who are described as Russian sympathisers, and those who are called merely stubborn. Aside from the clash of shields and the almost relentless boots-on-the-ground conflict, the humanitarian angle is frightfully heartrending, with thousands killed and many more having lost their hearth and home. The seemingly relentless war has rendered thousands homeless and without a roof over their heads.
The escape from embattled Ukraine has not addressed their dire predicament a wee bit. Ukraine, in a word, cries out for international assistance geared to relief and rehabilitation. Not least by the United Nations, which historically has rushed to storm-centres where individual countries fear to tread. The effort must by necessity be collective and humane. In the event, a collective message can be transmitted to Vladimir Putin’s Russia. The comity of nations is on test as the average Ukrainian cries out for assistance.
Source: The Statesman, 6/08/22
UPSC Examination: 24 Civil Services Covered by National Level Test
Some of the most popular competitive exams in India are the ones conducted for recruitment to the various civil services, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). These services have consistently been among young people’s top career choices across the nation. With a passing percentage of just 0.1%, it is one of the most difficult competitive examinations in the nation in terms of structure. In spite of that, a growing number of people with professional degrees are choosing positions in Civil Services.
The foundation of the Indian government is civil services, covering the main offices in charge of all the significant divisions that oversee state and national administration. UPSC conducts a National Level Exam for 24 services under the Central & State Government of India. The candidates who pass these exams are placed in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Police Services (IPS), Indian Revenue Services (IRS), and Indian Foreign Services (IFS), as well as some others.
Candidates are assigned to various Services based on their UPSC exam ranks. Once assigned, a candidate is then appointed to a specific role within that department.
Types of Civil Services
Clearing the civil service exam (CSE), one can apply for three different types of jobs which encompass a wide range of prestigious and in-demand services. These three categories are:
- All India Civil Services
- Group ‘A’ Civil Services
- Group ‘B’ Civil Services
Irrespective of the category, however, all of the posts for which the UPSC Exam is conducted are highly regarded and sought after in the country. Let’s dig a little deeper and find out what are positions available in the above-mentioned major UPSC categories.
All India Civil Services
There are three important posts under the All India Civil Services which are as follows:
- Indian Administrative Services
Primary among the All India Services is Indian Administrative Services. Candidates who are chosen to serve as IAS officers are in charge of creating and carrying out government policies as well as upholding law and order in their region.
- Indian Police Services
In charge of law and order in the country, candidates who are appointed as IPS officers receive their training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. Senior posts in the police force are held by IPS officers. RAW, IB, and CBI, are some other agencies or departments where IPS officers are appointed to senior posts.
- Indian Forest Services (IFoS)
The IFoS is dedicated to the sustainable management and protection of natural resources, particularly forests, in the country. Director General (DG) of Forests is the highest title earned by IFoS personnel working for the Central Government. At the state level, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests is the highest rank for IFoS personnel. Additionally, IFoS officials are hired to work for a variety of other organisations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Group ‘A’ Services
There are 13 positions under UPSC Group ‘A’ Services. Check out the list below:
- Indian Foreign Services
IFS officers are in charge of managing India's foreign affairs. In the course of their careers, these officials may be promoted to the positions of High Commissioner, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of India at the UN, and Foreign Secretary.
- Indian Audit & Account Services (IA & AS)
IA&AS officers (CAG) work under the Comptroller and Auditor General. Financial auditing of the central government, state governments, and public sector organisations are part of the duties of IA&AS officials.
- Indian Civil Accounts Services (ICAS)
Candidates are chosen for ICAS for the Ministry of Finance. The Controller General of Accounts leads the ICAS cadre.
- Indian Corporate Law Services (ICLS)
Managing India's corporate sector is the Indian Corporate Law Service's main goal. To successfully carry out their duties during their employment, the ICLS cadre receives training in a variety of subjects, including law, economics, finance, and accounting.
- Indian Defence Accounts Services (IDAS)
The Ministry of Defense oversees this cadre. The Border Roads Organization (BRO), the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), and the Ordnance Factories all employ IDAS officers. An IDAS officer's primary responsibility is to audit defence accounts. The Indian Defence Accounts Service is led by the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA).
- Indian Defence Estates Services (IDES)
The National Institute of Defence Estates in New Delhi provides training for candidates hired under the Indian Defence Estates Service. The management of the defence establishment's land and military bases is the responsibility of IDES officials.
