Solar strategies

 

Article link: Solar Strategies - The Hindu BusinessLine

Extract from the article: The article delves into the significant investments and developments in the solar industry, emphasizing India's substantial solar power capacity of 749 GW.

It highlights the challenges posed by high-profile investments and the dominance of Chinese companies in driving down prices, impacting local manufacturers.

Moreover, the piece underscores the potential for India to become a key global player in solar product manufacturing, with estimates suggesting the creation of 250,000 new jobs and substantial export opportunities.

My Take:

Blogging about the need to protect the economy from external influences and promote indigenous manufacturing and job creation in the solar sector, I had previously emphasized the importance of safeguarding against overwhelming market dominance by foreign players.

The current scenario aligns with my earlier predictions, showcasing the urgency for fostering a self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem to capitalize on the sector's growth potential.

The prospects of job creation and export capabilities underscore the significance of strategic policies to support domestic solar production and enhance India's standing in the global renewable energy market.

TIME TO PROTECT THE ENTIRE ECONOMY

The idea to be conveyed to the readers is: "Hey, look at what I thought of/suggested about this topic, years ago. I had predicted this! I had offered a solution for this."

Reflecting on the relevance of advocating for safeguarding domestic industries against external pressures in the solar sector, the current article's emphasis on the need to develop indigenous solar manufacturing capabilities resonates profoundly.

It highlights the critical importance of proactive measures to boost local production, create employment opportunities, and establish India as a competitive global player in the solar industry.

Call to Action:

To policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors mentioned in the article, I urge a collaborative effort towards fostering a robust domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Implementing favorable policies, incentivizing local production, and ensuring a level playing field for Indian manufacturers are crucial steps to harness the full potential of the solar industry.

Let's work together to propel India towards self-sufficiency in solar manufacturing and seize the opportunities for economic growth and global leadership in renewable energy.

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh 

www.My-Teacher.in

MU becomes 1st university to adopt ranking system

 

Article link: MU becomes the first Indian university to adopt the University Department Ranking Framework (UDRF)

Extract from the article: 

MU, in a groundbreaking move, has become the first Indian university to embrace the University Department Ranking Framework (UDRF).

This system aims to comprehensively evaluate various departments, schools, and institutions within the university. Departments achieving top rankings will be granted research and infrastructure funds ranging from 5 lakh to 25 lakh, along with citations.

On the other hand, departments lagging in rankings will receive support to implement necessary reforms to enhance their standing.

The adoption of the University Department Ranking Framework signifies a shift towards a more competitive and merit-based evaluation approach within the academic landscape of India.

This move not only incentivizes departments to excel but also ensures that those struggling receive the necessary assistance to improve and maintain educational standards.

My Take:

Congratulations, Shri Jagadesh Kumarji 

The relevance of the quoted blog lies in the foresight it offers regarding the evolution of higher education institutions into autonomous entities.

Shri Jagadesh Kumarji's visionary approach to transforming affiliated colleges into autonomous degree-awarding institutions aligns smoothly with the current trend of universities like MU adopting frameworks that promote excellence through ranking systems.

This foresight underscores the importance of empowering academic departments to strive for excellence and autonomy, as seen in the recent developments at MU.

Thank You, Shri M Jagadesh Kumarji 

Shri M Jagadesh Kumarji's vision for a Digital University, as appreciated in the quoted blog, resonates with the current emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance educational systems.

The concept of a Digital University, integrating various aspects of the learning value chain through advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and virtual reality, mirrors the progressive approach taken by MU in adopting the UDRF for departmental evaluations.

This synergy between technological advancement in education and the drive for academic excellence through ranking systems reflects a holistic approach to modernizing the educational landscape.

Call to Action: 

To the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other educational authorities, I urge you to take inspiration from MU's initiative in adopting innovative frameworks like the University Department Ranking Framework.

