EDU INDIA

National Achievement Survey The National Achievement Survey (NAS) is the largest ever national assessment survey in the country and is amongst the largest in the world. NAS is a representative sample of schools from all districts in India aimed at understanding the health of the education system in government and government-aided schools. National Achievement Survey is conducted by  National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)  and supported by Ministry of Human Resource and Development. It assesses the learning levels of the students in Classes 3, 5, 8 and 10. The survey tool uses multiple test booklets in Mathematics, Modern Indian Language, English, Sciences and Social Sciences. In order to increase focus on the quality of elementary education, The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) Act, 2009 has been amended to include the reference on class-wise, subject-wise Learning Outcomes. The design and implement...

24 new sites join UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves Khangchendzonga became the 11th Biosphere Reserve to be added to UNESCO’s World Network. Related Information Biosphere reserves Biosphere reserves are sites destined to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity and human activity through the sustainable use of natural resources. One of their objectives is to give rise to innovative sustainable development practices. New reserves are designated every year by the International Co-ordinating Council for the MAB Programme, a body with a rotating elected membership of 34 UNESCO member states. Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) Programme Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. Its World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently counts 686 sites in 122 countries all ov...

1. Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 The bill, replacing the ordinance seeks to deter economic offenders from escaping the country and lays down provisions for escaped offenders to return to India and submit themselves to the process of law. Key Features: The bill empowers authorities to attach and confiscate the properties and assets of economic offenders. It seeks to target fugitives for offences exceeding ₹100 crore. The bill will extend not only to loan defaulters and fraudsters but also to individuals who violate laws governing taxes, black money, benami properties and financial corruption. All individuals attempting to evade the Indian legal process from the date of the enactment of the law will be covered. The confiscation of property will not be limited to those acquired through the proceeds or profits of the crime. The bill also provides for confiscation of benami properties. Those classified as fugitives will also not be able to pursue civil cases in India ...

Important Dates 1.  Kargil Vijay Diwas being observed today Today, the 19th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas is being celebrated in honour of the Kargil War's Heroes. On  26th July 1999 , India successfully took command of the high outposts which had been lost to Pakistani intruders. The three-day celebrations already began (on 24th July) at the Drass War Memorial in Kargil town in Jammu and Kashmir. Note: The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days, 527 soldiers from Indian Armed Forces sacrificed their lives during the war. Four Param Vir Chakras, nine Maha Vir Chakras, 53 Vir Chakras and other medals had been awarded to felicitate the Kargil War heroes. National Affairs 2.  Rajnath inaugurates the second conference of young Superintendents of Police The Union Home Minister  Rajnath Singh  has inaugurated the conference (2 nd ) of young  Superintendents of Police  (SP) in New Delhi. The theme of the conference is, 'Predic...

Defence 1.  IAF to participate in a multinational exercise in Australia     According to the IAF (Indian Air Force), An Indian Air Force contingent landed at the Darwin Air Force Base in Australia to participate in a multinational air exercise ‘Ex Pitch Black’. The IAF contingent comprised of  Su-30 MKI fighter jets  (4), C-130 (1) and C-17 transporter aircraft (1). The objective of the exercise is to practice Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA) combat, in a simulated war environment. It involves over 100 aircraft from around the globe and will provide a unique opportunity to the air-warriors to operate in a dynamic warlike environment. Note: Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) normally held in Northern Australia. The first Pitch Black exercises took place on 15-16 June 1981 between different RAAF units. International Affairs 2.  India & Uganda si...

AT Kearney FDI Confidence Index India has slipped by three notches to  11th position  in the FDI Confidence Index 2018 of global consultancy firm A T Kearney, down from 8 in 2017 and 9 in 2016. India in 2018 has fallen out of the top 10 destinations for FDI in terms of its attractiveness. The report highlighted several of the reforms — such as removing the Foreign Investment Promotion Board and liberalising FDI limits in key sectors — that have maintained India’s high rankings in terms of FDI attractiveness. The top 3 countries were: (1) United States (2) Canada (3) Germany It headquarters is in Franklin Center in Chicago, United States. Topic-GS-2- Organisations and agencies Source- Economic Times National Culture Fund As per the latest data, about Rs. 904.80 Lakhs has been received as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under NCF for development Works at Historic Monuments in last 3 yrs. Related Infor...

1. ए.टी. किर्ने एफ.डी.आई. विश्वास सूचकांक वैश्विक परामर्श कंपनी ए.टी. किर्ने के एफ.डी.आई. विश्वास सूचकांक 2018 में भारत वर्ष 2017 में 8वॆं स्थान से और वर्ष 2016 में 9वें स्थान से तीन स्थान नीचे...