UPSC QUIZ 29.09.2023

Explanation:

• In a special session of Parliament, the Parliament Standing Committee on Education, presented a comprehensive report on the "Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Higher Education.
• "The report examined the progress and challenges in implementing this significant policy shift in India's higher education sector.

Diversity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

• The report emphasized that a significant portion of India's higher education system operates under State Acts, with 70% of universities falling under this category.
• Furthermore, 94% of students are enrolled in State or private institutions, leaving just 6% in Central higher educational institutions.
• This underscores the critical role played by States in providing higher education.

Explanation:

The scheme support for exemption from duties and taxes on exported products, which was notified till 30 September 2023, is now being extended till 30 June 2024 at the same rates for existing export goods.

RoDTEP Scheme

• The Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) has emerged as a critical tool in supporting India's exporters.
• It became operational on 1st January 2021 replacing the existing export incentive scheme, Merchandise Exports from India (MEIS).
• This change was prompted by a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that determined the MEIS scheme's violation of WTO regulations due to its provision of export subsidies for a broad spectrum of goods.

Explanation:

• Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has embarked on a mission to raise awareness about career opportunities among the youth in Northeastern India.
• To achieve this goal, MSIL has joined hands with the Indian Navy for the ‘Khamree Mo Sikkim’ outreach program, a collaborative effort dedicated to the progress and well-being of the region.

Inspiring Youth for Navy Careers

• The program’s primary objective is to enlighten and inspire the youth about the abundant career prospects within the Navy. It aims to create a sense of aspiration and reinforce bonds with the local communities in the Northeast.

Explanation:

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently issued a gazetted notification, introducing amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules. These changes have a significant impact on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with FCRA licenses and individuals who receive foreign contributions.

FCRA Amendment Rules, 2023

• In a notification, the Ministry of Home Affairs invoked Section 48 of the FCRA to make necessary rule changes.
• These amendments are officially titled “Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2023” and are effective upon their publication in the Official Gazette.

Explanation:

• Marwar International Center was inaugurated by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Jodhpur.
• It aims to deliver on the government's commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of every region of the state and promoting intellectual exchange.
• As part of this effort, town halls are being constructed in many districts across Rajasthan.
• Notable establishments in Jaipur include the Rajasthan International Center and the Constitution Club.
• Inspired by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Social Sciences has also been established.
• Additionally, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) centers are under construction at a cost of Rs 100 crore in four districts including Jodhpur.

MICE Center in Rajasthan

• MICE centers are being developed to promote the tourism sector in Rajasthan.
• These centers will facilitate international-level conferences and exhibitions in popular tourist destinations like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ajmer.
• Plans for these centers were announced in the budget for 2023-24.