(Article)Life at LBSNAA – Know How UPSC Toppers Spend Their Initial Training Days
LBSNAA or Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration is the dream destination for lakhs of aspirants who appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination each year. This is where they find the first reward of their long and arduous UPSC journey, as well as to brace for the life ahead as a Civil Servant in this country. The successful aspirants find themselves in the academy following a routine meant to enhance their personalities and groom them into the best version of themselves. Here is a sneak peek into life at LBSNAA.
PM Narendra Modi in a group photo with Officer Trainees of the 92nd Foundation Course at LBSNAA in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.
Morning Routine :
The morning starts bright and early at the academy. Trainees are expected to be up by 6 AM and taken to the Polo Ground, which is roughly a 1-2 km jog from the Academy. There they spend time on Yoga and other drills. The Academy puts special emphasis on the physical health of all their officer trainees (OTs). This is followed by breakfast at 8 AM, and then everyone rushes for their classes.
Officer Trainees Resting At The End Of Their Morning PT
Training Sessions :
Classes in the Academy are conducted between 9:30 AM and 4 PM. Luminaries from IIMs, JNU, DU, etc. are usually the ones taking these classes, delivering lectures on environmental economics, social marketing, etc. Serving officers of various services also conduct sessions to help the OTs understand the challenges they are gearing to face in the future. Former District Magistrate (DMs) who have successfully pulled off massive events under their charges come up to the Academy to share their experience with OTs. Many team-building exercises are held for better coordination among batchmates.
Extra-curricular Activities :
All work and no play can make one rather dull. Keeping this in mind, the Academy puts together many experiences for its OTs. Himalayan trekking, hiking, visiting nearby institutes are some of the weekend activities held. There are also sports that are played within the ground of the Academy such as cricket, volleyball, billiard, badminton, table tennis, football, etc. OTs are also encouraged to participate in cultural festivals and organize cultural events during their stay in Mussoorie. Many important figures such as the President and Prime Minister visit the budding civil servants. Performances of music, dance, poetry, etc. are put up in their honor by the officer trainees oftentimes.
Figure 1India Day Performance by Officer Trainees
Alumni Clubs :
All OTs become a part of the several interesting clubs such as Adventure Sports, Alumni Association, Computer Society, Film Society, Officers’ Mess, Rifle & Archery Club, Society for Contemporary Affairs, Society for Social Service, Fine Arts Association, Hobbies Club, House Journal Society, Management Circle, Nature Lovers’ Club, and Officers’ Club. Of course, OTs automatically get enrolled in the Alumni Association. They can choose which other clubs they want to be a part of.
The Goal :
The goal of LBSNAA is to ready all it’s Officer Trainees for the life of a civil servant. This includes imbibing in their qualities and habits expected from officers of their stature. Another goal is to inculcate lifelong relationships among ranks so that this country can function smoothly under the watchful eyes of compatriots who all are working towards the singular goal of serving this nation to the best of their abilities for the foreseeable future. And that is how a great nation is built.
(Article) PROS & CONS OF NEW EDUCATION POLICY 2020
Context :
Recently, the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 has been approved by the Union Cabinet. Its major aim is to introduce changes in the Indian education system right from the school to the college level of education.
Major highlights :
Making “India a global knowledge superpower” is the ultimate objective of the NEP 2020.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development is renamed as the Ministry of Education.
It is the third major change in the education systems in India since independence in 1947.
1968 and 1986 have seen the earlier two revamps in the education systems prior to NEP 2020.
Key Points :
School Education:
Pre-school to secondary level education has been universalized with 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by the year 2030.
This will assist in bringing approx 2 crore children which are currently out of school, back into the mainstream.
The current education system of 10+2 will be replaced by a new & revamped 5+3+3+4 structure which corresponds to the age group 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively.
In the current scenario, the age group of 3-6 years is not covered in formal schooling, this will helps in bringing those age groups under the school curriculum. This age group is globally recognized as a crucial stage for the development of the mental ability of a child.
This system will have 12 years of schooling with three years of Anganwadi / pre-schooling.
Board examinations of class 10th & 12th will be made easier & will be focussed more on core competencies rather than memorized facts & rote learning. All students will be allowed to take these exams twice.
A new accreditation framework will be set up along with an independent authority to regulate public and private schools.
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy will be more focussed.
There will not be any rigid separation between academic streams, extracurricular activities & vocational streams in schools.
A provision of Vocational education with internship from Class 6th.
Mother tongue/regional language will be used for teaching up to class 5th & no language will be rigidly imposed on any students.
A 'National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE)' will be programmed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in consultation with NCERT.
A 4-years integrated B.Ed. degree course will be the minimum degree qualification for teaching by 2030.
