UPSC EXAM QUIZ 07.12.2024

Explanation:

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated efforts to uncover the remnants of an 80-pillar assembly hall at the Mauryan archaeological site of Kumhrar, Patna.
• The initiative promises to rekindle global interest in the Mauryan empire and its contributions to art and architecture.

Key Facts About the 80-Pillar Assembly Hall of Kumhrar

• Historical Importance: 80-Pillar Assembly Hall of Kumhrar, is linked to the Mauryan empire (321–185 BCE), one of ancient India’s greatest dynasties.
• Emperor Ashoka (268–232 BCE) is believed to have convened the 3rd Buddhist Council in this hall, aiming to unify the fragmented Buddhist sangha and propagate Dhamma (Buddhist teachings).
• This event was pivotal in shaping Buddhism as a global religion.
• The site reaffirms Pataliputra(Mauryan capital) role as a political and cultural hub of the Mauryan empire.

Explanation:

• United States has approved a potential $1.17 billion deal to sell support systems for MH-60R multi-role helicopters to India under its Foreign Military Sales programme.
• The Indian Navy will commission the first squadron of MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters at INS Garuda in Kochi in March 2024.
• These are part of a $2.6 billion Foreign Military Sales deal for 24 Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

MH-60R Helicopters

• Maritime version: The MH-60R is the maritime version of the Black Hawk helicopter. It was purchased under a Foreign Military Sales contract for 24 helicopters with the US government in February 2020.

Explanation:

• Nepal signed a framework agreement with China to advance Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• The agreement comes seven years after the initial agreement in 2017, marking a significant step towards implementing infrastructure projects under China’s global connectivity programme.

Key points of agreement between Nepal and China under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

• Concrete steps on BRI: Nepal has now signed a new framework agreement after joining BRI in 2017, which provides a concrete framework for the implementation of the projects.
• Agreement on Trans-Himalayan Network: Both countries have expressed their willingness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMDCN).
• Expansion of connectivity: The network focuses on enhancing connectivity in areas such as ports, roads, railways, aviation, power grids, and telecommunications.

Explanation:

• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced an initiative called “World First Challenge” which aims to encourage innovative solutions to pressing health issues.
• The initiative aims to promote novel, unique ideas and to spur the discovery and development of critical health technologies, including vaccines, drugs and diagnostics.
• The proposals require bold, impactful global health research concepts, not ‘incremental innovations’ or ‘procedural innovations’. The goal of the high-risk, high-reward challenges is to achieve revolutionary biomedical breakthroughs despite potential failures.
• The proposal can be submitted by individuals or teams from one or more institutions, which will be evaluated by a select committee of experts.
• Recently, ICMR has formalized agreements under its ‘Phase 1 Clinical Trials for Network’, which includes collaborations to develop treatments for various diseases such as multiple myeloma and Zika virus.
• The initiative aims to make India a leader in the clinical development of pharmaceutical agents and innovative health solutions.
• ICMR is the apex body for generating, coordinating and promoting biomedical research in India.
• It is under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW)

Explanation:

• For the first time in 15 years, Indian students accounted for 29.4% of international students in the US, more than all other countries combined.
• India (now with 277,398 students) has regained its position as the leading source of international students in the US, overtaking China.
• This academic year (2023-24) saw 331,602 Indian students enroll, up 23% from the previous year.
• Indian students lead graduate enrollment (masters and PhD levels) for the second consecutive year, rising 19% to 196,567.
• Graduate enrollment also rose 13% to a total of 36,053, while non-graduate students fell 28% to 1,426.
• The total number of international students in the US has reached 1,126,690 for the 2023-24 academic year, representing a 7% increase over the previous year.
• The primary funding sources for international students include personal and family funds (54.5%), current employment (21.8%), and US college or university funding (19.0%).

Initiatives by Government of India

• Education Services and Internationalisation of Higher Education (ES-IHE)- Champion Service Sector Scheme (CSSS).
• Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC).