Daily Current Affairs – 2020

Topic: For Prelims and Mains

State of the Education Report (SER) 2020

Why in news?

Recently, the state of education report for India [State of the Education Report (SER) 2020] has been launched by UNESCO.

Education status report:

This edition of SER focuses on technical and vocational education and training(TVET):

• Its aim is to provide technical support to the government.
• It is known that the government has already announced skill development as a major national priority under the Skill India Mission.

TVET:

• There is a broad term, which refers to the study of technologies and related sciences.
• In addition, it also addresses the acquisition of practical skills, aptitude, understanding and knowledge related to occupations in various fields of economic and social life.

Importance of TVET

• Promoting youth employment and entrepreneurship.
• To promote equality and gender equality.
• Facilitating change towards green economies and sustainable societies.

Key features of the report:

• The report outlines the vision for TVET quality, which has also been included in India’s new National Education Policy 2020.
• In this vision, all educational institutions have been called upon to include vocational education in their courses.

TVET Delivery Current Status:

• As of today, more than 1,000 colleges are offering special undergraduate courses “Bachelor of Vocation”.
• Vocational education is being provided to more than 12 million students in government schools run by about 10,158 states.

Facts for Prelims:

Himalayan Serow

• It was first seen in the cold desert region of the Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh).
• Himalayan sero resembles a hybrid between a goat, a donkey, a cow and a pig.
• It is a medium-sized mammal with a large head, thick neck, mule-like ears, and dark hair.
• Listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in IUCN’s Red List.
• Listed under Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.