PIB Summary- 20th December, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

National Geoscience Data Repository Portal

Context
The Union Ministry of Mines is to launch the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal on 19th December 2023 in a ceremony in New Delhi.

National Geoscience Data Repository Portal:

• An extensive online platform designed for the retrieval, distribution, and analysis of geospatial information throughout India.
• The initiation of the NGDR project was led by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N).
• Marks a substantial advancement in the democratization of crucial geoscience data, providing stakeholders in various industries and academia with unparalleled access to invaluable resources.

Geological Survey of India (GSI):

• Founded in 1851 with the primary objective of locating coal deposits for the Railways.

Evolution and Growth:

• Has evolved into a repository of geo-science information with international repute.

Functions:

• Primarily focused on creating and updating national geoscientific information.
• Conducts mineral resource assessment.

Role:

• Provides objective, impartial, and current geological expertise.
• Offers geoscientific information crucial for policy-making decisions, commercial activities, and socio-economic needs.

Documentation and Surveys:

• Emphasizes systematic documentation of geological processes, encompassing both surface and subsurface aspects in India and its offshore areas.
• Conducts geological, geophysical, and geochemical surveys using advanced and cost-effective methodologies.

Ministry Affiliation:

• An attached office of the Ministry of Mines.

Headquarters:

• Located in Kolkata.

Regional Presence:

• Six regional offices in Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong, and Kolkata.
• State unit offices established across the country.

National Importance:

• Plays a vital role in the development and utilization of geological information for various sectors in the country.

SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams) Portal

Context
The Ministry of Education (MoE) recently said they would write to all states to encourage aspirants to utilise the newly launched portal for exam preparation, SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams).

SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams) Portal: Empowering Students for Success

• Launched by the Ministry of Education, SATHEE is a pioneering initiative designed to offer a free learning and assessment platform for students preparing for competitive examinations.

Objectives:

• Provide free training and coaching for competitive exams, addressing the financial constraints faced by many students.
• Bridge the gap for those unable to afford costly entrance exam guidance.
• Facilitate preparation for a range of exams, including JEE, NEET, CAT, GATE, UPSC, etc.
• Offer materials and support in multiple languages to ensure accessibility across diverse regions of India.

Key Features:

Multilingual Support:

• Offers preparation materials in English, Hindi, and regional languages to cater to a broader student base.

Expert Faculty Videos:

• Features videos created by faculty members from prestigious institutions such as IITs and IISC.
• Aids students in learning concepts, revising weak topics, and preparing for competitive exams.

Utilization of Prutor AI:

• Integrates an indigenously developed AI program called Prutor, originating from IIT-Kanpur.

Comprehensive Exam Coverage:

• Covers preparation materials for a variety of exams, including JEE and NEET, as well as broader exams like CAT, GATE, and UPSC.

Webinars and Motivational Content:

• Offers webinars on exam preparation ideas, featuring success stories, motivational sessions, and collaborative problem-solving sessions (Solve with me).

Empowering Student Success:

• SATHEE serves as a holistic platform, combining educational resources, expert guidance, and motivational content to empower students on their journey towards academic success.