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CBSE Revokes Affiliation for 21 Schools, Downgrades 6 in Surprise Inspections in Delhi and Rajasthan

Leave a Comment / By / Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has disaffiliated 21 schools and downgraded 6 others across Delhi and Rajasthan following surprise inspections conducted on September 3, 2024. These inspections aimed to ensure compliance with the Board’s Affiliation and Examination Bye-Laws, specifically addressing mandatory attendance requirements. CBSE’s actions target the issue of “dummy” or non-attending admissions, which compromise the quality of education and student growth. During the inspections, several schools were found in violation of these standards, resulting in Show Cause Notices. Schools had 30 days to respond to the Board’s concerns, but following a review of responses and video evidence, CBSE decided to take disciplinary action. Key Actions Taken: Disaffiliation: 21 schools lost CBSE affiliation due to high numbers of non-attending students in classes IX-XII. Downgrading: 6 schools were downgraded from Senior Secondary to Secondary level. CBSE reiterated its commitment to quality education and a zero-tolerance stance against dummy enrollments. This initiative emphasizes lawful educational practices and encourages all affiliated institutions to uphold these values. Schools Losing Affiliation Include: Khemo Devi Public School (Delhi) The Vivekanand School (Delhi) Sant Gyaneshwar Model School (Delhi) Prince Uch Madhyamik Vidyalaya (Sikar, Rajasthan) Lord Buddha Public School (Kota, Rajasthan) Downgraded Schools Include: Adarsh Jain Dharmic Shiksha Sadan (Delhi) B.S. International School (Delhi) Bharat Mata Saraswati Bal Mandir (Delhi) These measures by CBSE underscore its commitment to uphold educational integrity and maintain rigorous standards across affiliated schools. Source: ABP Live Photo Credit: ABP Live

I-STEM takes its efforts to boost Research Collaboration to Ladakh for the First Time

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DELHI, 8th November 2024: I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map), an initiative from the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, has taken its efforts to revolutionise research collaboration in India by enhancing industries and Startups’ accessibility to research facilities and labs to the Ladakh Region for the First Time. I-STEM conducted its flagship ‘Samavesha’ at the University of Ladakh on 5th November 2024 to create awareness of the I-STEM National Portal. The Samavesha Project connects industries, researchers and start-ups looking to avail advanced scientific equipment with an academic institution that has the requisite equipment. This saves the researchers, industry and start-ups the prohibitive capital expenditure of purchasing advanced equipment. At the National level, this prevents duplication of resources in the research institutions. Under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mehta, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, this was the first time the Samavesha event was being organized in North India, marking a significant milestone for boosting research in the region. This event, the sixth Samavesha event nationally, was intended to create awareness of the impact and accessibility of the I-STEM National Portal under the tagline ‘Linking Researchers and Resources.’ As a visionary platform, I-STEM is a comprehensive aggregator, connecting researchers to publicly funded laboratories and scientific equipment across India. Highlighting the need for such events in remote parts of the country, Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator, I-STEM, said, “The vision of I-STEM is to create a future where one million New-Age researchers, brimming with ideas, are seamlessly connected to a network of 10,000 cutting-edge labs across India. By 2024, I-STEM aims not only to connect individuals to equipment but also to ignite a collaborative ecosystem where start-ups, industries, and academia co-create the next wave of innovation.” Dr. Harilal Bhaskar added, “I-STEM looks forward to new institutions and researchers registering and participating in the event. Public users and research labs are encouraged to provide feedback during the event to inform future decisions about the I-STEM program.” Dr. Harilal Bhaskar also explained how the I-STEM portal can be a game-changer for academic researchers, startups, and industries alike, positioning I-STEM as one of the major Government-funded aggregator platforms transforming India’s R&D landscape. He emphasized that the event would enable participants to engage in knowledge-sharing, explore research opportunities, and access resources to drive advancements in the region. Key academic and administrative figures attended the workshop. They included Dr. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research; Dr. Jigmet Yangchan, Chief Scientist and Head, MRI & CISIC; Dr. Mohd Hussain, Dean of Sciences and Coordinator, DST-PURSE; and Dr. Jigmet Dachen, DSW and I/C administration, University of Ladakh. Esteemed guests included Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, National Coordinator and Chief Operating Officer of I-STEM, and Mr. Narmdeshwar Pandey, Functional Manager at I-STEM. The program also saw active participation from faculty members and participants from various institutions. The School of Agricultural Science and Technology (Leh campus), Government Polytechnic College, Leh, and the Science Departments of the Leh and Kargil campuses of the University of Ladakh played significant roles in ensuring the event’s success.

