Current Affairs Reverse Engineering- CARE (13-08-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity and Governance: NIRF Ranking 2024: IIT Madras retains spot as best institution for sixth year |
| Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches ‘Amrit Gyan Kosh’ and ‘Faculty Development’ Portals under Mission Karmayogi |
| International Relations: India- Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise Mitra Shakti Commences in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka |
| Australia, U.S., U.K. sign nuclear transfer deal for AUKUS submarines |
| Science and Technology: Science and Technology Ministry withdraws support from Kalinga Prize |
NIRF Ranking 2024: IIT Madras retains spot as best institution for sixth year
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/education/colleges/nirf-ranking-2024-list/article68515901.ece
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance
Context National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
Why in News
- The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2024 has just been released, highlighting the top educational institutions in India across various categories.
Overall Top Institutions
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras – This institution has been ranked the best in India for the sixth consecutive year since 2019. It has also maintained the top spot in engineering for the ninth year in a row since 2016.
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru – This institution tops both the university and research categories, holding these positions since 2016 and 2021 respectively.
- IIT, Bombay – Ranks third overall and is recognized as the best institution for innovation.
Specialized Categories
- Engineering: IIT Madras leads, followed by IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay.
- Management: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad is the top institute, with IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode coming next.
- Medical Sciences: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi is the best, maintaining the top position for seven years.
- Pharmacy: Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi is ranked first.
- Dental Science: Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai holds the top spot.
- Architecture and Planning: IIT Roorkee leads for the fourth consecutive year.
- Law: National Law School of India University, Bengaluru is the best law school, holding the top position for seven years.
- Agriculture and Allied Sectors: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi is the top institution.
- State Public Universities: Anna University, Chennai tops this category.
- Open Universities: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi is ranked first.
- Skill Universities: Symbiosis Skill and Professional University, Pune is the top institution.
Notable Trends
- Increased Participation: 6,517 institutions participated in this year’s rankings, a notable increase from previous years.
- Future Considerations: The Ministry is considering adding sustainability as a ranking criterion and including institutions from neighboring countries to broaden the framework.
- Top 100 Institutions: The list includes a mix of State public universities, private deemed universities, IITs, NITs, and other types of institutions.
Notable Ranks
- Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia – Second and third in the university category.
- Jadavpur University and Savitribai Phule Pune University – Second and third in the State public universities category.
- St. Stephen’s College and Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira – Shared third place in the colleges category.
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad and Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani – Second and third in pharmaceutical studies.
- National Law University, New Delhi and Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad – Second and third in law.
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
- The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aimed at ranking institutions of higher education in India.
- Established in 2015, the NIRF assesses and ranks institutions across various parameters to help students, parents, and educators make informed decisions about higher education.
Objectives of NIRF:
- Transparency: Provide a transparent and standardized method to rank institutions based on specific criteria.
- Guidance: Offer guidance to students and stakeholders about the quality of institutions and their programs.
- Improvement: Encourage institutions to improve their standards and practices by creating a competitive environment.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
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Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (2012)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only Ans: (d) |
| Answer 1– A
Explanation –
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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches ‘Amrit Gyan Kosh’ and ‘Faculty Development’ Portals under Mission Karmayogi
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2044561
UPSC Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: Cauvery water dispute
Why in News
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches ‘Amrit Gyan Kosh’ Portal and ‘Faculty Development portal’ at the Civil Service Training Institutions Convention at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Amrit Gyan Kosh Portal
- Purpose: This knowledge portal aims to centralize and make accessible a repository of India-centric case studies and learning resources.
- Significance: It emphasizes the need for indigenous knowledge rather than relying primarily on Western sources. This shift is intended to provide civil servants with resources that are more relevant to the Indian context, enhancing their understanding and application of policies suited to local needs.
Faculty Development Portal
- Purpose: This initiative focuses on improving the quality of teaching within civil service training institutions. It addresses the fact that being a practitioner does not necessarily equate to being an effective educator.
- Significance: By enhancing faculty development, the portal aims to ensure that trainers are better equipped to deliver knowledge and skills to civil servants, thereby improving the overall quality of training.
Mission Karmayogi Bharat and National Capacity Building Commission
- It is meant to be a comprehensive post-recruitment reform of the Centre’s human resource development. Similar to pre-recruitment changes in the form of the National Recruitment Agency.
- It is aimed at building a future-ready civil service with the right attitude, skills and knowledge, aligned to the vision of New India.
- It aims to prepare Indian civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, imaginative, proactive, innovative, progressive, professional, energetic, transparent, and technology-enabled.
