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Meghalaya Government to Include QR Codes in School Textbooks to Help Students

The Meghalaya government is set to integrate QR codes into school textbooks, allowing students to access additional information using smartphones, according to Education Secretary A Marak. This initiative aims to enhance students’ time management skills and empower them with supplementary knowledge options. “We are adding quick response (QR) codes to school textbooks that will be embedded with additional information on a particular subject. The aim is to reinforce students’ ability to manage time well and gain further knowledge as per one’s choice,” Marak told the media. Benefits of QR Codes “By scanning QR codes with mobile devices, students can access educational apps featuring video lessons and solved question papers, thereby reducing the time spent searching for study materials and enabling greater focus on learning,” he said. Director of the Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT), R Manner, emphasized the benefits of QR codes embedded in specific textbooks, noting their potential to significantly aid students seeking self-improvement in particular subjects. Meghalaya Education Minister on QR Codes in Textbooks Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma praised the initiative, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring students in Meghalaya have access to comprehensive educational resources.

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Chhattisgarh Moves to Offer Primary Education in 18 Local Languages and Dialects

The Chhattisgarh government has initiated a move to provide primary education in local languages and dialects in remote tribal regions as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy recommends that the mother tongue or the local language be the medium of instruction at least up to the fifth standard. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed the State Education Department to develop and distribute bilingual books in 18 local languages and dialects for free, focusing on providing high-quality educational resources. “The new initiative of providing education in local language will also be helpful in preserving local culture and traditions,” Sai said while addressing the state-level ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ programme at Bagiya village in the tribal-dominated Jashpur district. The Shala Praveshotsav is an annual event held at the beginning of the new academic session to motivate children to enroll in schools. This year, it was moved from the state capital Raipur to Bagiya, the CM’s hometown. The literacy rate of Chhattisgarh is 70.28%, lower than the national average of 76%. School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi mentioned that courses will be prepared in several languages, including Chhattisgarhi, spoken by 65.83% of Class 1 students; Sargujiha (spoken by 9.38%); Halbi (4.19%); Sadari (3.97%); Gondi-Dantewada (2.33%); and Kudukh (0.7%). An Education Department official stated that in tribal areas, primary school exams can also be taken in local languages and dialects. “But for higher classes, it will still be conducted in Hindi and English,” the official said.  

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Students to move Supreme Court after centre cancelled controversial-NEET exam

Over 50 successful Gujarat-based NEET-UG candidates, including several top rankers, have moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to restrain the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) from cancelling the controversy-ridden exam. They have requested the top court to direct the Union education ministry to investigate and take strict action against students and others who indulged in unfair practices like paper leak and impersonation in the NEET-UG exam conducted on May 5 this year. A fresh plea by 56 students was filed just days before a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is scheduled to hear 26 petitions seeking various reliefs, including a re-test and a probe into the conduct of the exam, which has been plagued by allegations of malpractices. These allegations, including paper leaks, have led to protests in several cities and disputes between rival political parties. The pleas seeking the cancellation of the exam, a re-test, and a high-level probe are listed for hearing on July 8 in the Supreme Court.

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NEET-PG To Be Conducted This Month, Question Paper To Be Prepared Two Hours Before Exam: Report

The NEET-PG exam for admission to postgraduate medical courses is reportedly set to be held later this month. This development follows a meeting between the Home Ministry and officials from the government’s anti-cybercrime body. In a significant shift, the question paper will now be prepared just two hours before the exam, according to NDTV sources. Originally scheduled for June 23, the NEET-PG exam was abruptly postponed hours before its start amid a row over alleged irregularities, including leaked question papers for the undergraduate exam. The government had then said it would “undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG, conducted by the National Board of Examinations for medical students.” The cancellation of the exam, which saw the enrollment of thousands of aspiring medical professionals, led to widespread protests, particularly from those who had traveled long distances to take the test. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appointed a high-level committee to investigate the complaints. The suspension of the NEET-PG exam followed public outcry over similar issues with the NEET-UG and UGC-NET tests. These exams, which play a pivotal role in confirming professorial appointments and awarding research fellowships, have been under scrutiny for potential irregularities. Minister Pradhan recently confirmed student reports that NEET-UG and UGC-NET questions were being sold on the darknet, spotlighting the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting both exams. This revelation led to the removal of the NTA’s chief, SK Singh. The UGC-NET exam is now rescheduled to be held from July 25 to 27, while the NEET-PG exam will be organized from August 21 to September 4.  

