Climate Change Controversy

The media has been buzzing about the IPCC's Himalayan glacier controversy.

The international climate panel headed by Dr. Rajendra Pachauri won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 but small errors have now surfaced in the 3,000-page report.

However, here are some facts that have not changed:

1. Do the U.N. climate panel's errors mean there is no threat from climate change?

The panel's errors were only related to the intensity of climate change.

For over two decades, scientists have consistently found that climate change is happening, and it's caused by human activity.

2.  Are the Himalayan glaciers melting or not?

The Himalayan glaciers are retreating, but the exact rate of retreat is still uncertain. India's Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh was one of the first to argue that the 2035 forecast was "not based on an iota of scientific evidence," but he confirms the Himalayan glaciers "are indeed receding and the rate is cause for great concern."

3. Who will be impacted by climate change?

Everyone. Lesser developed countries and small island states will be hit hardest and fastest. But rich nations are not immune to the violent weather, drought, disease, famine, mass migrations, and wars that will be caused if we don't stop climate change.

Thus:

The science is clear. Climate change is real, is happening now and is caused by people.

Source: TOI, Greenpeace

Removal of 10th boards: yay ?or nay?

The announcement for X’th standard Board Examination as optional with grading system for assessment in class room has evoked mixed reactions.

Some people are happy that it saves the students from the burden of one board examination. 

At the same time the critics want to know whether it is possible for assessment at class level where the class teacher is assumed to be impartial especially in a society where divisions based on caste, class and religion are still visible? Will there be uniformity of assessment throughout the country? Compare this with a board exam based on a set of syllabus and the answer papers corrected by teachers who do not know any identity of the student.

Thus, there is a need to define quality of education, delivery mechanisms and impartial systems of grading.

Aman Ki Asha-Hope for Peace

Aman Ki Asha, a peace initiative campaign by TOI & the Jang group- the two leading media houses of India & Pakistan, aimed to discuss the core and non-core issues that have resulted in a state of mistrust between the two countries for the past 60 years. It also intends to promote the economic, cultural and educational benefits that an honorable and durable peace between the two neighbors will bring. The campaign was launched on New Years Day and the reason behind was that this year would indicate a change in Indo-Pak Relations. Major Events took place- such as T.V. commercials spoke about the objectives for about 2 months and a musical concert by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Kailash Kher with various other artists at Old Fort was organized as part of their campaign.

The question that is on everyone’s minds is that-will all this really help in getting the two countries together. Will Aman Ki Asha be successful in building the bridge between the people of two nations?