Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Monday, 9 September 2024

CBSE mandates NCERT textbooks

 CBSE mandates NCERT textbooks for Classes 9-12, encourages use for lower grades

 

Extract:

 

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently announced a mandate that all schools affiliated with it must use NCERT textbooks for Classes 9 to 12. Additionally, the board is encouraging the use of these textbooks for lower grades as well.

 

This move aims to standardize the curriculum across CBSE schools and ensure that students receive quality education consistently. By making NCERT textbooks compulsory, CBSE is taking a significant step towards promoting a uniform and structured learning experience for students at different grade levels.

 

This decision could have far-reaching implications on the education system, influencing teaching methodologies, assessment patterns, and overall academic performance. It also reflects the recognition of NCERT as a reliable and comprehensive educational resource by the national education board.

 

The emphasis on NCERT textbooks is likely to streamline the learning process, facilitate better understanding among students, and create a level playing field in terms of academic content across schools.

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My Take: 

 

Replacing Textbooks with Tablets…………..10/04/2016 


"In my earlier blog advocating for the replacement of textbooks with tablets, I predicted a trend towards digital education resources.

 

The CBSE's decision to mandate NCERT textbooks and encourage their use for lower grades resonates with the idea of leveraging technology for a more efficient learning experience.

 

By emphasizing the use of digital resources like tablets, schools can enhance educational delivery and adapt to modern teaching methods."

 

"Looking back at my blog about reducing the burden of school bags by introducing tablets as educational tools, I can see a connection with the current mandate by CBSE.

 

My suggestion of providing tablets loaded with textbooks aligns with the current move towards standardizing the curriculum through NCERT textbooks.

 

This shift not only lightens the physical burden on students but also ensures access to quality educational content uniformly."

 

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Call to Action:

 

To the CBSE and school administrators, I urge you to consider not just the adoption of NCERT textbooks but also the integration of interactive digital resources like tablets to enhance the learning experience further.

 

Embracing technology in education can lead to more engaging and effective teaching practices, benefiting students across all grades.

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With regards, 

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in

An EV Ecosystem

 

Alternative financial solutions needed for an EV ecosystem

Extract:

 

The article discusses the current financial landscape needed for the up-and-coming electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. It highlights the importance of alternative financial solutions to support the growth and sustainability of the EV industry.

 

It points out that traditional financing methods may not be sufficient to meet the unique needs of the EV sector, emphasizing the necessity for innovative approaches to funding, such as green bonds and impact investments.

 

The article underlines the significance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to create a conducive environment for EV adoption and development. Overall, it stresses the importance of financial mechanisms tailored to the specific requirements of the EV ecosystem to drive its expansion effectively.

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My Take:

 

Reliance Juggernaut Rolls……06/07/2018

 

"The idea of reevaluating the business model and market positioning resonates strongly with the current discussion on alternative financial solutions for the EV ecosystem.

 

Just as companies faced with challenges need to redefine their core business, the EV industry requires tailored financial strategies to thrive. Innovation and adaptation are key to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving market."

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Down and Out……08/01/1987

 

"As the article stresses the need for unique financial instruments like green bonds for the EV sector, it echoes the sentiment of not having another chance in a competitive landscape.

 

Just like in business, where failing to adapt to changing circumstances can lead to permanent setbacks, the EV industry's financial strategies must align with its specific demands to avoid being left behind."

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Call to Action:

 

To policymakers and industry stakeholders mentioned in the article, I urge you to prioritize the development and implementation of specialized financial solutions to support the growth of the EV ecosystem.

 

By fostering collaboration and innovation in financial mechanisms, we can accelerate the transition towards sustainable transportation.

 

Let's work together to create a robust financial infrastructure that fuels the advancement of electric vehicles for a greener future.

 

 

With regards, 

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in

 

Sunday, 8 September 2024

From facial recognition to QR code

 

From facial recognition to QR code: UPSC to revamp exam system after Puja Khedkar ‘fraud’ case

 

Extract:

 

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) is set to overhaul its exam system to prevent impersonation, cheating, and fraud following the Puja Khedkar fraud case.

 

This decision comes after an incident where a trainee IAS officer allegedly used fake identity to appear in the civil services exam.

 

UPSC is now seeking tenders for biometric technologies, including facial recognition and QR codes, to tighten security measures during exams.