Encouraging academic institutions to strive for excellence through competitive evaluations and providing support for improvement can significantly enhance the overall quality of education in India.

Let's embrace such dynamic approaches to foster a culture of continuous improvement and academic advancement across the educational sector.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

Classroom in the Cloud

 

 

Context > How Technology is transforming education in Tamilnadu

Extract :

“ Students come to class to discuss and clarify what they read online. Classrooms have become more interactive, less about information delivery and more about engagement “ , said T R Gopalkrishnan, Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication, University of Madras { trg.project@unom.ac.in / trggopi@unom.co.in / trg.project@gmail.com }

 

“ These days students are preparing for exams entirely based on online books on laptops and Mobile Phones.They also prepare their own notes as PowerPoints “ , said professor D Arivudainambi , department of mathematics, Anna University { arivu@annauniv.edu }

“ When I started as a teacher, in the 1990s, classroom instruction relied heavily, on textbooks, explanations, and exam preparation “ , says G J Manohar , a retired economics teacher. “ Now, if students don’t understand something in class, they go online to access videos that explain things better “

But the standout change is the shift to the online mode. Online courses and certifications from portals such as NPTEL and SWAYAM have more takers after the pandemic.

“ More than 35,000 students are enrolled in two BS programmes, with nearly 35 % from families with less than 5 lakh a year income. This combination of access, flexibility, affordability and value is possible only by using digital means “ , said professor Andrew Thangaraj, of IIT Madras { Andrew@nptel.iitm.ac.in }

 

My Take :

From this article , the message is “ Loud & Clear “ , viz:

The only education worth its name is “ Self Education “

And for our millions of students,  when it comes to “ Self Educating “ themselves , the bench-mark is :

www.My-Teacher.in

Here is why :

Ø  It is totally FREE for unlimited use ; Need no registration or Login

Ø  No need to download – just type www.My-Teacher.in , on Mobile

Ø  Mock Tests can be generated in 26 languages ( 7 Indian languages )

Ø  Mock Tests generate 10 MCQ paper , having 4 options for each question

Ø  Our software generates 294 QUINTILLION , unique papers ( no chance for copy )

 

www.My-Teacher.in  enables Teachers to :

Ø  Generate MCQ Question Papers from their Mobile / PC ( for NEET-JEE-CET )

Ø  Teachers can decide to deliver paper to Students in ONLINE or OFFLINE mode

Ø  In OFFLINE mode, question paper can be e-mailed to any person through E-Mail

Ø  In your school, you could generate paper in your office and email it to a Teacher in her Class-room ( having a small Printer costing approx., Rs 10,000 )

Ø  Teacher will print out ( say ) 40 copies and distribute among students

Ø  At the end of duration, Teacher will collect Question-cum- Answer papers

 

QED = Quad Erat Demonstrandum - What was to be demonstrated

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

 

 

One Student, One Table, One Computer [ OSOTOC ]

 

 

Article link:

Only 57% of schools have functional computers: UDISE report

Extract from the article:

 

The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) report highlights that in India,

 

only 57% of schools have functional computers, showcasing persistent technological and

 

infrastructural gaps within the education system.

 

The data from the UDISE Plus report reveals the stark reality of the lack of access to technology among schools across the country.

 

This disparity underscores the challenges faced by Indian schools in providing a conducive learning environment for students, especially in an increasingly digital world.

 

My Take:

 

Digitized India

 

"The lack of functional computers in over 40% of Indian schools is a glaring indicator of our misplaced priorities.

 

While initiatives like banning Chinese apps and launching local replacements are essential, addressing the urgent need for digital infrastructure in education should take precedence.

 

The current situation mirrors the struggle faced by millions of students during the school closures, emphasizing the critical importance of enhancing digital access for all."

