What is the News ?

As part of the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR), the Ministry of Education is encouraging states to establish Vidya Samiksha Kendras (VSKs).

Facts About:

• Vidya Samiksha Kendra, abbreviated as VSKs, serves as a comprehensive data repository housing information from all Ministry of Education (MoE) initiatives.
• These Kendras operate control rooms responsible for collecting data, monitoring key performance indicators, and employing AI and machine learning to analyze data sourced from government schemes.

This repository regularly updates data from various sources, including:

• The PM-POSHAN mid-day meal programs.
• Teacher training data sourced from the National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement portal.
• Textbook content originating from Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing.
• School attendance and dropout statistics accessible through the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+).
• Students' learning outcomes as determined by the National Achievement Survey.
• The Performance Grading Index, evaluating the state and union territory-level school education systems.

Funding for this initiative includes a central allocation ranging from 2 to 5 crore rupees to each state for the adoption and establishment of VSKs.

What is the News ?

The Phanigiri artefacts, which were found in 1942 and date back to 200 BCE-400 CE, are currently showcased at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Facts About:

• The Phanigiri Buddhist site is a significant discovery in Buddhist iconography in this era.
• Phanigiri, a small village located in Telangana, is where these artefacts were unearthed.

Key Discoveries:

• The thoranas found at Phanigiri hold great importance, especially because they are some of the earliest ones discovered south of Sanchi.
• One particular thorana has a panel that depicts both Mahayana and Hinayana schools of Buddhist thought.
• Evidence from Phanigiri indicates the transformation of Buddha's status, marking a transition from a historical and spiritual figure to canonization and ritualization.
• In the monograph of this discovery, you can find an image of Buddha wearing what appears to be a Roman toga, carved in limestone.

What is the News ?

Gene-drive technology has been employed in India, Brazil, and Panama under carefully controlled outdoor conditions to genetically modify mosquitoes.

Facts About:

• Gene-drive technology is a form of genetic engineering that involves the modification of genes.
• This groundbreaking technique was conceptualized by Professor Austin Burt from Imperial College London.
• Its potential lies in effectively addressing issues posed by pest species, such as malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
• Rather than adhering strictly to Mendelian genetics principles, this method ensures the selective inheritance of specific genes by mosquitoes.

Here's how it works:

• A protein precisely cleaves the mosquito's DNA at a specific location that doesn't encode a particular sequence in the genome.
• This action triggers a natural cellular mechanism to repair the DNA, compelling the incorporation of a designated sequence known as the 'drive sequence' into the repaired region.

What is the News ?

Recently, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has requested fintech organizations to establish a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO).

Facts About:

• A Self-Regulatory Organization is an independent entity, not affiliated with the government, responsible for formulating and enforcing industry-specific rules and standards that govern the behavior of its member entities.
• The primary objectives are safeguarding customers' interests and fostering a culture of ethics, fairness, and professionalism within the industry.

Key Functions of an SRO:

• Facilitating Communication: A recognized SRO serves as a vital bridge for communication between its members and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

                        This ensures a seamless flow of information and feedback.

• Setting Standards: SROs play a pivotal role in establishing and upholding minimum benchmarks and standards.

                        This helps in cultivating professional and ethical conduct among their member entities.

• Education and Awareness: SROs contribute to enhancing industry expertise by providing training to the staff of their members and other relevant stakeholders.

                        They also organize awareness programs to disseminate knowledge.

• Grievance Resolution: An important function of an SRO is to create a uniform framework for addressing grievances and managing disputes across its member organizations, promoting fairness and transparency.

What is the News ?

The Eastern Economic Forum, taking place in the Russian port city of Vladivostok, will be graced by the presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

Facts About:

The EEF, established in 2015, serves as a catalyst for attracting foreign investments into the Russian Far East (RFE). It effectively showcases the economic potential of the region, favorable business conditions, and enticing investment opportunities.

• The significance of the EEF is underlined by the remarkable increase in agreements signed during the forum, surging from 217 in 2017 to a staggering 380 agreements in 2021, valued at 3.6 trillion roubles.

These agreements span various sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, mineral exploration, construction, industry, and agriculture.

Key Players:

• In the RFE, China, South Korea, Japan, and India emerge as pivotal players, with China leading the pack as the largest investor.
• China recognizes the potential for advancing its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Polar Sea Route in the RFE, accounting for a substantial 90% of total investments in the region.

Objectives:

• Russia's strategic vision for the RFE involves linking the nation to the bustling Asian trade routes.
• Through rapid modernization efforts in cities such as Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita, and more, Russia aims to attract increased investments to fortify its economic resilience amidst challenges like economic crises and sanctions, with support from China and other Asian powers.