NEET UG Row, protecting Western Ghats, and Kanchanjunga Express crash
Jun 18, 2024
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Deeksha Teri discusses the NEET UG controversy and the committee's recommendations. Nikhil Ghanekar talks about protecting the Western Ghats' ecology. The tragic Kanchanjunga Express crash in West Bengal is also highlighted.
The NEET UG 2024 controversy highlights the need for fair evaluation processes and accountability in high-stakes exams.
Protecting the Western Ghats showcases the intricate balance between ecological conservation and economic development faced by authorities and states.
Deep dives
NEET UG 2024 Controversy and Recommendations
The NEET UG 2024 exam saw unprecedented results with 67 students scoring a perfect 720 due to grace marks awarded to over 1500 candidates. Concerns were raised regarding exam timings and question wording, leading to a normalization process similar to CLAT 2018. A high-part committee recommended canceling the scores of 1563 candidates, offering a retest or the original score. Ministry of Education and NTA are addressing the issues with retests scheduled.
Challenges in Protecting Western Ghats Ecology
The Western Ghats, an ecological hotspot, faces protection challenges due to debates on designating it as ecologically sensitive. Initial recommendations in 2010 faced opposition from states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra citing hindrances to economic development. Despite proposals to designate 37% as ecologically sensitive, finalizing regulations remains pending, reflecting the complexity in balancing conservation with economic progress.
Train Crash in West Bengal - Kanchanjangai Express Accident
A tragic train crash in West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri involved the Kanchanjangai Express colliding with a goods train, resulting in 9 fatalities and 25 injuries. Rescue efforts were hampered by heavy rain, impacting main rail links. PM Modi announced relief funds, and rescue operations involved NDRF, SDRF, and medical teams. Authorities and local support were pivotal in the response to the accident.
First, Indian Express' Deeksha Teri joins us to talk about the NEET UG 2024 controversy. She talks about the high-powered committee that was formed to look into the grace marks awarded to the candidates and whether or not it was fair to do so. She also shares the recommendations of the committee.
Next, Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar speaks to us about the Western Ghats and why protecting their ecology is of utmost importance. He also shares how parts of the Western Ghats have been identified as eco-sensitive areas but that is causing friction between the states and the authorities. (10:44)
And in the end, we talk about a tragic train accident where the Kanchanjunga Express was hit by a goods train in West Bengal, killing 9 people and leaving 25 injured. (20:29)
Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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