K Radhakrishnan Committee

Context:

A committee headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan proposed significant reforms following the recent paper leak incident concerning the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

Key Recommendations of the Committee

The committee recommends the following strategies to modernize entrance examinations:

• Online testing and hybrid models must be given priority wherever possible, while candidates can answer using traditional paper-based methods.
• Multi-stage examination for medical aspirants could help manage the large volume of applicants. 
• Streamlining Central University Entrance Test (CUET) subject choices: The committee advises a reduction in the number of subjects offered under the Central University Entrance Test (CUET). 
• Enhancing NTA staffing to improve the administration and management of exams.

Namo Drone Didi Scheme

Context:

The Union government has released the Operational Guidelines for the roll out and implementation of the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ Scheme.

Namo Drone Didi scheme

• It is a central sector scheme to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by equipping them with drone technology to provide agricultural services. 
• The scheme aims to provide drones to 15000 selected Women SHGs during the period from 2024-25 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes.

Major Components of The Operational Guidelines

Financial Support and Accessibility: Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) receive substantial financial assistance, covering 80% of the drone and accessory costs, up to Rs. 8 lakhs. For the remaining 20% of the cost, SHGs can seek loans from the National Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF) with a 3% interest subvention. 

Collaborative Effort: collaborative venture between the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Department of Rural Development, and Department of Fertilizers, along with Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) and other supporting entities.

Cluster-Based Implementation: The implementation of the scheme hinges on the right selection of the area/cluster and SHG groups in Rural Areas under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojan - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY – NRLM) where there is demand for drones to provide agriculture services.

• DAY-NRLM was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), in 2011 as an efficient and effective institutional platform for the rural poor.

Infrastructure and Support from Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs):  LFCs help in promoting the use of nano fertilizers with drones, enhancing efficiency in agricultural practices.

SIMBEX 2024

Context:

India hosted the 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) in the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam.

More on the News

This year's edition aims to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Singapore by enhancing interoperability, improving maritime domain awareness, and fostering cooperation to address common maritime challenges.

The exercise was conducted in two phases – 

• Harbour Phase (from 23 to 25 October) at Visakhapatnam. This phase included Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sail briefings between personnel from both navies.
• Sea Phase (from 28 to 29 October) in the Bay of Bengal. This phase showcased advanced naval drills, live weapon firings, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, anti-surface and anti-air operations, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.

SIMBEX, which began as 'Exercise Lion King' in 1994, has since evolved into one of the most significant bilateral maritime collaborations between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).