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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18/01/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18/01/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18/01/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18/01/2024

Defence upgrade roadmap

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

The government-appointed VijayRaghavan committee, led by the former principal scientific advisor Prof K Vijay Raghavan, recently submitted a report on the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

  • The review comes in response to concerns about significant delays in DRDO projects, as highlighted by both a Parliamentary Standing Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in recent reports.

Key Highlights

  • Formation of Defence Technology Council (DTC):
    • The committee suggests the establishment of a top-level body named the Defence Technology Council (DTC), chaired by the Prime Minister.
    • The Defence Minister and the National Security Advisor would serve as Vice Presidents of the DTC.
    • An executive committee under the DTC would be chaired by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
    • Members of the executive committee include the Principal Scientific Advisor, service chiefs, and vice chiefs.
    • The DTC would have representation from academia and industry.
    • Each sector (academia and industry) would contribute two members to the DTC.
  • Focus on Research and Development for Defence:
    • The VijayRaghavan committee recommends that DRDO refocus on its original mission of research and development for defence.
    • It suggests that DRDO should refrain from involving itself in productization, production cycles, and product management, tasks better suited for the private sector.
  • Reasons for Review:
    • The review of DRDO’s functioning is prompted by significant delays in projects, with 23 out of 55 mission mode projects facing delays, according to a Parliamentary Standing Committee report.
    • The CAG report from December 2022 highlighted that 67% of the scrutinized projects had failed to adhere to their proposed timelines.
    • The proposed changes aim to streamline decision-making, enhance oversight, and bring in external expertise to bolster the defence technology roadmap.
    • Separating the roles of research and development from production tasks is expected to improve project efficiency.
    • The VijayRaghavan committee highlights the need for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to concentrate on its primary mission of research and development (R&D).
  • Strategic Technology Focus:
    • The committee questions the necessity for DRDO to engage in certain technologies, such as drone development.
    • It advocates for identifying expertise, both domestically and internationally, for various defence technologies.
    • The objective is to diversify sources of technological solutions beyond DRDO, recognizing that not every defence solution needs to originate solely from the organization.
  • Role of Defence Technology Council (DTC):
    • The committee proposes the establishment of a Defence Technology Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, to play a crucial role in identifying suitable entities for specific defence technologies.
    • The DTC is envisioned as a high-level body responsible for determining the country’s defence technology roadmap and overseeing major projects.
  • Creation of a New Department:
    • The committee recommends the creation of a separate department under the Defence Ministry, named the Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation.
    • This department, headed by a technocrat, is designed to promote defence research and development within the academic and startup ecosystem.
    • The new department is proposed to serve as the secretariat for the Defence Technology Council, assisting in decision-making on technology production.
    • The department will draw scientists from DRDO and academia to build a repository of knowledge on production expertise.
    • Conducting background research for the DTC, the department will aid in informed decision-making regarding technology production.

About the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

  • DRDO is an organization under the Department of Defence Research and Development within the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
  • It was established in 1958 with the aim of enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
    • DRDO originated from the merger of the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production of the Indian Ordnance Factories with the Defence Science Organisation.
  • DRDO is tasked with the responsibility of developing indigenous technologies and systems for the Indian Armed Forces.
    • Its main objectives include designing, developing, and leading the production of state-of-the-art defence systems, equipment, and technology.
  • DRDO is headed by the Chairman of DRDO, who is also the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister.
  • DRDO has developed and successfully tested various missile systems, including the Agni series, Prithvi, Akash, and Nag missiles.

What is ‘prior approval’, and why is it needed?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu sought to quash an FIR in the alleged skill development scam case.

  • The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on Tuesday regarding whether the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID) needed ‘previous approval’ from the state government before conducting an inquiry into the allegations against Naidu.

