Some Key Initiatives of the Government of India Related to School Education

• • Kendriya Vidyalaya Scheme – This initiative was launched to cater to the educational needs of children of Central Government employees, with schools spread across the country. Based on the recommendation of the Second Pay Commission, the scheme was approved in November 1962 and became operational in 1963. Its primary goal was to ensure uniform education for children by providing schools with a common syllabus and synchronized academic calendar, eliminating the need to relocate families frequently. 
  • Navodaya Vidyalaya – The National Education Policy (NEP) of 1986 recommended the establishment of one Navodaya Vidyalaya in each district, aimed at providing free and quality residential education to talented students from rural areas. These schools were created to nurture rural talent through modern, progressive education. 
  • Open School System – The Open Schooling model was introduced to address the educational needs of individuals who, for various reasons, are unable to pursue formal schooling. This system operates on the principles of flexibility and accessibility, much like open and distance learning at the higher education level. It aims to provide educational opportunities to the general public, particularly through correspondence and non-formal methods. Whenever school-level education is delivered through such alternative means, it is known as Open Schooling. NIOS operates these types of schools.

Mandals of Rigveda and Their Composer Rishis

• The Rigveda, one of the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, is divided into ten Mandals, each attributed to different sages (Rishis). Below is a structured overview of these Mandals and their respective composers: 

  • First Mandal – Composed by multiple Rishis. 
  • Second Mandal – Composed by Gritsamad. 
  • Third Mandal – Composed by Vishwamitra. 
  • Fourth Mandal – Composed by Vaamdev. 
  • Fifth Mandal – Composed by Atri. 
  • Sixth Mandal – Composed by Bharadwaj. 
  • Seventh Mandal – Composed by Vasishtha. 
  • Eighth Mandal – Composed by Kanva and Angira. 
  • Ninth Mandal – Entirely dedicated to Som (Soma rituals and hymns). 
  • Tenth Mandal – Contains a significant description of Purush Sukta, an important hymn on cosmic creation. 

  Each Mandal plays a crucial role in preserving ancient Vedic knowledge, hymns and philosophical insights, making the Rigveda a cornerstone of Indian spiritual heritage. 

Digital Divide

• • Information technology is considered the fourth revolution in the development of human civilization, with digital technology forming its basic foundation. In this technology, information is transmitted by converting data into binary form (0, 1). Modern computer systems operate based on this technology, which offers the following advantages: 
    • High quality of data, images and messages 
    • Increased communication capacity and intensity of information 
    • Reduced possibility of errors and minimal external interference 
  • The concept of the Global Village has become meaningful through digital technology, as it enables instant information exchange between even the most remote locations via satellites. 
  • A developing country like India is also progressing rapidly due to this technology. However, alongside this progress, a significant technical challenge has emerged, known as the "Digital Divide." 
  • The Digital Divide refers to the growing economic gap based on the use of digital technology both within countries and internationally, which in turn exacerbates social inequalities. 
  • In essence, the Digital Divide highlights the increasing socio-economic inequality arising from unequal access to digital technology. 
  • To address this issue, the concept of "Digital Convergence" is being promoted. 
  • The Government of India has adopted a dual approach to bridge the Digital Divide: 

  Infrastructural Development- 

  • Development of infrastructure equipped with digital technology even in backward areas. 
  • Establishment of Software Parks and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) in locations like Guwahati and Prayagraj. 
  • Connection of backward regions to major information centers through VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology. 
  • Establishment of new educational centers to promote computer-based education across various parts of the country. 

  Application Efforts- 

  • Development of technologies to make digital knowledge accessible in local languages, requiring the creation of special software. 
  • Provision of telemedicine via INSAT-3A and tele-education via GSAT-3 to remote areas. 
  • Launch of a satellite named "GRAMSAT" to reduce the economic disparity between villages and cities, aiming for the sustainable development of rural areas. 
  • Development of special software programs and networking solutions like SWAN (State Wide Area Network) to collect and manage land-related data in villages. 

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

• • The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is the main institution of the World Bank Group, established after the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944. It began operations in 1946. 
  • The IBRD currently has 189 member countries. The Republic of Nauru became its 189th member on 12 April 2016. 
  • The President of IBRD is traditionally an American citizen, as the United States holds the largest financial share in the bank. Currently, Ajay Banga serves as the President (as of 2023). 
  • Initial Objective (Post-World War II): 
    • The IBRD was originally created for the reconstruction and development of war-affected economies. 
    • In 1947, it provided its first loan of $250 million to France for infrastructure development. 
    • During the 1950s, it funded projects in dams, power generation, and the steel industry across Western Europe. 
  • Shift in Objectives (Due to the Marshall Plan, 1948): 
    • The Marshall Plan, initiated by the United States in 1948, provided direct economic aid to Western Europe, reducing reliance on IBRD loans. 
    • As a result, IBRD shifted its focus to poverty eradication in newly independent countries. 
  • Current Role & Focus Areas: 
    • Works alongside the International Development Association (IDA) to support:  
      • Human resource development 
      • Agriculture and rural development 
      • Environmental protection 
      • Infrastructure development 
      • Administrative reforms in developing and underdeveloped countries 
  • Annual Publication: 
    • IBRD is responsible for publishing the World Development Report, which provides key insights into global economic trends and development challenges.

Rashtrakuta Dynasty

• • The Rashtrakutas were originally vassals of the Chalukyas. 
  • The Rashtrakuta dynasty was founded by Dantidurga. 
  • The capital of the Rashtrakutas was Manyakheta (modern-day Gulbarga, Karnataka). 
  • Dantidurga led a successful campaign in Malwa and performed the Hiranyagarbha ritual (Hiranyagarbhadan Yajna), symbolizing his transformation into a Kshatriya. During this ritual, the Pratiharas acted as gatekeepers, indicating their subordination. 
  • The Kailash Temple at Ellora, a marvel of rock-cut architecture, was constructed during the reign of Krishna I. 
  • Dhruva, a powerful ruler, was the first Rashtrakuta king to participate in the Tripartite Struggle for control over Kanauj, involving the Pratiharas and Palas. 
  • Amoghavarsha I, one of the greatest Rashtrakuta rulers, authored the famous literary work ‘Kavirajamarga’ in the Kannada language—the earliest available work in Kannada literature. 
  • The Arab traveler Al-Masudi visited India during the reign of Indra III and praised the Rashtrakuta empire. 
  • The Battle of Takkolam (949 CE) was fought between Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III and Chola ruler Parantaka I, in which the Chola king was defeated. 
  • The poet Ponna, a renowned Kannada literary figure, was a court poet of Krishna III and composed the work Shantipurana. 
  • The last prominent Rashtrakuta ruler, Karka II, was defeated by Tailapa II, who founded the Later Chalukya dynasty, also known as the Chalukyas of Kalyani.