 

Primary Needs

 

"The UDISE report's revelation about schools lacking functional computers resonates with the broader issue of inadequate infrastructure in primary education. The staggering numbers of schools without essential facilities like electricity, toilets, and boundary walls reflect a systemic neglect of foundational educational requirements. It's imperative that policymakers address these fundamental needs to create a more conducive learning environment and bridge the technological gap highlighted in the recent report."

 

Call to Action:

 

To the Ministry of Human Resource Development in India: It's crucial to prioritize and invest in bridging the digital divide in education by providing functional computers and necessary technological infrastructure to all schools.

 

This step is essential to ensure equitable access to quality education and prepare students for a digitally-driven future.

 

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in / 04 Jan 2024

Green Energy Storage : Preserving a Perishable

 

Article link:

Storage projects in green energy sector to be focus area in 2025 - The Economic Times

Extract from the article:

In the green energy sector, the spotlight is set to shine on storage projects come 2025.

 

As per The Economic Times, the renewable energy landscape is gearing up to prioritize storage projects to enhance the efficiency and reliability of green energy sources. The push towards storage projects stems from the increasing need to manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.

 

This strategic move aims to address the challenges of grid stability and ensure a consistent power supply from green energy sources. The emphasis on storage projects underscores the industry's commitment to sustainable and uninterrupted energy production.

 

 

My Take:

Congrats Shri R. K. Singh

 

"Reflecting on my blog from 2020 about surpassing the 50 GW solar capacity milestone, it's evident that the renewable energy sector has come a long way.

 

The target of 500 GW by 2030 now seems more achievable with a focus on storage projects. The transition towards green energy is not just a vision anymore; it's becoming a reality with each strategic step taken."

 

Congratulations Shri R. Singh

 

"Drawing parallels to the necessity of policy consistency highlighted in my 2022 blog, the importance of a stable regulatory environment for storage projects cannot be overstated. The challenges addressed in the renewable energy space are evolving, and the foresight to extend incentives to ancillary units is a step in the right direction for a sustainable future."

 

Call to Action:

 

To policymakers and industry leaders, prioritize setting up a robust framework for storage projects in the green energy sector. Embrace innovation and collaboration to ensure successful implementation of storage solutions for a greener and more sustainable future.

 

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in / 04 Jan 2024

Finally : PERT looks Pretty

 

Article link:

Revamped Infra Monitoring System to be Unveiled in January

Extract from the article:

 

The article highlights the upcoming unveiling of a revamped infrastructure monitoring system by The Economic Times in January.

 

This new system is aimed at addressing potential slippages in infrastructure projects to ensure that both costs and timelines are kept within approved limits.

 

By leveraging this updated monitoring system, stakeholders can proactively identify and mitigate any delays or overspending in various developmental projects.

 

My Take:

 

Monitoring Projects in Real-time

 

"Hey, look at what I thought of in 2020 about real-time project monitoring  !

 

It's thrilling to see the development of such monitoring systems today.

 

I had advocated for real-time updates on infrastructure projects to enable accessible information for all stakeholders.

 

The unveiling of this revamped system reflects a step towards greater transparency in project management, aligning with the need for efficient infrastructure development."

 

 

Infra Projects: How to Control Time and Cost

 

"These infrastructure projects, often plagued by cost and time overruns, resemble black holes consuming resources.

 

While complete elimination of overruns might not be feasible, reducing them to 5% or less is achievable.

 

It's crucial for decision-makers to follow structured procedures to curb unnecessary delays and expenses. The new monitoring system's focus on identifying slippages aligns with the necessity to control both time and cost implications effectively."

 

Gadkariji: Solution is Hiding in Plain Sight

 

"Reflecting on past suggestions on project monitoring and control, it is evident that effective monitoring using tools like PERT can significantly impact project outcomes.

 

The drive towards minimizing time and cost overruns is a shared goal among policymakers and project implementers.

 

The unveiling of the enhanced infrastructure monitoring system resonates with the long-standing advocacy for better project management practices, bringing us a step closer to efficient project execution."