- Indian Information Services (IIS)
By acting as a channel between the government and the general public, the Indian Information Service personnel inform the public about government actions and pronouncements. The Department of Information and Broadcasting oversees this group.
- Indian Ordnance Factories Services (IOFS)
The management of a sizable number of the Indian Ordnance Factories that produce defence gear, weapons, and ammunition, falls within the domain of the Indian Ordnance Factories Services. The Ministry of Defense is responsible for this cadre.
- Indian Communication Finance Services (ICFS)
Candidates who are hired for the ICFS receive training at the National Institute of Financial Management in Faridabad. This cadre is in charge of rendering accounting and financial services to the Indian Posts and Telecommunication Departments.
- Indian Postal Services (IPoS)
Candidates selected for IPoS are appointed as higher-grade officers in India Post. Indian Post Service, which manages India Post, is in charge of offering a variety of services, including traditional postal services, banking, payments for old-age pensioners and MGNREGA wages, as well as e-commerce services.
- Indian Railway Accounts Services (IRAS)
Candidates selected for IRAS must complete a two-year training programme before joining their post at one of the following: the National Academy of Direct Taxes in Nagpur, the Railway Staff College in Vadodra, specialised training facilities, and additional construction organisations, divisions, and manufacturing facilities of the Central and Zonal Railways.
- Indian Railway Personnel Services (IRPS)
The National Academy of Direct Taxes, the RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration, and the Dr Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute all offer training to IRPS cadres after they are received at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy Of Administration (LBSNAA). The National Academy of Indian Railways at Vadodra offers the last phase of training. The Human Resources of Indian Railways are managed by IRPS officers.
- Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS)
The IRTS serves as a link between the business and public sectors and between railroads. IRTS personnel oversee Indian Railways' operational and commercial divisions and are in charge of income generation.
- Indian Revenue Services (IRS)
The National Academy of Customs, Excise, and Narcotics in Faridabad and NADT, Nagpur, respectively, are where IRS personnel receive their subsequent training after completing their basic training at LBSNAA. The Indian Revenue Services operate under the Ministry of Finance. Direct and indirect taxes are gathered by this body.
- Indian Trade Services (ITS)
The Ministry of Commerce oversees the Indian Trade Services. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which is in charge of this cadre, oversees India's foreign trade and commerce.
- Railway Protection Force (RPF)
The RPF is a paramilitary organisation under the Ministry of Railways. Their main goal is to provide security and protection to passengers, assets, and property on the Indian Railways.
Group ‘B’ Services
Here is a list of positions under the Group ‘B’ Services of the UPSC:
- Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services
The Defense Secretary serves as the executive director of this department which reports to the Ministry of Defence. The Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services offers administrative, and policy formulation and implementation support to The Indian Armed Forces and Inter-Services Organisations.
- DANICS
DANICS, which stands for Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Civil Services, is a department of the Indian government. Officers in charge of the administration of the Union Territories form this cadre.
- DANIPS
NCT of Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service are collectively referred to as DANIPS. The law and order at Delhi and other Union Territories of India are under the control of this Indian federal police agency.
- Pondicherry Civil Service
Unlike the other states, recruitment to the civil services of the union territory of Puducherry is also conducted via the national UPSC exam. This cadre is known as the Pondicherry Civil Services.
- Pondicherry Police Service
The Pondicherry Police Service is the police force in charge of law and order in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Government of Puducherry's Department of Home Affairs is responsible for running this service. The Director-General of Police (DGP) is in charge of the Pondicherry Police Service.
In India, civil services play a significant role in enforcing laws and carrying out policies. They are essential to the Indian system of governance and their function has evolved over time. The quantum of work has also increased as a result of the current economy's rapid growth. Be it at the central or the state level, the Civil Services play a key role. And armed with this list of positions, you are now better informed as to which cadre you want to aspire for when you prepare for the UPSC examination.
Source: The Telegraph, 6/08/22
Learning machines
The economic downturn caused by Covid-19 was the making of one class of business: the edutech industry. The closedown of schools created a need to teach students remotely. The electronic mode was the only possible means. But the way it was adopted prompts deep misgivings.
I am actively involved with computer applications in teaching and research. The promise held out by digital learning excites me. Its progress in India fills me with alarm.
The dismal backdrop to my discussion is the digital divide. We are content that for the poor, a single smartphone should be considered a sufficient educational tool for all students in a household. Even that, a parliamentary committee found last year, eluded 77 per cent of the nation’s children.
