News Article 16-08-20

Title: Applying one education policy across states not a viable idea, says expert

Background:

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the new National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 with an
aim to introduce several changes in the Indian education system - from the school to college level.
The NEP 2020 aims at making “India a global knowledge superpower”. The NEP cleared by the
Cabinet is only the third major revamp of the framework of education in India since independence.
The two earlier education policies were brought in 1968 and 1986.

Summary:

1.Thrusting one education system on all students across states, irrespective of their socio- economic
status, is not a viable idea, one of the panelists of a six-member committee share views on the new
education policy.

2.According to them, redesigning of Class 10 board exams and reforms in primary school, "lack
clarity" and the Centre should have taken the states into confidence before giving its approval.

3.The policy was slammed as copy of system prevalent in western countriesby State Education
minister Partha Chatterjee.

Future Implications:

1. This policy will open doors for foreign universities to set up base in the country

2. This may lead to modifications into National Education Policy 2020 reported by experts.

Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/applying-one-education-
policy-across-states-not-a-viable-idea-says-expert/articleshow/77574491.cms

Title: UAE-Israel peace deal: Opportunity for India to acquire a greater role in this strategic backyard

Background: The peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates was announced by
U.S. President Trump, the UAE would recognise the state of Israel and establish formal diplomatic
relations, while Israel would halt its controversial plan to annex swathes of the Palestinian West
Bank. It is a landmark agreement given that the UAE is only the third Arab country and the first in the
Gulf recognising Israel.

Summary:

1. The UAE and Israel also agreed to cooperation and setting a roadmap towards establishing a
bilateral relationship.”

2. Israel gets a diplomatic and economic opening with the big power in the Gulf, that could open
other doors, give its security interests legitimacy and, perhaps, open the door to Middle East peace.

3.India should use this unexpected opportunity to give itself a bigger role in a region which is its
strategic backyard. The first step should be to ramp up defence and security relations with UAE.
Israel is already a very close defence partner.
Future Implications:

1. The deal will open up new opportunities for India to play a much larger role in the regional
security and stability in the Gulf, where New Delhi enjoys special relations with both Abu Dhabi and
Jerusalem.

Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/uae-israel-peace-deal-
opportunity-for-india-to-acquire-a-greater-role-in-this-strategic-
backyard/articleshow/77566503.cms