Current Affairs - Survey And Index

Why is it in News?

In NIRF 2019, IIT-Madras has topped the list followed by IISC-Bangalore.

About NIRF:

• The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a methodology adopted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, to rank institutions of higher education in India.
• It was launched by MHRD in 2015.
• There are separate rankings for different types of institutions depending on their areas of operation like universities and colleges, engineering institutions, management institutions, pharmacy institutions and architecture institutions.

Methodology Adopted to Rank Institutions:

Every institution is broadly rated on five parameters:-

• This parameter is related to the core activities of any place of learning.
• Example:-Faculty Student ratio, number of faculties with PHD etc.

2. Research and Professional Practice

• It includes number of papers filed by faculty & students in International Journals, Patents, IPR etc.

3. Graduation Outcome

• This parameter forms the ultimate test of the effectiveness of the core teaching/learning in institution. It includes number of placements, average salary to students placed, students opting for higher studies etc.

4. Outreach & Inclusivity

• The Ranking framework lays special emphasis on representation of women in institutions, students from different states, students from physically handicapped domain etc.

5. Perception

• The ranking methodology gives a significant importance to the perception of the institution by its students, public & alumni etc.

Weightage Alloted to Different Parameters:

For ranking of Universities, 30% weightage is given to Teaching & Learning; Methodologies & Research; Professional Practice, while 20% weightage is given to Graduation Outcome; 10% weightage is given to Outreach; Inclusivity and Perception.

Source: nirfindia.org

Why is it in News?

The Global Report on Food Crises 2019 was jointly released by Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

Key Highlights of Report:

• As per the report, approximately 113 million people in 53 countries experienced high levels of food insecurity last year. These crises were primarily driven by conflict and climate-related factors.
• The two-third (66.66%) of the total number of people facing acute food crisis were in 8 countries namely- Yemen, Congo, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Syria, Sudan and North Nigeria.
• The report also provides a short-term forecast of food insecurity in 2019.

What is the Need of Hour?

• The report calls for increased collaboration to end conflicts, empower women, feed and educate children, improve rural infrastructure, and reinforce social safety nets in order to address the root causes of food crises caused by man-made shocks such as conflict and civil unrest.

Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO):

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. It was founded on 16^th October, 1945.
• Their goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
• It is headquartered in Rome,Italy.

Codex Alimentarius/ Food Code:

It was established by the FAO and WHO to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade.

The Codex Alimentarius, or ‘Food Code’ is a collection of internationally adopted food standards presented in a uniform manner. The main purpose is to maintain the hygiene and ensuring fair practices in food trade. These food codes deter the adulteration of food material.

Source: www.fao.org