 

These new measures aim to enhance authentication and prevent malpractices in the examination process.

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My Take:

 

Mobile-Based Attendance System……….20/08/2022

 

Reflecting on the progression towards advanced biometric technologies in exam security by UPSC, I recall my previous blog post advocating for the use of mobile attendance systems to streamline processes.

 

The recent adoption of facial recognition systems for attendance in Andhra Pradesh echos the importance of leveraging modern technology for effective governance.

 

The shift from traditional methods to more sophisticated tools aligns with the need for enhanced security measures to tackle malpractices, mirroring the essence of my earlier suggestions for optimizing attendance monitoring systems.

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Data-Rich India: Nothing Can Beat This…….24/04/2017

 

Emphasizing the limitations of outdated biometric attendance systems in extracting meaningful data, the move by UPSC towards advanced biometric technologies signifies a crucial advancement in data collection and analysis.

 

By highlighting the necessity to evolve from archaic systems to more efficient ones, UPSC's initiative resonates with the call to modernize operational mechanisms for improved outcomes.

 

The transition towards facial recognition and QR code systems reflects a strategic approach to combatting fraud and enhancing exam integrity, underscoring the significance of data-driven decision-making.

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Call to Action:

 

To the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): Implementing cutting-edge biometric technologies is a progressive step towards ensuring the integrity and credibility of exams.

 

I urge UPSC to continue exploring innovative solutions and evolving examination processes to stay ahead of fraudulent activities to maintain the sanctity of the civil services exams.

 

Keep up the momentum in adopting advanced security measures to uphold the reputation and fairness of the selection process for aspiring civil servants.

 

Hoping to spark positive changes and advancements in political nomination dynamics with the integration of modern technology and robust security measures.

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With regards, 

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in

Battery to be Built in Maine

 

US: World’s largest 8,500 MWh capacity battery to be built in Maine

 

Extract:

 

Form Energy aims to construct the world's largest battery in Maine utilizing iron-air batteries, known for their ease of construction and recyclability.

 

This colossal battery installation is designed to provide an impressive 85 MW of power for up to 100 hours, representing a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions.

 

The project's financial commitment stands at a substantial $147 million, showcasing the scale and importance of this endeavor in revolutionizing energy storage capabilities.

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My Take:

 

For Renewable Energy, Here is Trimurty……………..01/11/2023

 

"In my earlier blog post on renewable energy solutions, I highlighted the necessity for reasonably-sized storage batteries capable of long-term power retention.

 

The development of iron-air batteries by Form Energy, as discussed in the recent article, validates the importance of having efficient energy storage solutions for large-scale applications like the world's largest battery project in Maine.

 

The innovation in battery technology aligns with the vision I shared years ago about the crucial role of energy storage in sustainable power generation."

 

"The evolution of Form Energy's iron-air battery technology, as highlighted in the current news, underscores the significant progress made in energy storage capabilities.

 

With a focus on storing electricity for extended durations at competitive costs, these batteries offer a promising solution for meeting utility-scale energy needs.

 

This development resonates with my past insights on the importance of affordable and efficient energy storage solutions for a sustainable energy future."

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Call to Action:

 

To Form Energy: As a leader in innovative battery technology, continue to push the boundaries of energy storage solutions to drive the transition towards a more sustainable and renewable energy landscape.

 

Your efforts in building the world's largest battery installation set a remarkable precedent for the industry, inspiring others to invest in clean energy technologies.

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With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in

Into the Digital Dustbin ?

Into the Digital Dustbin ?


Some years back , listed Companies were required by law , to send to each of their share-holders , printed ( on paper ) copies of their Annual Reports - which , for some companies ran into 100 + pages - and needed to be delivered by POST to lakhs of shareholders, all over the country


Matters got worse when some 50 years ago , Govt introduced a rule that , in the Annual Reports, companies provide full details of each employee , who was paid Rs 3,000 per month or more ( even if she worked for part of the financial year )


Over the next few years, this limit got gradually raised to Rs 6000 / 9000 / 12000 pm - but the Annual Reports continued to get bulkier


Finally , Govt relented and withdrew this rule


And then with the arrival of internet and websites , Govt agreed that there was no NEED to send out printed Annual Reports to shareholders and the shareholders can download ( soft copies ) from company websites


Simultaneously , Govt introduced DEMAT version of share certificates itself


No more paper copies of shares


Nowadays , many newspapers have their e-Paper websites to which , readers can subscribe to - and read those " Papers ( ? ) " on their Mobiles !