But today, let us think about the fortunate ones with laptops and smartphones for their sole use. When the pandemic broke, their schools soon switched to online classes. But online teaching implies more than a Zoom meeting. It calls for audio-visual techniques for which most schools had neither expertise nor infrastructure. Plain vanilla classroom teaching falters without a classroom.
That is where edutech companies saw their chance. They applied digital technology expertly and intensively to the curricular content. Their instructors exuded a compelling onscreen presence, as conventional teachers had never learnt to do. The result was a package that captivated both children and parents footing the bill. Both parties were connoisseurs of onscreen content: the children from computer games, the parents from infotainment channels. The superstition is rife anyway that anything emerging from a computer is a superior option. In two short years, hitherto uncontested schooling methods acquired the negative label of ‘offline teaching’.
But might not the new technology truly be superior? The digital revolution has transformed our lives. In intellectual and cultural matters, however, it has generally modified older practices instead of dislodging them altogether. More books are printed today than ever before, alongside the electronic text and the internet. Live performances flourish despite staggering advances in audio-visual recording. The equation between ageless human practice and digital innovation is subtle and complex. With education, the pandemic drastically short-circuited this adjustment.
Throughout history, teaching has implied an interaction between teacher and student. A child learns letters and numbers under a teacher’s care among a group of peers. Every primary-school teacher I have asked agrees that small children cannot be taught online to read, write and count. If some learn to do so, it is because an adult is present to guide the process.
With older children, the challenge is subtler. Edutech planners will tell you that they allow for individual attention and interaction. Learners can follow their own pace, assess themselves by self-testing, and even ask questions. The interaction is largely through precoded exercises and bots, but the best (and costliest) courses find slots for human mentors. Yet all these features are worked into a pre-set, one-way system: an extended IT program, ‘remote’ in every sense.
To be sure, there are physical schools so ill-run that online instruction is a better alternative. But even a halfway decent institution offers the imperative human exchange. A lecturer in a classroom subconsciously attunes herself to the faces in front of her. Students’ queries cover a range that artificial intelligence cannot tackle — above all because it ignores individual psychology, the personal factors impacting a student’s development. A packaged online program can never overstep its boundaries, never warm to a bold question or an out-of-the-box suggestion. At most, it fosters a competent mediocrity. Hence the best students benefit the least from online courses, which stunt their potential.
Edutech is the white flour and refined sugar of learning. To consume it is better than to starve, but it is no substitute for a wholesome home diet, even if indifferently cooked. (That is no excuse not to improve the cooking.) To vary the image, the stuff of digital learning is both literally and metaphorically behind a screen: you see it, but you can’t reach through and grasp it.
Such charges are customarily made against private coaching. Coaching centres are reviled on principle but rife in practice. Edutech providers profess the same adjunct role. But given their reach, glamour and opulence, they play a much more visible and increasingly central role in India’s education system.
This is because they blend with the current ecology of public services, cutting down State forests and planting corporate groves. Online teaching is vastly cheaper to provide: it does not need a standing army of teachers. The high demand is fanned by both commercial and official publicity. The Union government has perfected a new rhetoric extolling online teaching, never mind the digital divide. PM eVidya, the grandest of many schemes, aims to provide online education to every student in India. This may or may not be the same as the ‘digital university’ promised in this year’s budget, while actual universities languish for want of funds.
Education is following the path of our healthcare services, with an endlessly expanding role for the private sector. The economics drives the technology. State agencies have their own e-learning platforms: Diksha, ePathshala and Swayam, among others. Yet our rulers are warming more and more to private operators. Universities can outsource 40 per cent of course content for online degrees (themselves a recent innovation) and engage edutech companies to ‘assist’ even with the rest. There is even talk of such companies carrying out evaluation.
In today’s India, practices once thought harmful or illicit are routinely legitimised and then made standard. Not so long ago, we deplored the possibility of commercial coaching empires influencing exam results and curricula. This might soon become normative and organic to the system.
No academically respectable country has surrendered its education sector to profit-seeking interests in this way. When all is said, Indian education has an honourable place in the world’s eyes. We denigrate our public education system, but its alumni win success and acclaim everywhere. Let us not sell out on that legacy.
Sukanta Chaudhuri is Professor Emeritus, Jadavpur University
Source: The Telegraph, 8/08/22
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