Call to Action:

 

To the policymakers and stakeholders involved in infrastructure projects mentioned in the article, embrace the revamped monitoring system as a tool to enhance project efficiency and transparency.

 

Ensure active engagement with the system to proactively identify and address any potential slippages, fostering a culture of accountability and timely project delivery.

 

 

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in  /  04 Jan 2024

Skilled Girls : Do not keep Dithering

 

Article link:

Read more

Extract from the article:

 

The article highlights India's initiative to launch a pilot project focused on skills training for girls to enhance their participation in the labor force.

 

By equipping girls with essential skills, the project aims to boost their presence and contribution in various sectors of the economy.

 

This move underscores the importance of gender inclusivity and empowerment to drive economic growth and sustainability. The project's focus on providing training opportunities specifically for girls addresses a crucial aspect of narrowing the gender gap in the workforce and promoting diversity and equality.

 

My Take:

Skill Capital of the World - Walking the Talk

 

Reflecting on my blog about making India the "Skill Capital of the World" by emphasizing private-public partnerships in skill development, the current initiative resonates with the need for collaboration between government and private entities to enhance skill-building efforts.

 

The approach to involve the private sector, corporates, and startups aligns with the concept of leveraging diverse resources to scale skill development programs effectively. This echoes the significance of ensuring quality and accessibility in skill training while fostering innovation and efficiency through private sector engagement.

 

Training Shortcut - Online, Virtual, and More

 

In my previous blog, I discussed incentivizing youth through stipends and integrating vocational courses into the school curriculum to promote skill development.

 

The current project's emphasis on providing skills training for girls aligns with the idea of integrating skill-building initiatives at the school level to nurture talent early on.

 By linking skilling targets to annual turnover and incentivizing participation, the approach mirrors the importance of creating a conducive environment for skill enhancement and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

 

Call to Action:

 

To the policymakers and stakeholders involved in the pilot project for girls' skills training, I urge you to prioritize sustainability and inclusivity in the program.

 

Ensure that the training provided is aligned with market demands and opportunities, empowering girls to excel in diverse sectors. It's essential to monitor the progress of the project, gather feedback from participants, and iterate on the training modules to maximize the impact and create a skilled workforce that drives economic growth and social development.

 

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in /  04 Jan 2024

APAAR or “ Aar – Paar “ ?

 

Article link:   

Read here

Extract from the article:

 

The State Education Department is putting immense pressure on schools, teachers, and principals to ensure 100% registration for the APAAR program.

 

Schools are facing the looming threat of pay cuts if they fail to meet the registration deadline. This situation has led to heightened stress and urgency among school staff, parents, and students to complete the registration process promptly.

 

This push for complete registration reflects the State Education Department's commitment to digitalization and centralization of student data through the APAAR program.

 

The program aims to streamline academic records and facilitate easier transfers for students across different educational institutions.

 

Additionally, it intends to track student dropout rates effectively and re-engage them in educational activities. The APAAR initiative aligns with efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in the education sector.

 

My Take:

 

A.    Overwhelming Demands

 

"Reflecting on the urgency of demands and the need for prioritization, it is crucial to involve stakeholders in the decision-making process.

 

Just like the current situation with schools facing pressure for 100% APAAR registration, understanding the impact of actions on different segments of society is essential.

 

By assigning percentile scores to demands based on various criteria, as suggested earlier, authorities can effectively address pressing issues in an organized manner."

 

 

B. It Is Quite Simple

 

"The concept of centralizing student data through the APAAR program resonates with the idea of seamlessly storing information for easy access and tracking.

 

Much like the digital centralization proposed earlier, the APAAR ID's ability to store academic records and facilitate student transfers aligns with the goal of simplifying processes for individuals.

 

This system can significantly improve the efficiency of educational institutions and government efforts to reconnect students with learning opportunities."

