2nd January 2021 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS EXAM

In News: Eight beaches in India have been awarded the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ certification by an eminent international jury.

– Accorded by Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark. 

– Launched in 2018

Aim: Sustainable development of coastal regions.

– This flags have been hoisted on country’s eight beaches that have this certification.

Jury comprises : 

1. Members of the UNEP

2. United Nations World Tourism Organization

3. Foundation for Environmental Education 

4. IUCN

– It has also implemented the Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Services programme.

R P Tiwari Committee

– UGC has set up a 7 member committee headed by R P Tiwari.

– Aim: It will consider the issue of holding common entrance test at undergraduate (UG) level.

– Implements: From the next academic year in central universities to provide a single platform for admission.

– The new National Education Policy NEP advocates reducing the number of entrance tests.

Procedure: 

– Conduct a common aptitude test as well as specialised common exams for different disciplines.

– Tests at least twice a year

Ramgopal Rao Committee

– Appointed by Ministry of Education 

– Committee: Headed by IIT-Delhi V Ramgopal Rao

– Aim: To suggest measures for implementing reservation in student admissions and faculty recruitment in IITs.

Recommendations: 

– 23 IITs should be exempted from reservations altogether under the CEI Act, 2019.

– IITs should be added to the list of “Institutions of Excellence”.