Key Highlights

  • Disagreement on Prior Approval:
    • Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi disagreed on whether the AP CID was required to seek ‘previous approval’ before conducting an inquiry against Naidu in the skill development scam case.
    • Justice Bose held that prior approval from the state government was necessary for the CID to conduct an inquiry.
    • He argued that the CID did not have the required approval when it initiated the inquiry.
    • Justice Trivedi held that seeking approval was necessary only for investigating offences committed after 2018, the year when this requirement was introduced.
    • Indicated that approval was not mandatory for offences predating the introduction of this requirement.
  • Prior Approval Requirement:
    • Refers to the necessity of obtaining approval before initiating an inquiry or investigation into alleged offences committed by public servants while discharging official duties under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988.
    • Originally introduced in the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, it was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2014.
    • A similar provision was later introduced as Section 17A in the PCA in 2018.
    • Section 17A of PCA:
      • Mandates investigators to receive approval from the central/state government or a competent authority before initiating an inquiry or investigation into offences committed by public servants under the PCA while performing official duties.
    • Background:
      • The Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), an NGO, challenged the constitutionality of the ‘previous approval’ requirement for investigating officials accused of corruption.
      • The case specifically involves the requirement introduced in 2018 under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988.
      • The CPIL argued that this provision makes it challenging to determine if an offence was committed by a public official during their duties, hindering investigations and potentially protecting corrupt officials.
      • Cited a 2014 Supreme Court case where a similar requirement was struck down.
      • In July 2023, the case was listed before a Bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol, indicating a significant legal review of the ‘previous approval’ provision.
    • SC’s Past Decision on Retroactive Application:
      • Last September, a Constitution Bench ruled that officials cannot claim immunity under Section 6A, even if the offence occurred before the provision was struck down. (CBI v R R Kishore)
      • The decision established that officials could not evade investigation based on the timing of the alleged offence and the subsequent removal of the ‘previous approval’ requirement.
    • Opinion of Additional Solicitor General:
      • In 2018, when former Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana was under investigation for alleged bribery, Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha opined that prior approval was not necessary to lodge an FIR.
      • The case against Asthana, which reached the Supreme Court in 2021, was adjourned multiple times and declared infructuous after Asthana’s retirement in 2022.

About the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA)

  • The PCA came into force on September 9, 1988, with the primary objective of enhancing the effectiveness of anti-corruption laws.
  • The PCA integrates the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1952, and specific sections (Sec. 161 to 165-A) of the Indian Penal Code.
  • The PCA covers a range of corrupt acts, including bribery, misappropriation, obtaining pecuniary advantages, and possession of assets disproportionate to income.
  • The PCA defines various offenses related to corruption, including taking bribes, giving bribes, and using one’s influence to obtain an undue advantage.
  • The act covers a wide range of individuals, including public servants, employees of government-owned or controlled entities, and individuals working on behalf of the government.
    • This expansion ensures a more comprehensive coverage of individuals and actions within the purview of anti-corruption measures.
  • Notable among its features is the shift in the burden of proof. Unlike the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the PCA places the burden of proving innocence on the accused charged with the offense.
    • This shift emphasizes the need for accused individuals to refute allegations and provide evidence in their defense.
  • The Act specifies that the investigation into corruption cases is to be conducted by an officer holding a rank not below that of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
  • Special courts are designated to handle cases related to corruption offenses under the PCA.

About Provisions of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018

  • The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, was enacted and came into force on July 26, 2018, aiming to address limitations in the original Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA).
  • The Amendment Act sought to bring the PCA in alignment with the United Nations Convention against Corruption 2005, which India ratified in 2011.
  • Key Changes:
    • A notable addition was the inclusion of a provision for individuals who give or promise to give an undue advantage to a public servant, making it a specific punishable offense.
    • The Amendment Act defined ‘undue advantage’ as any gratification other than legal remuneration permitted for a public servant to receive.
    • The Amendment Act addressed offenses committed by commercial organizations, making them punishable if they engage in corrupt practices with the intent to obtain or retain business advantages.
    • The requirement of prior sanction from the appropriate government for the prosecution of serving public officials, as per the original PCA, was extended to include investigations before prosecution.
    • The Amendment Act incorporated provisions from the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance, 1944, allowing for the attachment and administration of property acquired through offenses under the PCA.
    • The Amendment Act increased the punishment for corruption offenses, raising the minimum imprisonment term from 6 months to 3 years and the maximum term from 5 years to 7 years.

On delisting some Kuki-Zomi tribes

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Manipur Government has been directed by the Centre to evaluate a representation submitted by MaheshwarThounaojam, National Secretary of the Republican Party of India in Manipur.

  • The representation urges the delisting of specific Kuki and Zomi tribes from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list of Manipur.