 

Call to Action:

 

To the State Education Department and school stakeholders involved in the APAAR registration process, prioritize open communication channels to address concerns and ensure a smooth registration experience for all parties involved.

 

Collaboration and support from both sides are key to successfully meeting registration targets and preventing adverse repercussions such as pay cuts. Let's work together to streamline the process and achieve the desired outcomes efficiently.

---

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-teacher.in  /  04 Jan 2024

E-Truck Incentives : Half way House ?

 

Article link:

New e-truck incentive plan may not have many takers - The Economic Times

 

Extract from the article:

 

The article discusses the potential challenges faced by a new e-truck incentive plan in garnering significant interest.

 

Despite the government's efforts to promote electric vehicles through incentives, the response from truck manufacturers has been lukewarm.

 

The reluctance stems from various factors such as higher vehicle cost, limited charging infrastructure, and concerns over operational viability.

 

Additionally, the lack of clarity on long-term benefits and the absence of a comprehensive ecosystem for e-trucks pose significant hurdles in the widespread adoption of electric trucks.

 

My Take:

A.  For EV, Andhra gets an A

 

The blog post from 2017 highlighted Andhra Pradesh's proactive steps in attracting investments in the electric vehicle industry.

 

The incentives offered by the state government, such as capital subsidies, fast approvals, and GST reimbursements, set a benchmark for promoting EVs.

 

Drawing parallels, the current e-truck incentive plan could benefit from studying Andhra's successful approach in creating a conducive environment for electric vehicle manufacturers.

B.  Congratulations Shri Kailash Gehlotji

 

In 2018, a blog post commended the incentives introduced by Shri Kailash Gehlotji to boost electric mobility, including subsidies on e-vehicles and charging infrastructure. The emphasis on incentivizing EV adoption and scrapping old polluting vehicles aligns with the need for comprehensive policies to drive e-truck uptake. Implementing similar measures at a national level could address the challenges highlighted in the current e-truck incentive plan.

 

Call to Action:

 

To the policymakers mentioned in the article, I urge a comprehensive review of the existing e-truck incentive plan. Emphasize the importance of creating a holistic ecosystem that addresses concerns regarding costs, infrastructure, and operational viability. Engage key stakeholders to refine the plan and ensure that it aligns with the long-term vision for sustainable transportation solutions.

 

 

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in  /  04  Jan  2024

Skill Assessment : Time to handover to AI

 

Article Link:

Read more

Extract from the Article:

The article highlights the efforts of ministries to assess skill needs for providing focused training. It discusses the comprehensive exercise undertaken by NITI Aayog to map skill requirements across 22 industry sectors, especially focusing on the "Make in India" initiative.

 

The roadmap aims to train around 402 million youth by 2022 through 1500 job roles and 6700 qualifications.

 

The Skills Ministry, under the leadership of Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, has set out plans for imparting training through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

My Take:

 

Blog Title 2

 

Reflecting on my past blog post, the recent actions taken by NITI Aayog and the Skills Ministry reinforce the significance of strategic planning in training initiatives.

 

The emphasis on job roles and qualifications aligns with the essence of my earlier recommendation to focus on specific training needs in various industries. It's satisfying to witness actionable measures being implemented to fulfill the training requirements identified earlier.

Blog Title 3

 

Back in 2016, I emphasized the importance of skill mapping and strategic training plans to cater to the evolving job market demands. The current developments with NITI Aayog and the Skills Ministry echo the essence of my earlier suggestions, particularly in terms of setting clear targets for skilling the youth population.

 

The proactive approach taken now reflects the foresight needed to address the skill needs of the future workforce effectively.

Call to Action:

To the Ministries and NITI Aayog,

 

I urge a continued focus on agile training strategies that adapt to the dynamic skill requirements of industries. Implementing feedback loops and regular assessments will ensure that training programs remain effective and relevant in shaping a skilled workforce for India's growth trajectory.

---

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-teacher.in  /  04 Jan 2024