Daily Current Affairs : 7-December-2024

In a landmark decision, the Indian government launched Channel 31 under the PM e-Vidya initiative, a program designed to promote Indian Sign Language (ISL) and ensure greater inclusivity and accessibility for hearing-impaired students. This move is part of a broader effort to make education more equitable and accessible to all, regardless of background or ability.

About the PM e-Vidya Initiative

The PM e-Vidya initiative was launched in May 2020 by the Ministry of Education as a key component of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. The main goal of this initiative is to provide quality education to students across India, especially in the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative uses digital and online platforms to bridge the learning gap that arose due to school closures.

Key Features of PM e-Vidya:
  • DIKSHA Platform: This national digital platform offers interactive content, QR-coded Energized Textbooks, and over 5.58 crore learning sessions.
  • DTH TV Channels: The number of TV channels has expanded from 12 to 200, providing educational content for students from Classes 1 to 12 in various languages.
  • SWAYAM Platform: This platform offers more than 10,000 courses, including school-level and higher education programs, with provisions for credit transfer.
  • Virtual Labs: 750 virtual labs for science and mathematics, as well as 75 e-labs for skill development, offer simulated learning environments for students.
  • Community Outreach: Educational content is also made available through radio and podcasts, such as Shiksha Vani, to reach students in areas with limited internet access.
Inclusion of Indian Sign Language (ISL)

The launch of Channel 31 marks a significant step towards promoting ISL, offering 24/7 ISL-based content. This channel provides a valuable platform for hearing-impaired students to learn and engage with educational content. By making ISL a subject of study, the government is also contributing to the recognition and development of ISL as an essential language in the country.

Recognition and Global Impact

The PM e-Vidya initiative has received international acclaim for its role in ensuring continuity of education during the pandemic. In 2022, UNESCO recognized the program for its significant impact on education during the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), which is part of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), was honored with the prestigious UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education in 2021.

Important Points:
  • Launch of Channel 31: Part of the PM e-Vidya initiative to promote Indian Sign Language (ISL) and enhance accessibility for hearing-impaired students.
  • PM e-Vidya Initiative: Launched in May 2020 under the Ministry of Education as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.
  • Key Goals: Provide equitable and quality education through digital, online, and on-air platforms, addressing learning gaps caused by COVID-19.
  • DIKSHA Platform: Offers over 5.58 crore learning sessions, QR-coded textbooks, and interactive content.
  • DTH TV Channels Expansion: Increased from 12 to 200 channels, providing education for Classes 1–12 in multiple languages.
  • SWAYAM Platform: Offers over 10,000 courses with credit transfer for higher education and school-level learning.
  • Virtual Labs: 750 science and math labs, and 75 e-labs for skill development, offering simulated learning environments.
  • Community Outreach: Education content broadcast via radio and podcasts like Shiksha Vani for areas with limited internet access.
  • Channel 31’s Role: 24/7 ISL-based content to facilitate education for hearing-impaired students and support ISL as a subject.
  • International Recognition: UNESCO acknowledged PM e-Vidya for its impact during the pandemic, and CIET won the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize in 2021.
Why In News

In a historic move, the Indian government launched Channel 31 under the PM e-Vidya initiative to promote Indian Sign Language (ISL), fostering inclusivity and accessibility for hearing-impaired students across the country. This initiative not only provides a platform for education but also aims to raise awareness about the importance of ISL in bridging communication gaps and empowering the differently-abled community.

MCQs about PM e-Vidya Initiative
  1. Which platform under PM e-Vidya offers QR-coded textbooks?
    A. SWAYAM Platform
    B. DIKSHA Platform
    C. Shiksha Vani
    D. Virtual Labs
    Correct Answer: B. DIKSHA Platform
    Explanation: The DIKSHA platform provides QR-coded Energized Textbooks and interactive content to help students learn across India.
  2. How many DTH TV channels does PM e-Vidya now have?
    A. 50
    B. 100
    C. 200
    D. 500
    Correct Answer: C. 200
    Explanation: PM e-Vidya expanded the number of DTH TV channels from 12 to 200 to deliver educational content for Classes 1–12 in multiple languages.
  3. Which organization recognized PM e-Vidya in 2022?
    A. World Economic Forum
    B. UNESCO
    C. UNDP
    D. UNICEF
    Correct Answer: B. UNESCO
    Explanation: UNESCO recognized PM e-Vidya in 2022 for its contribution to education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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