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Maharashtra College Bans Jeans, T-Shirts, and Jerseys on Campus

Acharya Marathe College in Chembur, Maharashtra, has sparked controversy by banning jeans on campus and enforcing a formal dress code for male students. The official notice stated that students wearing jeans would not be allowed to enter the college premises. The notice also specified that male students must wear formal attire, while female students are permitted to wear ethnic or Western dress, provided it does not reveal their religion. The notice emphasized that students should not wear any dress that displays religious affiliation or cultural disparity. “Students can wear half shirts or full shirts and trousers. Girls can wear any Indian or Western outfit. Students shall not wear any dress which reveals religion or shows cultural disparity,” the notice read. It further stated, “Nakab, Hizab, Burkha, Stole, Cap, Badge, etc., shall be removed while going to common rooms on the ground floor and then only they can move throughout the college campus. Torn jeans, T-shirts, revealing dresses, and jerseys are not allowed.” Following the release of the notice, some students who did not attend college on the day the notice was issued were barred from entering the premises the next day due to the new dress code. In response, at least nine female students approached the Mumbai High Court to challenge the college’s order.

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NEET-UG 2024 Re-Exam Result Declared on exams.nta.ac.in | Check Details Here

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has declared the result of the NEET-UG re-exam 2024. Candidates who appeared for the re-exam can now check their results on the official website: exams.nta.ac.in/NEET. The re-examination was conducted on June 23, 2024, for 1563 candidates, with 813 of them taking the re-test. The NTA had released the answer keys for the re-exam on June 29, allowing candidates to download the provisional answer keys from the NEET website. Why was the NEET-UG Re-Exam Conducted? During the NEET-UG exam held on May 5, 1563 candidates across seven centers experienced delays due to the distribution of incorrect question papers. Initially, the NTA decided to grant grace marks to these affected candidates. However, this decision was later revoked following legal challenges in the Supreme Court. The Centre informed the top court that the grace marks were rescinded, and affected candidates were offered a re-examination. Candidates who chose not to take the re-exam would have their original scores, excluding any grace marks, considered final. NEET-UG 2024 The NEET-UG, conducted by the NTA on May 5, saw participation from approximately 24 lakh candidates. Although results were declared on June 4, the examination process faced scrutiny due to allegations of question paper leaks in Bihar and other irregularities across various states. The central government has faced criticism over these alleged irregularities. Candidates who appeared for the re-exam are encouraged to check their results promptly and ensure all necessary steps are taken for their admissions.  

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CBI Makes First Arrests in NEET-UG Paper Leak Case, Two Detained in Patna

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made the first arrests in the NEET-UG paper leak case, detaining two individuals from Patna. The arrests, which took place on Thursday, involve Manish Kumar and Ashutosh Kumar, who allegedly provided safe premises for aspirants before the examination. Here, the candidates were given leaked papers and answer keys, according to officials. The CBI has registered six FIRs related to the NEET paper leak case. The NEET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is an important examination for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions across India. This year’s examination was held on May 5, 2024, at 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 abroad, with over 23 lakh candidates appearing for the test. The first FIR by the CBI was registered on Sunday, just a day after the Ministry of Education announced that it would hand over the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the exam’s conduct to the central agency. The demand for a CBI probe was raised by a section of protesting students. The CBI’s swift action in arresting the two individuals from Patna marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The agency is expected to continue its probe to identify and apprehend other culprits involved in the paper leak scandal.  

