Current Affairs - Education

PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Kharagpur, was declared the national winner at the 34th National Youth Parliament competition for Kendriya Vidyalayas. The event, officiated by Kiren Rijiju, emphasized the importance of understanding parliamentary democracy and the role of Kendriya Vidyalayas in fostering character and personality development among students, further strengthening youth participation in democratic processes.

Assam launched Gunotsav 2025, a flagship education evaluation program aimed at assessing and enhancing the quality of education for 14.11 lakh students across 16,056 schools. Themed “Ensuring Quality Education,” is conducted in three phases, involving external evaluators and stakeholders. The initiative focuses on improving student learning outcomes, school infrastructure, and teacher performance effectiveness, covering various districts to ensure comprehensive educational development.

IIT Delhi secured the top position among Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025, ranking 171st globally. These rankings evaluate universities based on their contributions to environmental impact, social impact, and governance. IIT Delhi's leadership in sustainability reflects its commitment to addressing global challenges through research and education, setting an example for other institutions in India and abroad. Other Indian institutes like IIT Kharagpur and IIT Bombay followed in the rankings, emphasizing the country's growing focus on sustainability initiatives in higher education.

Google has partnered with NCERT to launch YouTube channels in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language, to provide free educational content for students in grades 1-12. This initiative aims to make learning more accessible across diverse linguistic backgrounds, helping bridge language barriers in India’s education system. Google’s collaboration extends beyond just content delivery, as the use of AI in the platform further enriches the learning experience. Additionally, Google has partnered with NPTEL to offer credentialed courses on YouTube, making world-class education accessible to all.

The term 'Brain Rot' was chosen as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024, reflecting a 230% surge in its usage between 2023 and 2024. Defined as "mental deterioration caused by overconsumption of trivial or low-quality online content," the phrase highlights rising concerns about the intellectual impact of digital overindulgence. Its first recorded use dates back to 1854 in Thoreau's Walden, emphasizing its enduring relevance amidst evolving societal challenges.