
1% fall in test scores for every 1 degree rise in temperature in US schools: UNESCO
UNESCO's 'Education and Climate Change: Learning to Act for People and Planet' report pointed out that temperature rises during the school year has a measurable impact on student learning.'In the United States, without air conditioning, a school year hotter by 1 degrees Celsius reduced test scores by 1%,' the report noted.These effects are not evenly distributed. Students from vulnerable communities -- particularly African American and Hispanic groups -- are more likely to be affected.The report highlighted that poorer infrastructure in these communities makes it harder to cope with extreme heat.RACIAL INEQUALITY IN EDUCATIONAL IMPACTVery hot school days disproportionately impacted African American and Hispanic students, the report said. 'Poor infrastructure conditions [in schools] account for roughly 5 per cent of the racial achievement gap,' the report stated.This means that while climate change affects all students, it deepens existing racial inequalities in educational outcomes. With heat exposure adding to the systemic challenges already faced by these communities, the gap in performance continues to grow.AGING INFRASTRUCTURE IN NEED OF URGENT FIXESThe report also flagged outdated infrastructure as a major concern. 'About half of public school districts need to update or replace multiple heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems,' it said.Without significant investment in upgrading school facilities, especially in low-income areas, students will continue to face heat-related disruptions to learning. The absence of climate-resilient infrastructure places them at a long-term disadvantage.A CLIMATE CALL TO ACTIONThe UNESCO report makes it clear: rising classroom temperatures are more than just discomfort -- they are a barrier to learning. As climate events become more frequent and intense, the urgency to adapt school environments grows stronger.Investments in school infrastructure, particularly in marginalised communities, are not just about comfort -- they are critical for equity and educational success in a warming world.- Ends
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Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Modi hails Shubhanshu Shukla's return to Earth as India's new Chandrayaan moment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday likened Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's safe return to Earth from the Axiom-4 mission this month to the historic moon landing of Chandrayaan-3 in 2023. In his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, Modi said such landmark moments spark a new wave of enthusiasm across the country, especially by igniting children's curiosity about science and space. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI) 'The moment Shubhanshu landed safely back on Earth, people jumped with joy. A wave of happiness swept through every heart. The whole country was filled with pride,' Modi said in his 124th Mann Ki Baat speech. 'I still remember when Chandrayaan 3 successfully landed on the Moon in August 2023, a new atmosphere was created in the country.' 'Little children now say, we will also go to Space; we will also land on the Moon – we will become space scientists,' he said, adding that space startups have grown at a rapid speed, from less than 50 startups five years ago to over 200 now. Launched on June 25, 2025 aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, the Axiom-4 mission concluded on July 15 after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The mission was conducted in collaboration with NASA, Axiom Space and ESA, wherein Shukla and his crewmates carried out 60 experiments on medicine, agriculture, and the effect of space. India will celebrate its second National Space Day on August 23, which commemorates the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. Modi has invited citizens to share their suggestions on how the occasion should be celebrated, asking them to submit ideas on the NaMo app. Modi also highlighted recent achievements in science, including students winning medals at the International Chemistry and Mathematical Olympiads. He also noted that Mumbai will host the world's largest Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad in August, with participants from over 60 countries. He called it a sign of India's growing strength in both 'Olympics and Olympiads.' He lauded India's performance at the World Police and Fire Games held in the US, where Indian personnel won nearly 600 medals and placed among the top three out of 71 countries. He also announced that India will host the 2029 edition of the event. Shifting focus to India's cultural achievements, Modi said, 'UNESCO has recognized 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. Eleven forts in Maharashtra; one in Tamil Nadu. Each fort has a chapter of history attached to it. Every stone is a testimony to a historical event.' UNESCO's recognition highlights a defence network built by the Marathas between the 17th and 19th centuries across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. However, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) had advised deferring the nomination, saying the selected forts weren't enough to represent the full Maratha defence system and raised concerns about protection and classification. Despite this, India's bid won strong support at the World Heritage Committee session in Paris. August is the 'month of revolution,' marking several pivotal moments in India's history like Tilak's death anniversary (August 1), the Quit India Movement (August 8), Independence Day (August 15), and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (August 14), said the Prime Minister. The Swadeshi Movement of 1905 kicked off on August 7, the date we now honour as National Handloom Day. This year will mark a full decade of celebrating looms and legacy, noted the PM. Far from being just threads and textiles, the handloom sector, he said, is a sign of empowerment, weaving together women's ambition, rural enterprise, and cultural identity. As the government sets its sights on 2047, the centenary of independence, the PM's call was clear: go vocal for local, buy what's made here, stitched here, and is steeped in the sweat and skill of our own people.


Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Indian Express
Mann Ki Baat episode 124: PM Modi hails Shubhanshu Shukla's space voyage, asks people to share innovative ideas for National Space Day
In his Mann Ki Baat broadcast Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon people to share their new ideas regarding how they planned to celebrate National Space Day on August 23 on the NaMo app, adding that Shubhanshu Shukla's space journey and the success of Chandrayana-3 had led to great interest in the space sector among children in the country. 'As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on earth, people jumped with joy; a wave of happiness rippling through every heart. The entire country was filled with pride. I remember, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed in August 2023, a new ambience was created in the country. A new curiosity also arose among children about science; about space. Little children now say, we will also go to Space; we will also land on the moon – we will become space scientists.' Referring to the INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan, a campaign to promote innovation among children, Modi said that five children were selected from each school, and they brought innovative new ideas. 'So far, lakhs of children have joined this and after Chandrayaan-3, their number has doubled. Space start-ups are also growing rapidly in the country. Five years ago, there were less than 50 start-ups. Today, there are more than 200, just in the Space sector,' the PM said. He congratulated four Indian students on having won medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad recently. 'India has strengthened her image in the world of Mathematics as well. In the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Australia, our students won 3 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal. Friends, next month the Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad is going to be held in Mumbai. Students from more than 60 countries will participate in this. Scientists too will be there. This will be the biggest Olympiad till date. In a way, India is now moving ahead for both Olympics and the Olympiads,' he said. PM Modi expressed happiness that 12 Maratha forts had been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, saying India's forts offered a peek into the country's proud history. 'These forts are not just bricks and stones; they are symbols of our heritage. Sanskar and self-respect still peep from the high walls of these forts. I urge all the countrymen to visit these forts, know their history, and feel proud,' he said. Modi underlined that the coming month of August was the month of revolution, recalling many historical milestones of the month – the execution of Khudiram Bose in Muzaffarpur on August 11, 1908; the death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak on August 1; the beginning of the Quit India Movement on August 8 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, and Independence Day on August 15. He added that August 14 is also recalled as a day for remembering the horrors of Partition. 'Another revolution started on the 7th of August 1905. The Swadeshi Movement lent a new energy to local products… especially handloom. To commemorate that, the country celebrates 'National Handloom Day' on the 7th of August every year. This year, 7th August marks the completion of 10 years of 'National Handloom Day',' he said. 'Just like our Khadi gave new strength to the freedom movement during the freedom struggle, today when the country is moving towards becoming a developed India, the textile sector is turning out to be the strength of the country. In these 10 years, lakhs of people associated with this sector in different parts of the country have scripted many success stories.' Speaking on the importance of manuscripts, Modi said, 'Our festivals and traditions are a major basis of Indian culture, but there is another aspect of the liveliness of our culture – this aspect is to keep documenting our present and our past. Our real strength is the knowledge that has been preserved in the form of manuscripts for centuries. These manuscripts contain science, medical procedures, music, philosophy, and most importantly, the thought that can make the future of humanity brighter.' 'Inspired by this very thought, the Government of India has announced a historic initiative in this year's budget – 'Gyan Bharatam Mission'. Under this mission, ancient manuscripts will be digitized. Then a National Digital Repository will be created, where students and researchers from all over the world will be able to connect with India's knowledge tradition,' he said. He also referred to a Grassland Bird Census that has been conducted at Kaziranga National Park using technology. 'You will be happy to know that on account of this Census, more than 40 species of birds have been identified. These include many rare birds. You must be wondering how so many birds were identified! Technology did wonders in this. The team conducting the census installed sound recording devices. Then those sounds were analysed on the computer; AI was used. The birds were identified just by their sounds – that too without disturbing them,' Modi said. He also made a specific reference to the success of fish farming in Gumla of Jharkhand, where a surrendered Maoist had taken the initiative to make it possible with the help of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. 'Today, more than 150 families of Basia block have joined fish farming. There are many people who were once in the Naxalite organization; now they are living a life of respect in the village itself and providing employment to others,' he said. Modi congratulated Indian police personnel and fire fighters for securing 600 medals at the recent World Police and Fire Games in the US. 'By the way, it will also be interesting for you to know that in 2029 these games will be held in India. Players from all over the world will come to our country. We will showcase to them India's hospitality and introduce them to our sports culture,' he added. Modi also praised Swachh Bharat initiatives, referring to cities that had done well in the Swachh Survey conducted every year. The PM also wished the people on the coming festivals. 'Today is Hariyali Teej, then comes Nag Panchami and Raksha Bandhan, then Janmashtami, the celebration of the birth of our naughty little Kanha. All these festivities are connected to our emotions here, they also give us the message of connection and balance with nature. Many best wishes to all of you for these holy festivals,' he said.


New Indian Express
13 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Over 200 startups have come up in space sector alone, says PM Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat' address
NEW DELHI: Hailing astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's return from space, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said a new wave of curiosity about space among children is sweeping across India and noted that today more than 200 startups have come up in the space sector alone. In his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, Modi said the road to Viksit Bharat passes through self-reliance and 'vocal for local' is the strongest foundation of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. "Recently, there was a lot of discussion in the country about the return of Shubhanshu Shukla from space. As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on Earth, people jumped with joy, and a wave of happiness ran through every heart. The whole country was filled with pride," he said. A new wave of curiosity about space among children is sweeping across India, Modi said. Modi said space startups are also coming up at a fast pace in the country. "There were fewer than 50 startups five years ago. Today, there are more than 200 startups in the space sector alone," he said. Noting that National Space Day would be marked on August 23, Modi invited suggestions on how this should be celebrated. He highlighted that from Chemistry to Mathematics Olympiads, India's young minds are shining bright. Modi said it was a proud moment for every Indian that 12 Maratha forts, symbols of valour and vision, have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.