16 Mar 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.  Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT)
2. ANTI-PIRACY OPERATIONS AGAINST PIRATE SHIP MV RUEN BY INDIAN NAVY

1. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT)

Syllabus: GS-2, Social justice

Prelims: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT)

Context: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, is conducting the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram on 17th March 2024.

• Approximately 37 lakh learners across 23 states will participate in this nationwide assessment to evaluate foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Test Details

• FLNAT will be conducted in all districts of participating states/UTs, with District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and Government/aided schools serving as test centres.
• The assessment comprises three subjects: Reading, Writing, and Numeracy, each carrying 50 marks, totaling 150 marks.
• Developed to evaluate foundational literacy and numeracy skills of registered non-literate learners.

Previous Assessments

• Two FLNATs were conducted in 2023, in March and September, certifying a total of 36,00,870 learners.
• The test is conducted in regional languages, aligning with NEP 2020’s focus on promoting multilingualism and using the mother tongue or local language as the medium of instruction.

Significance of FLNAT

• FLNAT plays a crucial role in assessing the impact of teaching-learning sessions under ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
• Some UTs, including Chandigarh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and Goa, aim to achieve 100% literacy through FLNAT.
• Qualifying learners will receive certificates issued by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), recognizing their foundational literacy and numeracy skills

2. ANTI-PIRACY OPERATIONS AGAINST PIRATE SHIP MV RUEN BY INDIAN NAVY

Syllabus: GS-2, International relations

Prelims: ANTI-PIRACY OPERATIONS

Context: Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata, deployed in the Arabian Sea, intercepted the pirate ship MV Ruen on March 16, 2024, thwarting the designs of Somali pirates attempting to hijack ships transiting through the region.

Operation Details

• The operation lasted over 40 hours, involving sustained high-tempo operations by INS Kolkata.
• MV Ruen, hijacked in December 2023 by Somali pirates, was under their control until intercepted by INS Kolkata.
• Indian Navy, as part of Maritime Security Operations, conducts extensive surveillance in the region, monitoring traffic in Areas of Interest.
• INS Kolkata, directed based on surveillance information, intercepted MV Ruen approximately 260 Nautical miles East of Somalia.

Engagement and Resolution

• Kolkata confirmed the presence of armed pirates through a ship-launched drone, which was shot down by the pirates.
• In a calibrated response, Kolkata disabled the ship’s steering system and navigational aids, forcing MV Ruen to stop.
• Precisely measured actions and forceful negotiations by INS Kolkata led to the surrender of the pirates, who released MV Ruen and its original crew.

Augmentation and Conclusion

• The anti-piracy operation was augmented by the deployment of INS Subhadra and air-dropping of Marine Commandos (PRAHARS) by C-17 aircraft.
• Surveillance of the pirate vessel was maintained through HALE RPA and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
• All 35 Somali pirates surrendered without any injury to the 17 original crew members of MV Ruen.
• MV Ruen’s seaworthiness will be assessed, and it will be safely brought to India, carrying approximately 37,800 tons of cargo.

Significance

• The successful culmination of the operation highlights Indian Navy’s commitment to reinforcing peace and stability in the region.
• It underscores the Indian Navy’s role as the ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), deterring piracy resurgence.

Read previous PIB articles here.