- Objective: These initiatives are designed to modernize and enhance civil service training. They focus on continuous learning and competency-driven capacity building.
- Achievements:
- Integration with Governance: Despite initial skepticism, these initiatives have become integral to the governance framework, contributing to the concept of ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance.’
- Training Reach: Dr. Singh highlighted that 31 lakh government employees are trained annually under these programs.
Accreditation and Quality Improvement Plans
- Accreditation: Over 140 training institutes have been accredited, reflecting a move towards higher standards and more effective civil service training.
- Quality Improvement Plan (QIP): The introduction of 13 QIPs represents a structured approach to continually enhance the performance of training institutions.
Recognition of Top CSTIs
- Top Institutions: The institutes with the highest number of courses on the Integrated Government Online Training (IGoT) platform were recognized, including:
- Institute of Secretariat Training and Management
- National Telecommunications Institute for Policy Research, Innovation and Training
- Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy
- National Institute of Communication Finance
- SVP National Police Academy
Vision for Future
- Continuous Learning: Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of ongoing learning and adaptability in civil service.
- Sector Collaboration: He also urged other sectors to collaborate and embrace similar reforms, drawing parallels between the success of the CBC and the space sector after it was opened to non-government entities.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||
Q2. Match the Following:
Options: a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C b) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B c) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A d) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B |
Q. Consider the following: (2022)
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?
Ans: d |
| Answer 2 A
Explanation
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India- Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise Mitra Shakti Commences In Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2044570
UPSC Relevance: GS2- International Relations
Context: Military Exercise Mitra Shakti
Why in News
- The 10th edition of India- Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI commenced today, at Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.
Overview of the Exercise
- Name and Edition: The exercise is called MITRA SHAKTI, and this is its 10th edition.
- Location and Dates: It is being held at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka, from 12th to 25th August 2024.
- Frequency and Rotation: MITRA SHAKTI is an annual joint military training event that alternates between India and Sri Lanka. The previous edition was held in Pune, India, in November 2023.
Participating Forces
- Indian Contingent: The Indian side is represented by Battalion of Rajputana Rifles and other personnel from various arms and services. This contingent consists of 106 personnel.
- Sri Lankan Contingent: The Sri Lankan side is represented by personnel from the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army.
Objectives of the Exercise
- Enhanced Military Capability: The main aim is to improve the joint military capability of both India and Sri Lanka. Specifically, it focuses on counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario, which involves dealing with unconventional threats such as terrorism.
- UN Mandate: The exercise is conducted under the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate, which pertains to actions that can be taken to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Focus Areas
- Operational Environment: The exercise emphasizes operations in semi-urban environments, which are complex and require coordination between different military units.
- Tactical Drills: A variety of tactical drills will be practiced, including:
- Response to a Terrorist Action: Techniques and strategies to address terrorist threats.
- Establishment of a Joint Command Post: Setting up a central command for coordinating operations.
- Intelligence & Surveillance Centre: Establishing facilities for gathering and analyzing intelligence.
- Securing a Helipad/Landing Site: Operations to secure and manage critical landing sites for helicopters.
- Small Team Insertion & Extraction: Techniques for inserting and extracting small teams into and out of areas of operation.
- Special Heliborne Operations: Advanced operations involving helicopters.
- Cordon & Search Operations: Procedures for cordoning off areas and conducting searches.
- Employment of Drones and Counter Drone Systems: Using drones for surveillance and countering enemy drones.
Outcomes and Benefits
- Sharing Best Practices: The exercise provides an opportunity for both countries to exchange and learn best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations.
- Interoperability: It enhances the ability of the two armies to work together effectively.
- Camaraderie and Cooperation: The exercise fosters camaraderie and strengthens defense cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
- Bilateral Relations: It contributes to improving and maintaining strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
Mitra Shakti
- The exercise aims to build and promote positive relations between armies of India and Sri Lanka for counter-insurgency & counter-terrorism operations in the urban and rural environment under United Nations mandate.
- The joint exercise also aims for incorporating the current dynamics of United Nations peacekeeping operations through practical & comprehensive discussions and tactical exercises.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): The India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise Mitra Shakti is aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of both armies for conventional warfare. Reason (R): The Mitra Shakti exercise is held to focus on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, specifically in semi-urban and rural environments. Options:
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Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? (2022)
(a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea. (b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea. (c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities. (d) Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them. Ans: (b) |
| Answer 3– D
Explanation –
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Australia, U.S., U.K. sign nuclear transfer deal for AUKUS submarines
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: AUKUS
Why in News
- Australia signed a deal to allow the exchange of nuclear secrets and material with the United States and Britain, a key step toward equipping its navy with nuclear-powered submarines.
