RAJASTHAN
- A reverse trend for learning outcome in Rajasthan
- The National Achievement Survey 2017 conducted by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) found a reverse trend in the learning outcomes from Class III to Class VIII.
A comparative data of seven divisional headquarters in Rajasthan shows that Jaipur remains on top in most of the subjects, while Bikanerremains at the bottom.
- The assessment is done on subjects like EVS, Mathematics, Language, Science and Social Science for Class III, V and VIII. The assessment is based on 10-13 set of questions or puzzles given to students to solve it.
- Nearly 78% of Class III students in Jaipur have managed to solve questions in mathematics, while Bharatpur stood second with 77%.
- When it comes to Science, 81% students were able to solve the questions in Jaipur, while Ajmer comes next with 80% in Class III.
- However, when the figures are studied class-wise, the picture becomes alarming. Jaipur’s 78% students were able to solve learning outcome questions, while it declines to 70% in the Class V. While in Class VIII, the figures restricted to 59%.
- The urban-rural divide continues in the state at all three levels like Class III, V and VIII. The learning outcome in Maths at Class III was 82% in urban areas, while it was 75% in rural areas. As we move to Class V, the similar trend continues with 73% cleared the survey in urban areas and 69.17% in the rural areas. It further fell in the final leg at Class VIII with 63% students in urban areas and 58% in rural areas.
INTERNATIONAL
- CSIR signs MoU with IORA: CSIR-CIMAP to host coordinating center on medicinal plants
- Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has entered into a MoU with the Regional Center for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT) of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for designating Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow (CSIR-CIMAP) as Coordinating Center on Medicinal Plants.
- The MoU was signed by Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director CSIR-CIMAP and Dr. A. Sedrpousan, Director, IORA-RCSTT.
- The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Girish Sahni, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR.
- The delegation also attended the 31st Khwarizmi International Award Ceremony which was addressed by H.E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- The IORA Center at CSIR-CIMAP will establish a database on the important medicinal plants, their value added products, related experts and industries of the IORA member states and organize meetings and training programmes to promote trade, commerce and scientific exchanges to complement the strength and limitation of the member states.
· China home to 241 million old people: report
- China is fast turning into an aging society as the number of people aged 60 and above has reached 241 million, accounting for 17.3 per cent of the total population, according to an officials.
- A society with 10 per cent of its population aged 60 or older can be referred to as an “aging society,”
- Since China first became an aging society in 1999, the number of people aged 60 or above has seen a net increase of 110 million. It is estimated that the number of seniors will peak around 2050 to reach 487 million, 34.9 per cent of the total population, Mr. Wu said.
- As the old age population grew, which was largely attributed to the three decades old one child policy, China has permitted couples to have two children since 2016.
- China has stepped up nationwide education on ageing with the aim to raise citizens’ awareness and called on the public to care for the elderly.
NATIONAL
- ‘SRIJAN’ has been launched at MyGov portal
- Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) is taking up redevelopment of around 600 major Railway stations across the country.
- In this mega exercise, assistance and involvement of all stakeholders i.e. railway passengers, urban planners, architects, engineers is important.
- Towards this objective of stakeholders’ consultation, an idea competition for development of 635 stations on Indian Railways, ‘SRIJAN’ (Station Rejuvenation Initiative through Joint ActioN) has been launched at MyGov portal since 26.01.2018.
- The last date for submission of entries in this competition is 26.03.2018. The winners will get certificates and worthy ideas will be incorporated in the designs.
- Intermodal Stations to come up in 15 cities