Key Highlights

  • This development follows the ongoing ethnic conflict, now in its eighth month, between the valley-dwelling Meitei people and the hill-based Kuki-Zo (ST) people.
  • The conflict was reportedly triggered by a Manipur High Court order instructing the State government to recommend the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list to the Centre.
  • Background and Reasons for Representation:
    • The ethnic conflict began on May 3, 2023, and has intensified due to differences between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo (ST) people.
    • Meiteis seek ST status to address issues such as land ownership in the forested hill districts, where only STs are permitted to own land.
    • The Manipur High Court order fueled tensions, leading to the current situation.
  • The representation by Thounaojam challenges the inclusion of “Any Mizo(Lushai) Tribes,” “Zou,” and “Any Kuki Tribes” in the ST list of Manipur.
  • The argument for exclusion centers on the claim that these tribes are not indigenous to Manipur, citing absence in pre-Independence Censuses.
  • The representation also contends that the ambiguous entries have facilitated illegal immigrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh in accessing benefits meant for Indian STs.
  • Potential Implications:
    • The representation has the potential to widen existing divides among communities in Manipur.
    • Meiteis, for the first time, are arguing for ST status by questioning the inclusion of specific Kuki and Zomi tribes.
    • This move may impact the criteria used to define groups as STs, potentially prompting a reevaluation of criteria established in 1965 by the Lokur Commission.
  • Claims Assessment:
    • The assertion that certain Kuki and Zomi tribes were not residing in Manipur when the first Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) list was published in 1950 is disputed.
    • The original list included umbrella classifications like “Any Kuki Tribe,” “Any Lushai Tribe,” and “Any Naga Tribe,” but lacked empirical evidence linking these entries to organized illegal immigration.
    • The claims presented by the Meitei community, challenging the inclusion of specific tribes, may lack substantial support.
  • Historical Perspective:
    • The First Backward Classes Commission in 1955 acknowledged the origin of these broad tribe classifications under British administration.
    • It recommended replacing umbrella tribes with individual tribe names for the hills of Manipur, given the outdated nature of the information.
    • The 1956 revision included 29 entries with individual tribe names, except for “Any Mizo (Lushai) Tribe,” which was retained.
    • The claim that entries like “Zou” were not specifically recommended by the Commission is contradicted by historical records.
    • The Lokur Commission in 1965 observed a “splintering tendency” among Kuki tribes, with sub-groups seeking distinct identities.
    • Over the years, Kuki tribes established independent identities added to the ST list.
    • In 2002-2003, the entry “Any Kuki Tribes” was added, addressing the identification needs of a minority.
    • However, the Bhuria Commission Report (2002-2004) highlighted confusion and recommended specifying tribe names in the ST list to address inter-tribe differences.
  • Tribal Classification Challenges:
    • The debate over including whole tribe names or specific tribe names in the ST list persisted.
    • The Lokur Commission opted for classifying tribes as larger groups with sub-tribes and synonyms, attempting to reconcile differences.
    • This historical context sheds light on the complexities of tribal classification and the challenges faced in accommodating diverse identities within the ST list.

Where do China-Taiwan relations stand?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

On January 13, Taiwan concluded its democratic elections, resulting in the election of Lai Ching-te, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), as the new President.

  • Lai Ching-te, formerly the Vice President under Tsai Ing-wen, secured a third term for the DPP, marking a significant setback for China.