Heatstroke Took 374 Lives, Over 67,000 Cases Till July 27: Health Ministry

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Article

India has reported 374 deaths and 67,637 cases of suspected heatstroke from March 1 to July 27 this year, according to Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel. The alarming figures were disclosed in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The latest data reveals a significant increase from the earlier estimates provided by the Ministry of Health, which reported 110 deaths and 42,000 cases by June 18. The majority of these incidents occurred in rural areas, where strenuous outdoor work associated with agriculture and poor health infrastructure exacerbated the impact of the heatwave. Uttar Pradesh was the worst-hit state, recording 52 deaths. Bihar followed with 37 fatalities, while Odisha and Delhi reported 26 and 25 deaths respectively. These statistics were compiled under the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Government Response and Measures The Integrated Health Information Portal has been receiving data on heatstroke cases and deaths from States and Union Territories since 2023, as noted by Minister Patel. State and UT health departments get yearly warnings from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to put awareness, readiness, and response plans into place. The Union Health Ministry’s Secretary communicated with the chief secretaries of all states and UTs on February 29 in order to release this year’s advise. The warning included steps to improve community awareness of heat-related diseases and to bolster health sector readiness. Record-Breaking Temperatures and Weather Anomalies With a blistering 47 degrees Celsius, June 2024 witnessed the hottest temperature recorded in the month in a decade. The hottest temperatures ever recorded in June 2023 were 41.8 degrees Celsius, 44.2 degrees Celsius in 2022, and 43 degrees Celsius in 2021. This is a considerable rise above the prior records. Furthermore, July was the second warmest month overall in India since 1901 and the highest nighttime temperature ever recorded in the country. Significant flooding resulted from the abnormally high rains that followed the record temperatures in various states, including Gujarat, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh. It was the hottest July on record for both mean and lowest temperatures in the east and northeast of India. The terrible heatwave has made it clear how urgently better infrastructure and readiness are needed to deal with extreme weather, especially in rural regions. The growing frequency and intensity of these occurrences highlight the significance of long-term policies to address climate change and its implications on public health, even if the government’s preemptive actions and advisories play a key role in lessening the impact of such heatwaves. Reference taken from the Hindu

Delhi Reports First Case of JN.1 COVID Variant: Live Updates and Emerging Trends in India’s Pandemic Landscape

Leave a Comment / By / Health & Wellness Community

Delhi has reported its first case of the JN.1 COVID variant, as per live updates on the pandemic. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has promptly issued guidelines in response to this new case. As of December 26, India has recorded a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases, according to sources from the Health Ministry. The distribution of cases reveals 36 in Gujarat, 34 in Karnataka, 14 in Goa, 9 in Maharashtra, 6 in Kerala, 4 in Rajasthan, 4 in Tamil Nadu, and 2 in Telangana. Wednesday witnessed a spike in the daily COVID-19 cases in India, with 529 new infections reported in a single day. The active infection count in the country stands at 4,093, with three new fatalities documented within 24 hours – two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat. This surge in cases follows a period of relative decline, with daily case numbers dropping to double digits until December 5. The resurgence is attributed to the emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions. Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the WHO has emphasized that, based on current evidence, the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low. The classification of JN.1 as a variant of interest underscores the ongoing efforts to monitor and understand the evolution of the virus.

Unmasking the Air Pollution Crisis in India: Health Implications and Urgent Solutions

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Blog on Health

India is grappling with a multifaceted challenge that poses a severe threat to public health – air pollution. As the air quality crisis in the National Capital Region, Delhi, continues to worsen, it prompts a closer look at the health implications of this persistent issue. This blog provides a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing air pollution crisis in India and delves into the critical health implications of air pollution, shedding light on the gravity of the issue and the urgent need for action. The Silent Killer Air pollution is often referred to as a “silent killer” because its health effects are not immediately apparent but accumulate over time, leading to chronic illnesses and reduced life expectancy. This problem is particularly severe in India, where rapid industrialization and urbanization have resulted in soaring levels of air pollutants. Health Implications of Air Pollution Respiratory Ailments: High levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) can lead to a surge in respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Cardiovascular Diseases: Air pollution plays a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other circulatory issues. Cancer Risk: Long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly air containing carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde, can increase the risk of lung cancer. Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution are at a higher risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in their offspring. Mental Health: Recent research has linked air pollution to mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Also Read: Prioritizing Mental Health: The Cornerstone of Student Success in Education Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis Recent developments in Delhi highlight the severity of the air pollution crisis. Despite minor improvements, the overall air quality in Delhi remains ‘very poor.’ The Air Quality Index (AQI) recently shifted from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor,’ but this change does not indicate a significant improvement. The Supreme Court has criticized central and state governments for engaging in a blame game rather than implementing effective solutions. In response, authorities have taken measures, such as suspending physical classes (except for Classes 10 and 12) until November 10 and reintroducing the odd-even car rationing system from November 13 to 20. While there’s a marginal dip in pollution levels as reflected in the AQI, the concentration of PM2.5 particles continues to be a significant concern. Delhi’s PM2.5 levels consistently exceed the government-prescribed safe limit by a substantial margin, posing severe health risks to residents. Also Read: Top 12 Daily Habits for a Healthier Lifestyle What Can Be Done? Addressing India’s air pollution problem requires a multi-faceted approach. Some of the essential measures include: Strict Emission Standards: Enforcing and regularly updating emission standards for industries, vehicles, and power plants is crucial. Promoting Renewable Energy: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources like solar and wind power can reduce emissions. Improving Public Transportation: Expanding and improving public transportation systems can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, pollution levels. Urban Planning: Better urban planning and reducing traffic congestion can help mitigate pollution in metropolitan areas. Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the health implications of air pollution can empower citizens to take steps to protect themselves and advocate for change. Also Read: Mobilizing Global Education and Cultural Exchange through Technology Conclusion The air pollution crisis in India, exemplified by Delhi’s ongoing struggle, is a pressing concern with far-reaching health implications. It’s essential to recognize that this is not just a seasonal issue; it’s a year-round problem that demands immediate and sustainable solutions. The blame game among political entities must give way to effective measures to curb air pollution and protect public health. As PM2.5 levels significantly surpass safe limits, there is an urgent need for comprehensive, long-term actions. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of air pollution and the urgency of taking decisive action. It is high time for all stakeholders, including the government, industries, and citizens, to unite in the fight against air pollution and prioritize the well-being of the nation. The battle against air pollution continues, and it’s a fight for the health and future of generations to come. The author, Pratik Ghosh is associated with ArdorComm Media