India to hold online exam on cow science

INDIA will hold a mass nationwide online “cow science” exam next month, in the latest push by the government to promote and protect the sacred animal, officials said last Wednesday (6).

The hour-long test on February 25, open to children and adults as well as foreigners, comprises 100 multiple-choice questions in Hindi, English and 12 regional languages. The aim is to assess the public’s knowledge and “sensitise and educate” them, according to the RKA cow protection agency created by prime minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

“Certificates will be given to all. Successful meritorious candidates will be given prizes and certificates,” the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said. “The cow is full of science and economics. People are not aware of the true economic and scientific value of the animal,” RKA chief Vallabhbhai Kathiria said.

Accompanying study material released by the RKA includes information on different breeds of cow, as well as the theory that slaughtering animals causes earthquakes.

Modi’s government has made cows a top priority and invested millions of dollars in programmes to protect the animal and research the uses for bovine dung and urine.

Cow slaughter and eating beef has become illegal in many parts of the country, while sentences elsewhere have increased.

Last Tuesday (5), the state of Karnataka amended its cow protection law to give police increased powers to search and arrest anyone without a warrant if suspected of cow slaughter.

The state government, controlled by BJP, enhanced jail terms to seven years and fines to `1 million (£10,037) for offenders.