[ For the future of News Papers , read >


https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2016/05/redesigning-newspapers.html


and,


https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2016/03/next-generation-newspaper.html ]


Mankind has used " Paper " for centuries for disseminating " Content / Knowledge / Information " .


Word " Paper " has become so ingrained in our minds that , in the context of studies and examinations, we call :


> Question Papers , and

> Exam Papers , and

> Answer Papers / Answer Sheets etc


But with relentless advance of Computers / Laptops / Tablets and Mobiles , before long , these will get replaces by :


> Question Mobiles , and

> Answer Mobiles


To know , how effectively , visit > www.My-Teacher.in


Hemen Parekh / www.HemenParekh.ai / 09 Sept 2024



Some years back , listed Companies were required by law , to send to each of their share-holders , printed ( on paper ) copies of their Annual Reports - which , for some companies ran into 100 + pages - and needed to be delivered by POST to lakhs of shareholders, all over the country


Matters got worse when some 50 years ago , Govt introduced a rule that , in the Annual Reports, companies provide full details of each employee , who was paid Rs 3,000 per month or more ( even if she worked for part of the financial year )


Over the next few years, this limit got gradually raised to Rs 6000 / 9000 / 12000 pm - but the Annual Reports continued to get bulkier


Finally , Govt relented and withdrew this rule


And then with the arrival of internet and websites , Govt agreed that there was no NEED to send out printed Annual Reports to shareholders and the shareholders can download ( soft copies ) from company websites


Simultaneously , Govt introduced DEMAT version of share certificates itself


No more paper copies of shares


Nowadays , many newspapers have their e-Paper websites to which , readers can subscribe to - and read those " Papers ( ? ) " on their Mobiles !


[ For the future of News Papers , read >


https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2016/05/redesigning-newspapers.html


and,


https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2016/03/next-generation-newspaper.html ]


Mankind has used " Paper " for centuries for disseminating " Content / Knowledge / Information " .


Word " Paper " has become so ingrained in our minds that , in the context of studies and examinations, we call :


> Question Papers , and

> Exam Papers , and

> Answer Papers / Answer Sheets etc


But with relentless advance of Computers / Laptops / Tablets and Mobiles , before long , these will get replaces by :


> Question Mobiles , and

> Answer Mobiles


To know , how effectively , visit > www.My-Teacher.in


Hemen Parekh / www.HemenParekh.ai / 09 Sept 2024


Saturday, 7 September 2024

65 Lakh students need not have failed

 


 

[  If they had prepared for their exams by practicing Mock Tests on their Mobiles ,

    using :

   www.My-Teacher.in  /  totally FREE and not needing registration / login ]


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Source >  Economic Times /  22 Aug 2024

Reported following :

Ø  Results taken from 59 Examination Boards, including 3 National level boards and 56 State level boards / Examination results of Secondary and Higher Secondary Boards Findings 2023

 

Ø  Worst States for Class  XII result :

       Meghalaya ……… 51.9  %

       Gujarat ………….   59.7  %

       MP…………………   63.9  %

      Haryana…………… 66.7  &

 

Ø  Boards with over 1 Lakh Failures :

       [ Out of a total of 65 lakh students failing ]

Ø  MP…………………………………….  3,99,006

Ø  Bihar………………………………..    3,55, 604

Ø  UP ……………………………………   2,99,750

Ø  Tamil Nadu……………………….   1,81, 564

Ø  Karnataka…………………………    1,78,054

Ø  Rajasthan…………………………    1,79,785

Ø  Assam………………………………..  1,69,534

Ø  West Bengal………………………   1,57,566

Ø  CBSE ………………………………..    1,17,356

 

Ø  Class X  Analysis :

 

Ø  33.5 lakh students did not make it to Class XI

Ø  28.0 lakh students FAILED boards

Ø  5.5 lakh students did not appear for exams 

Ø  Failure rate at 6 % in Central Boards and 16 % in State Boards

 

Ø  Class XII Analysis :

 

Ø   32.4 lakh students failed

Ø   5.2 lakh students did not appear in exam

Ø  Failure rate at 12 % in Central Boards and 18 % in State Boards

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh  /   www.HemenParekh.ai  /  08 Sept 2024