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Himachal Government to Roll Out Early Childhood Care Scheme

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is set to launch a comprehensive early childhood care scheme aimed at the holistic development of children aged between three and six years. This initiative underscores the state government’s dedication to providing quality early childhood education and nurturing young minds. Chief Minister Sukhu announced on Thursday that the education department will implement a combination of all four Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) models recommended in the National Education Policy, 2020. “This initiative highlights the state government’s commitment to providing quality early childhood education and ensuring the holistic development and nurturing of the young minds in Himachal,” he said in a statement. Implementation Strategy The ECCE models to be implemented include: Standalone anganwadis. Anganwadis co-located with primary schools. Pre-primary schools covering children aged up to five or six co-located with existing primary schools. Standalone pre-primary schools. Currently, the state government runs 6,297 pre-primary sections in primary schools, catering to around 60,000 children. Additionally, there are 2,377 anganwadis co-located with these primary schools. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that this scheme will ensure the overall growth and development of young children, laying a strong foundation for their future education and well-being. The government’s approach aims to integrate early childhood education seamlessly into the existing educational framework, providing a robust and supportive environment for the state’s youngest learners.

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Uttar Pradesh’s Aided Schools to Embrace Modern Education System

The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has launched an ambitious project to modernize the state’s aided schools, connecting over 400 institutions to a new online platform via a mobile app. This initiative, part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision for educational development, aims to rejuvenate the educational infrastructure and management across the state. App Development and Implementation The Uttar Pradesh Electronics Corporation Limited (UPLC) has been tasked by the Social Welfare Department to develop this app. The UPLC is in the process of selecting empanelled companies through an e-tender to create the app. The chosen agency will conduct a detailed project study based on departmental feedback and compile a System Requirements Specification (SRS). Key Features of the App The app will offer a range of features designed to streamline and enhance school management, including: Registration Modules: For students, staff, and school infrastructure. Management Information System (MIS): To streamline data management. Advanced Security Features: Including login and access controls, user role definitions, and permission settings. Scalability and Analytics: To handle large volumes of data efficiently. Hosting and Maintenance: With 16 GB RAM hosting, 1 TB storage, and annual maintenance plans. Comprehensive Database and Training The app will track essential information for over 60,000 students and provide detailed records for staff and school infrastructure. In alignment with the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) guidelines, the implementing agency will also provide a three-day official training for staff to ensure smooth operation and management. Benefits and Vision This project, spearheaded by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, promises significant improvements in the management and operational efficiency of aided schools in Uttar Pradesh. The integration of modern technology into the education system marks a critical step towards enhancing the quality of education across the state, making it more efficient and transparent.

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Who is Subodh Kumar Singh, NTA Chief Removed After NEET, NET ‘Leaks’?

Subodh Kumar Singh, the chief of the National Testing Agency (NTA), was removed from his position on Saturday night following allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams. Singh has been placed on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel and Training, while retired 1985 batch officer Pradeep Singh Karola has been appointed as the interim chief until a permanent replacement is named. Over the past two months, the NTA has faced scrutiny over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in two of India’s major competitive examinations. Subodh Kumar Singh, who has maintained a low profile throughout his career, found himself at the center of this controversy. A native of Uttar Pradesh, Singh holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and an MBA from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. Before his appointment as NTA chief in June 2023, Singh served as the additional secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Singh’s career includes nine years at the Chhattisgarh Secretariat from 2009 to 2018, where he worked under the state’s three-time BJP Chief Minister Raman Singh. He held various positions, including joint secretary, deputy secretary in personnel and general administration, special secretary, and director for personnel management. He also served as the secretary to the Chief Minister, managing director of the state’s electricity distribution department, and secretary of the mineral resources and industries and commerce department. During his tenure in Chhattisgarh, Singh was credited with significant achievements such as digitizing the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), transforming the state’s mineral sector, and improving road connectivity in Naxal-affected areas. He also played a key role in developing airports in Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Ambikapur, and expanding the state’s rail network. Despite being perceived as close to former Chief Minister Raman Singh, Singh was appreciated by leaders across political lines for his work. His tenure remained free from major controversies, even amidst corruption allegations against Raman Singh’s government. In recognition of his contributions, Singh received a national award in 2002 from the Ministry of Rural Development for excellence in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. In 2019, he received another national award for digital transformation and transparency in mineral auctioning. Colleagues describe Singh as an “honest and straightforward” officer. A retired colleague from the CMO referred to him as “a gem of an officer and an asset to the government,” calling for a thorough inquiry into the current allegations against him.

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