Key Highlights

  • Nauru’s Diplomatic Shift:
    • Shortly after Taiwan’s election results, Nauru, a small island nation, announced a diplomatic shift from Taipei to Beijing.
    • This move aligns with a pattern observed during Tsai Ing-wen’s term, where several countries switched their diplomatic allegiance to Beijing, drawn by promises of financial investment and infrastructure development.
  • China’s Diplomatic Strategy:
    • China has consistently reduced Taiwan’s diplomatic space, pressuring smaller nations to align with Beijing.
    • The DPP’s perceived pro-independence stance has intensified this pressure, leading to a decline in the number of countries recognizing Taiwan from 22 in 2016 to 11 today.
    • China’s economic influence, coupled with Taiwan’s inability to match its financial capabilities, contributes to this diplomatic challenge.
  • China-Taiwan Ties and Assertiveness:
    • One major point of contention is Tsai Ing-wen’s refusal to accept the ‘1992 consensus,’ which acknowledges ‘one China.’
    • Tsai argues that this consensus contradicts the ‘Taiwanese consensus.’
    • The younger generation in Taiwan increasingly identifies as Taiwanese, emphasizing a lack of historical affinity with China.
    • Chinese President Xi Jinping’s goals of rejuvenating the Chinese nation and reunifying Taiwan have led to heightened assertiveness and displeasure toward the DPP’s pro-independence stance.
  • Xi Jinping’s Stance and DPP Victory:
    • Xi Jinping, in his New Year’s address, emphasized the inevitability of reunification with Taiwan, considering it a “sacred territory.”
    • However, the DPP’s electoral victory signals that the Taiwanese people are not eager for immediate reunification, reflecting a divergence in public sentiment from China’s reunification goals.
  • Evolution of Democracy in Taiwan:
    • Taiwan held its first democratic elections in 1996, amidst tensions with China, marked by missile launches across the Taiwan Straits.
    • Since then, Taiwan’s democracy has strengthened and become a regularized feature.
    • Notably, Beijing expressed discontent during the 2020 elections, reflecting discomfort with Taiwanese democracy, as it views the island as a renegade province.
    • Taiwan’s functioning democracy stands in contrast to China’s one-party system, challenging the notion that the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the sole political option for the Chinese people.
    • The existence and consolidation of democracy in Taiwan contribute to the development of a distinct Taiwanese political identity.
    • This identity is at odds with China’s aspirations of reunification and underscores Taiwan’s autonomy.
    • The democratic process in Taiwan is perceived as a challenge to China’s political influence and control.
  • Lai Ching-te and DPP’s Victory:
    • The recent election of Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for a third term indicates a major win for Taiwan’s democratic future.
    • The victory is seen as a challenge to China’s political aspirations, emphasizing Taiwan’s commitment to its democratic system.
    • Beijing’s discomfort with the DPP’s pro-independence stance suggests that Taiwan’s future, under Lai Ching-te, may face increased pressure.
  • Future Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvering:
    • While it is evident that Taiwan’s path under Lai and the DPP may become more challenging, the continued existence and success of its democracy remain crucial.
    • As pressure from China is expected to rise, Lai Ching-te will need to navigate various diplomatic challenges skillfully.
    • The intensification of nationalistic sentiments on both sides of the straits further complicates the situation, requiring adept diplomatic maneuvering.

About China-Taiwan Relations

  • China-Taiwan relations are rooted in the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War (1927–1949) between the Nationalists (Kuomintang, KMT) and the Communists, resulting in the retreat of the Nationalists to Taiwan in 1949.
  • Background:
    • The Chinese Civil War was fought between the Nationalists (led by Chiang Kai-shek’s KMT) and the Communists (led by Mao Zedong’s CPC) from 1927 to 1949.
    • As the Communists gained control of mainland China, the Nationalists retreated to Taiwan, establishing their government there in 1949.
    • This separation marked the beginning of the complex relationship between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland and the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan.
  • Formation of Taiwan:
    • Taiwan was under Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945 following the First Sino-Japanese War.
    • During this period, Taiwan underwent significant economic and social changes.
    • After World War II, Taiwan was placed under the administrative control of the Republic of China, following Japan’s defeat.
    • However, the Chinese Civil War led to the Nationalists establishing their government on the island after losing control of the mainland to the Communists.
    • The Nationalist government initiated political and economic reforms on Taiwan, transforming it into an industrialized and economically prosperous society.
    • However, it retained a political structure reflecting the pre-war era.
    • During the Cold War, Taiwan, with its anti-Communist stance, received support from the United States and maintained international recognition as the legitimate government of China.
  • Shift in International Recognition:
    • In the early 1970s, the international community shifted recognition from Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China.
    • The PRC, under the ‘One China’ principle, claimed sovereignty over Taiwan.
    • Today, Taiwan is a self-governing democratic island with its own constitution and political system.
    • It operates independently, but China considers it a part of its territory, and the status of Taiwan remains a sensitive and contentious issue in global geopolitics.

Rainfall rising in over half of India’s sub-districts, says four-decade study

(General Studies- Paper I)

Source : TH

A granular analysis of changes in the Indian monsoon at the tehsil level reveals significant shifts in rainfall patterns.

  • The study, conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), focuses on over 4,400 tehsils, providing insights into the impact on agriculture and regions across India.