Higher Education:
A target of 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education by 2035 which is currently at 26.3%.
3.5 crore seats will be added in higher education.
Undergraduate courses will be imparted with a flexible curriculum of 3 or 4 years duration with multiple exit options and with certification at different levels.
All the courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. levels will be made interdisciplinary.
M.phil. courses will be discontinued.
'Academic Bank of Credits' will be established which will facilitate Credit transfers.
'Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs)' will be established at par with IITs, IIMs as per the matching global standards.
An apex body for fostering strong research culture namely 'The National Research Foundation' will be established which will serve the purpose of creating a strong research culture and building research capacity in higher education.
'Higher Education Commission of India’ (HECI)' will be established for entire higher education, excluding medical and legal education. Both the public and private higher education institutions will be governed by the same set of norms
HECI will have four independent verticals i.e. :
1) National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC) to look after the regulatory framework.
2) General Education Council (GEC) to look after standard settings.
3) Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) to look after funding.
4) National Accreditation Council (NAC) to look after accreditation.
The affiliation system of colleges will be wiped out in 15 years and a mechanism to be implemented for granting graded autonomy to colleges.
In near future, every college is expected to develop as an autonomous degree-granting College or a constituent college of a university.
Education System In India :
Part IV, Article 45 and 39 (f) of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) of the Indian Constitution, has a provision for state-funded & an equitable and accessible education to all.
Education has been moved from the state list to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
The 86th Constitutional Amendment in 2002 made education an enforceable right under Article 21-A of the Fundamental Rights.
Right To Education (RTE), 2009 is enacted to provide primary education to all children in the age group 6 to 14 years.
This act also mandates a 25% reservation for the disadvantaged sections of the society in Government Initiatives such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas.
Pros :
NEP 2020 has changed the structure from 10+2 to 5+3+3+4. It will include kindergarten of 3 years in formal schooling thus increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio.
Now, we can choose any subject from any academic streams as per the interest.
Multiple exit options will provide enough flexibility to students to learn & work together with varying certification options at different levels.
The importance of board exams is made less important thus reducing pressure on students reducing exam phobia.
Now 6% of GDP will be used as a fund for the policy showing the importance of education.
NEP 2020 will promote our Indian ethnic culture & hence unity in diversity will be promoted.
Vocational learning will help students to be job-ready & more skill-oriented from their early ages.
Higher education & standards of colleges will improve through a common HECI.
Cons :
Regional and local languages will be promoted but somehow, English will take a back seat.
English is the language of the world, Indian local & regional languages will not help that much at International level.
Imposing English in class 6th onwards will not give proper confidence & command in the English language to students.
Implementing so many regional or local languages in different states will be difficult to assess whether they all are on the same platform or syllabus.
English is recognized as a global language to communicate & in the IT industry and this is the reason we are booming in other countries than Chinese people.
Way Forward :
There are always a few merits & demerits in all the systems. Only thing is that we need to constantly improve the system based on its various outcomes. NEP 2020 is aimed at improving the culture & integrity of the country along with the blend of modernity in the education system & should be considered as the welcome step of the government.
MCQs :
Under which article of the Indian Constitution, education has been made enforceable right?
Option : a) Article 21
b) Article 21A
c) Article 22
d) Article 22A
Answer: Option: b
What is the targeted Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education by the NEP2020?
Option : a) 80%
b) 75%
c) 50%
d) 40%
Answer: Option: c
MAINS :
Critically analyze the importance of the New Education Policy 2020 with respect to the current education policy implemented in 1986.
Discuss various efforts done by the Union Governments in improving the Gross Enrolment Ratio in Schools & higher education since independence.
The following are the lists, in order of merit of 196 (106+76+14) candidates who have qualified on the basis of the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2019 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in September, 2019 and SSB interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the 149th (DE) Course of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course i.e. No. 208F(P) Course.
2. There are some common candidates in the three lists for various courses.
3. The number of vacancies, as intimated by the Government is 100 for Indian Military Academy [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ certificates (Army Wing) holders], 45 for Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala Executive (General Service)/Hydro [including 06 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders (Naval Wing)] and 32 for Air Force Academy, Hyderabad [03 vacancies are reserved for NCC ’C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Spl. Entry].
4. The Commission had recommended 2699, 1592 and 0611 as qualified in the written test for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy, respectively. The number of candidates finally qualified are those after SSB test conducted by Army Head Quarters.
5. The results of Medical examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists.
6. Verification of date of birth and educational qualifications of these candidates is still under process by the Army Headquarters. The candidature of all these candidates is, therefore, Provisional on this score. Candidates are requested to forward their certificates, in original, in support of Date of Birth/Educational qualification etc. claimed by them, along with Photostat attested copies thereof to Army Headquarters /Naval Headquarters /Air Headquarters, as per their first choice.