Overview
- Date and Signing: The agreement was signed on August 12, 2024, and tabled in the Australian parliament on the same day.
- Parties Involved: Australia, the United States, and Britain.
Purpose and Scope:
- Objective: The deal facilitates the exchange of nuclear material and knowledge essential for equipping the Royal Australian Navy with nuclear-powered submarines.
- AUKUS Accord: This agreement is part of the broader AUKUS security pact established in 2021. AUKUS aims to enhance military cooperation between the three nations, including the development of advanced warfighting technologies and nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.
Details of the Agreement
- Nuclear Material Transfer: The deal allows for the transfer of nuclear material in the form of “complete, welded power units” from the U.S. and Britain to Australia.
Responsibilities:
- Australia: Will be responsible for the storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.
- Partners: The U.S. and Britain will be indemnified against any liabilities related to nuclear risks arising from the transferred material.
Strategic Importance
- Submarines: Nuclear-powered submarines are critical for Australia’s naval strategy, offering enhanced surveillance capabilities and protection of maritime approaches.
- This aligns with the strategic goal of countering increasing Chinese military influence in the Pacific region.
Non-Proliferation and Safety
- Standards: Australia aims to uphold the “highest non-proliferation standards,” emphasizing that it does not seek nuclear weapons but rather seeks to leverage nuclear technology for submarine propulsion.
- Safety Measures: The agreement includes strict protocols for handling nuclear material to mitigate proliferation risks and ensure safety.
China’s Concern:
- Reaction: China has expressed significant concerns about the AUKUS pact, including the latest nuclear material transfer deal.
AUKUS Grouping
- AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific, between Australia, the UK and the US (AUKUS) which was signed in 2021.
- The major highlight of this arrangement is the sharing of US nuclear submarine technology to Australia.
- Its Indo-pacific orientation makes it an alliance against China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.
- It involves a new architecture of meetings and engagements between the three countries, as well as cooperation across emerging technologies (applied AI, quantum technologies and undersea capabilities).
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Australia has signed a new agreement with the United States and Britain to facilitate the transfer of nuclear material and technology as part of the AUKUS security pact. Which of the following statements is/are correct based on the above information?
Options:
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Q. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (2020)
(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey (b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand (c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam (d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea Ans: (a) |
| Answer 4 C
Explanation
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Science and Technology Ministry withdraws support from Kalinga Prize
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3- -Science and Technology
Context: UNESCO Kalinga Prize for Popularisation of Science
Why in news
The Science and Technology Ministry has withdrawn its contribution to the prestigious UNESCO Kalinga Prize for Popularisation of Science.
UNESCO Kalinga Prize- Establishment and History
- Inception: The UNESCO Kalinga Prize for Popularisation of Science was established in 1951 through a donation from the Kalinga Foundation Trust, founded by Odisha’s former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
- Significance: It is UNESCO’s oldest award and represents a prestigious recognition for contributions to the popularization of science.
Award Components
- Cash Prize: US$ 40,000.
- Kalinga Chair: An additional cash component of US$ 5,000 is provided, and the winner is invited to India for a period of two to four weeks to interact with scientists and science communicators.
- Funding Sources: In addition to the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Kalinga Foundation and the state government of Odisha also contribute to the prize.
Selection and Administration
- Selection Process: The winner is selected by the Director-General of UNESCO, based on recommendations from a jury of five members.
- Administration: The Science Analysis and Policies Division of UNESCO administers the award.
- Award Ceremony: It is held during World Science Day celebrations in Budapest, with the award being presented alternately by UNESCO and India.
Withdrawal of Contribution
- Decision: The Indian Ministry of Science and Technology has decided to withdraw its annual contribution to the Kalinga Prize. This decision is part of a broader move to ‘rationalize’ and consolidate various science awards.
- Rationalization: Last year, the government introduced a new set of science awards called the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, intended to replace existing awards, including the Kalinga Prize and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards.
Protests
- Naveen Patnaik’s Response: Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has protested the withdrawal, arguing that the Kalinga Prize is not only a symbol of Odia pride but also has a significant legacy and international recognition.
- He has written to the current Science and Technology Minister, Jitendra Singh, to restore support for the prize.
Current Status:
- Contribution for the Year: The contribution for the current year had already been released before the decision to withdraw was finalized.
- Official Response: An official response from the Science Ministry regarding this decision was pending at the time of reporting.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements with regards to UNESCO Kalinga Prize:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
|
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018)
Tradition State
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
Ans b |
| Answer 5 A
Explanation
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