Key Highlights

  • Over 55% of India’s tehsils have witnessed a rise in rainfall, indicating a general trend towards increased precipitation.
  • Approximately 11% of tehsils have experienced decreasing rainfall, with particular concern during the critical southwest monsoon period.
  • Southwest Monsoon Impact:
    • Of the tehsils experiencing reduced rainfall, 68% saw a decline across all monsoon months (June to September).
    • Furthermore, 87% displayed a decrease during the crucial sowing phase of kharif crops in June and July.
  • Tehsils in the Indo-Gangetic plains, which contribute significantly to India’s agricultural production, along with regions in northeastern India and the Indian Himalayan region, are prominently affected by declining rainfall.
  • Study Methodology:
    • The research, conducted by Shravan Prabhu and VishwasChitale of CEEW, utilized high-resolution meteorological data spanning four decades (1982 to 2022).
    • This data, recorded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), allowed for a detailed examination of rainfall patterns at the tehsil level.
  • Implications:
    • The findings raise concerns for Indian agriculture, as reduced monsoon rainfall during critical phases can impact crop cultivation and yields.
    • The Indo-Gangetic plains, a crucial agricultural region, face heightened vulnerability due to changing rainfall patterns, emphasizing the need for adaptive measures.
    • The study underscores the importance of informed policy decisions and adaptive strategies to address the evolving climate scenario, particularly in regions vital to India’s agricultural output.
  • District-Level Monsoon Trends:
    • India collectively witnessed 29 ‘normal,’ eight ‘above-normal,’ and three ‘below-normal’ monsoon years.
    • However, a district-level breakdown exposes disparities, with 30% of districts experiencing multiple years of deficient rainfall and 38% facing numerous years of excessive rainfall.
    • Notably, 23 districts, including major urban areas like New Delhi, Bengaluru, Nilgiris, Jaipur, Kachchh, and Indore, encountered both deficient and excessive rainfall in higher frequencies.
    • Traditionally arid regions in Rajasthan, Gujarat, central Maharashtra, and parts of Tamil Nadu have observed an increase in rainfall, aligning with the broader trend of rising precipitation reported by a majority of tehsils.
    • A detailed examination of localized wet rainfall extremes indicates that nearly 64% of Indian tehsils experienced an uptick in the frequency of heavy rainfall days by 1-15 days per year in the past decade, particularly during the southwest monsoon.
    • States with the highest GDPs, such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka, exhibit a prominent pattern of increased heavy rainfall days.
    • The excess rainfall observed in tehsils with an increasing trend is attributed to short-duration, heavy rainfall events, indicating a shift in the nature of precipitation during the southwest monsoon.
  • The excess rainfall, particularly from intense short-duration events, raises concerns about its potential impact on local infrastructure, agriculture, and water management.
  • Northeast Monsoon Trends:
    • Over the last ten years (2012-2022), more than 80% of tehsils in Tamil Nadu, 44% in Telangana, and 39% in Andhra Pradesh have experienced an increase of over 10% in rainfall during the northeast monsoon.
    • While the southwest monsoon contributes the majority of India’s annual rainfall (76%), the northeast monsoon’s rising influence is notable, impacting regions that traditionally experience drier conditions during this period.
    • Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha, and West Bengal report increased rainfall during the winter months.
  • Possible Cyclonic Influence: The surge in rainfall during the northeast monsoon is suggested to be linked, in part, to cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
  • Economic Considerations and Climate Action:
    • As India prepares for the Union Budget, attention to future-proofing the economy against unpredictable rainfall patterns is deemed crucial.
    • The monsoons significantly impact food production, water resources, and the nation’s energy transition.
    • The increasing occurrence of extreme weather events necessitates hyper-local climate risk assessments and action plans.
    • This approach is seen as essential for India to maintain its leadership in climate action and disaster risk reduction, safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
  • Localized strategies and climate-resilient planning are advocated to mitigate the impact on crucial sectors such as agriculture, water resources, and energy.

About Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

  • The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) is a leading think tank based in India that specializes in research and analysis on issues related to energy, environment, water, and climate change.
  • Established in 2010, CEEW is an independent organization known for its multidisciplinary approach to addressing the complex challenges associated with sustainable development.
  • The organization is dedicated to conducting high-quality research, promoting policy dialogue, and fostering collaborations to address critical issues related to energy, environment, water, and climate change.