7. In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate directly to the Army Headquarters /Naval Headquarters /Air Headquarters.
8. These results will also be available on the UPSC website at http://www.upsc.gov.in. However, marks of the candidates will be available on the website after declaration of final result of Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2019.
9. For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of the Commission’s Office, either in person or on telephone Nos.011-23385271/011- 23381125/011-23098543 between 10:00 hours and 17:00 hours on any working day.
(IN-DEPTH HOT TOPIC)WHY ASSAM IS FLOODING EVERY YEAR?
Context :
Assam is facing a second wave of flood in July after its first wave of flood in May this year. It is facing almost 3-4 waves of flood every year through the Brahmaputra river system, which affects most of the parts of Assam. Nearly 35 lakhs of peoples are affected in 26 districts of the state with heavy loss to life & submergence of major parts of the Kaziranga National park.
About Brahmaputra River :
Originated from Chemayungdung glacier in Tibet (China) known as the ‘Yarlung Tsangpo’ flows through Tibet from west to east, enters Arunachal Pradesh as ‘Dihang (Siang)’, continues to flow in Assam as the Brahmaputra & as the Jamuna in Bangladesh.
Its main left-bank tributaries are Dibang, Lohit, Dhansiri & Kapili while main right bank tributaries are Subansiri & Manas in India.
‘Majuli Island’ is the world’s largest riverine island in Assam surrounded between the channels of Brahmaputra.
The Brahmaputra is coursing through almost entire Assam barring a few regions of the Karbi Anglong region.
It is one of the most voluminous (extreme volume & quantity of water) rivers of India.
Its basin countries are China, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh.
Factors responsible for flooding :
Heavy rainfall through south-west monsoon & presence of hills in Meghalaya led to falling of rain-bearing winds.
Natural & man-made reasons contribute to flooding.
The Brahmaputra brings an excess quantity of water & silt & deposited it in the basin causing the river to overflow.
It also causes a lot of erosion & flood problems.
Building dams destroyed the ecology.
Deforestation.
Embankments supposed to prevent soil erosion also end up a reason for flooding. Heavy rainfall leads to breaking of embankments.
The immense growth of habitations along the river banks, it doesn't allow the river to expand during its excess quantity of water.
Destroying wetlands along the river banks which works like a sponge during flooding to absorb water.
Climate change leads to heavy rainfall in a relatively less period of time which causes intense rainfall & flooding.
Challenges in capital 'Guwahati' :
Guwahati mostly flooded during monsoons due to its topography having a shape like 'bowl' which makes it susceptible to waterlogging.
'Mission flood control Guwahati' report of the Assam Government mentions that unplanned expansion of the city, encroachment to wetlands, shrinkage of forest cover, low lying areas & rainwater from the surrounding hills of Meghalaya bring flood in the city. But a proper workout to resolve the issue is yet awaited.
What can be done?
Authorities should make a long term plan to build embankments & regular dredging to control the floods.
countries can go for integrated basin management which will bring all the basin sharing countries together like India, China, Bhutan & Bangladesh.
Preventive measures should be taken from all the catchment & basin sharing countries in their respective area, otherwise only working at the last resort when flood strike in Assam is only a defensive measure but not a solution.
Benefit due to flood :
Due to flooding new alluvial soil constantly get deposited in Assam's flood plain leading to continuous increase & recharge of soil & increase in croplands.
This benefit is only a fraction of whatever losses Assam is facing every year.
Concerns :
After more than 65 years of independence, a solution to this repeated problem is still awaited.
The state is mostly dependent upon the embankments which were introduced in the 1950s when the actual hydrology of most rivers including the Brahmaputra was not well-known.
The river changes its course very frequently, so it is almost impossible to contain it within the embankments.
The high-pressure flow of the water constantly pressured the embankments wall & subsequent breakage which need frequent reinforcement.
Embankments :
It is a long ridge made along the river by soil or rock & used to hold or control the flow of rivers or water bodies which might at times get flooded.
Way Forward :
While India has done tremendous progress in increasing the connectivity with the north-East states, flooding is a repeated problem which still needs a concrete solution. With the growing importance of North-East to India which works as a connecting point with South-East Asia & the rising threat from the neighbouring countries, it is imperative to contain the problem
of flooding. This containment of flooding also helps in achieving most of our goals along with preventing economic & social losses.
MCQs :
‘Yarlung Tsangpo’ is the name of ------------------------ river/s. Choose the correct options.
Critically analyse the factors responsible for flooding in Assam plains almost every year. Support your reason by examples.
Some reports are claiming that Majuli island may be submerged in later years due to extent flooding in the Brahmaputra. What can be the preventive measures for these challenges?
Higher Education:
