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- Why in News?
- The 2025 edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), jointly published by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, reports a modest decline in global hunger to 8.2% in 2024 from 2022.
- Key Provisions:-
- Yet hunger remains high in parts of Africa and Western Asia. Since 2021, moderate or severe food insecurity has gradually eased. However, food prices continued to rise in 2023–2024, increasing the cost of a healthy diet. Despite inflation, the number of people unable to afford such diets dropped from 2.76 billion in 2019 to 2.60 billion in 2024. Worryingly, anaemia in women and adult obesity are on the rise. In India, mobile technology has helped Kerala’s fisheries reduce waste and price variation. Key recommendations include time-bound fiscal measures, stronger social protection, and improved market data systems. SOFI monitors progress toward SDG 2, aiming to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition.
- Why in News?
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a significant shift toward an inclusive, Indian-rooted education system aimed at creating a just and knowledge-driven society.
- Key Provisions:-
- Over five years, notable strides include the introduction of the 5+3+3+4 structure and competency-based learning through the NCF-SE. Foundational learning programs like NIPUN Bharat and Vidya Pravesh have impacted over 4.2 crore students across nearly 9 lakh schools. Initiatives to boost inclusivity have supported over 1.15 lakh students from disadvantaged groups and 7.5 lakh girls in residential schools. Over 4 lakh teachers have undergone training under NISHTHA. Technology integration has expanded, with 72% of schools now connected online. Platforms like DIKSHA, PM eVIDYA, and AI-based learning tools are gaining momentum. CUET has become central to undergraduate admissions. However, challenges persist, such as resistance from states on PM-SHRI and the three-language formula, as well as delays in key institutional reforms like HECI and teacher education frameworks.
- Why in News?
- Setubandha Scholar Scheme Bridges Gurukul Education with Modern Academia.
- Key Provisions:-
- The Setubandha Scholar Scheme is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at integrating students from traditional gurukuls into the formal higher education system. It provides a pathway for scholars of ancient Indian knowledge systems to pursue recognized postgraduate and doctoral degrees at prestigious institutions, including IITs. For the first time, traditional learning—long excluded from mainstream academia—receives structured institutional support and validation. The scheme is supported by the Ministry of Education and implemented by the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division under the Central Sanskrit University (CSU). Through generous fellowships of up to ₹65,000 per month, it encourages in-depth research rooted in India’s rich intellectual traditions while aligning with modern academic frameworks. By bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary education, the Setubandha Scholar Scheme not only uplifts traditional scholars but also enriches Indian academia with diverse, time-tested perspectives, offering new directions in interdisciplinary research and innovation.