About the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the national meteorological service of India, operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
  • Established in 1875, the IMD plays a crucial role in providing weather forecasts, warnings, and other meteorological and climate-related services for various sectors in the country.
  • The department is headquartered in New Delhi and has regional and sub-regional offices across the country.
  • Functions and Services:
    • The IMD is responsible for forecasting and disseminating weather information, including daily weather updates, short-term forecasts, and extended outlooks.
    • It issues warnings for extreme weather events such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and cold waves to help mitigate potential risks and disasters.
    • The IMD monitors and records climatic parameters, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and atmospheric pressure, to analyze long-term climate trends.
    • The department provides specialized weather forecasts and agro-meteorological services to support agricultural planning and practices.
    • The IMD issues cyclone warnings for the Indian Ocean region, helping coastal regions prepare for and respond to potential cyclonic events.
    • The IMD operates an extensive network of observatories, weather stations, and radars across the country to collect real-time meteorological data.

Over half of youth struggling with basic maths: ASER study

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), titled ‘Beyond Basics,’ was released by the civil society organization Pratham.

  • The report focuses on a survey conducted among rural students aged 14 to 18 years, assessing their foundational reading and arithmetic abilities.
  • The survey involved 34,745 students in 28 districts across 26 states.

Key Highlights

  • Enrollment Rates:
    • Overall, 86.8% of 14-18 year-olds are enrolled in an educational institution.
    • Small gender gaps in enrollment are observed, but significant age-related differences exist.
    • The percentage of youth not enrolled is 3.9% for 14-year-olds and rises to 32.6% for 18-year-olds.
  • Educational Streams:
    • Most students in this age group are enrolled in the Arts/Humanities streams.
    • In Class XI or higher, over half (55.7%) are enrolled in the Arts/Humanities stream.
    • Females are less likely to be enrolled in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) stream (28.1%) compared to males (36.3%).
  • Digital Awareness and Skills:
    • The ASER report also delves into students’ digital awareness and skills, assessing their activities, basic and applied reading and math abilities in the digital domain.
  • Youth Participation in Vocational Training:
    • According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), only 5.6% of surveyed youth aged 14 to 18 report currently undergoing vocational training or related courses.
    • College-level youth show higher participation in vocational training, with 16.2% taking such courses.
    • The majority of youth opt for short-duration courses of six months or less.
  • Basic Abilities in Reading and Math:
    • Approximately 25% of surveyed youth struggle with basic reading, math, and English abilities.
    • One-fourth of the youth cannot fluently read a Class II level text in their regional language.
    • Over half face challenges with division problems (3-digit by 1-digit), a skill expected at the Standard III/IV level.
    • Only 43.3% of 14-18-year-olds can correctly solve such division problems.
  • Language and Arithmetic Skills Disparities:
    • About 57.3% of youth can read sentences in English, and almost three-quarters of them can comprehend the meanings.
    • Females outperform males in reading a Standard II level text in their regional language (76% vs. 70.9%), while males perform better in arithmetic and English reading.
  • Digital Proficiency and Smartphone Usage:
    • Close to 90% of surveyed youth have a smartphone in their households, and they know how to use it.
    • Males are more likely to own a smartphone (43.7%) compared to females (19.8%), and they generally outperform females in digital tasks.
    • Digital task performance improves with education level and basic reading proficiency.
    • Females are less likely to own smartphones and know how to use smartphones or computers compared to males.
  • Implications:
    • The report sheds light on the educational landscape for 14-18 year-olds in rural India, emphasizing enrollment rates, gender disparities, and the prevalent choice of educational streams.
    • Notable differences in enrollment rates based on age highlight potential challenges in retaining students in the education system.
  • Policy Considerations:
    • Insights from the ASER report can inform policy discussions and interventions aimed at addressing age-specific dropout rates, gender gaps in educational streams, and enhancing digital literacy among students in rural areas.

About Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)

  • The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is an annual survey conducted by the non-governmental organization Pratham to assess the status of education in rural India.
  • ASER aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the learning outcomes and educational landscape in remote and underserved areas.
  • ASER was initiated by Pratham in 2005 to address the need for reliable and timely information on the quality of education in rural India.
  • The focus is on assessing foundational skills such as reading and arithmetic among school-going children.
  • Survey Methodology:
    • The survey methodology includes household visits to assess the reading and arithmetic abilities of children in the age group of 3 to 16.
    • Volunteers and field workers conduct the assessments, ensuring a community-driven and participatory approach.