Daily Current Affairs : 5-December-2023

Eight years after its inception and a brief hiatus during the COVID period, the Education Ministry is all set to relaunch the fourth phase of the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN). This initiative aims to bring in distinguished scholars from around the world to impart knowledge at Indian universities.

Key Details
  • Financial Incentives: Foreign faculty members engaged in GIAN receive $8000 (₹7 lakh) for a week of teaching and $12,000 (₹12 lakh) for conducting a two-week course.
  • Distribution of Courses: Among the 1,772 courses, 39% were conducted at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), while the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) hosted 24.6% of the lectures. State universities, however, accounted for only 10.8% of the courses.
  • Diverse Venues: Apart from IITs and NITs, courses were held at various institutions, including Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Indian Institute of Sciences (IISC), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), management institutes, Central universities, and engineering colleges under the All India Council of Technical Education.
  • Global Participation: Of the academics visiting India, 41.4% were from the U.S., with the rest representing countries such as the U.K., Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Nordic countries, China, Japan, Taiwan, ASEAN countries, and others.
About GIAN

Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) in Higher Education

  • Aim: To tap into the global talent pool of scientists and entrepreneurs, encouraging their engagement with Indian higher education institutes.
  • Objectives:
    • Increase the presence of renowned international faculty in Indian academic institutions.
    • Provide opportunities for Indian faculty to learn and share knowledge in cutting-edge areas.
    • Enable students to learn from and collaborate with international experts.
    • Foster collaborative research with global faculty.
    • Enhance the participation of international students in Indian academic institutes.
  • Envisioned Impact: GIAN is designed to catalyze higher education institutions in India, initially encompassing IITs, IIMs, Central Universities, and IISc.
Important Points:
  • Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) Revival:
    • After an eight-year inception, GIAN’s fourth phase is set to restart, aiming to bring distinguished scholars to Indian universities.
    • The initiative briefly paused during the COVID period.
  • Financial Incentives for Foreign Faculty:
    • $8000 (₹7 lakh) for a week of teaching.
    • $12,000 (₹12 lakh) for a two-week course.
  • Distribution of Courses:
    • 39% of 1,772 courses at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
    • 24.6% at National Institutes of Technology (NITs).
    • State universities hosted only 10.8% of the courses.
  • Diverse Venues for Courses:
    • Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs).
    • Indian Institute of Sciences (IISC).
    • Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs).
    • Management institutes.
    • Central universities.
    • Engineering colleges under the All India Council of Technical Education.
  • Global Participation:
    • 41.4% (668) of visiting academics from the U.S.
    • Other participating countries include the U.K., Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Nordic countries, China, Japan, Taiwan, ASEAN countries, and others.
  • About GIAN:
    • GIAN stands for Global Initiative of Academic Networks in Higher Education.
    • Aims to tap global talent for engagement with Indian higher education.
    • Envisaged to include IITs, IIMs, Central Universities, and IISc.
  • Objectives of GIAN:
    • Increase international faculty presence in Indian institutions.
    • Provide learning opportunities for Indian faculty in cutting-edge areas.
    • Facilitate student learning from and collaboration with global experts.
    • Foster collaborative research with international faculty.
    • Enhance the presence of international students in Indian academic institutes.
  • Envisioned Impact of GIAN:
    • Catalyze higher education institutions in India.
    • Contribute to the growth and excellence of India’s academic landscape.
Why In News

Eight years after its inception, past its brief discontinuation during the COVID period, the Education Ministry is gearing up to restart the fourth phase of the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN), reaffirming its commitment to fostering international collaboration in education and research.

MCQs about GIAN’s Impact on Indian Education

  1. What is the primary aim of the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)?
    A. To promote domestic faculty exchange
    B. To bring distinguished scholars to Indian universities
    C. To fund international research projects
    D. To facilitate student exchange programs
    Correct Answer: B. To bring distinguished scholars to Indian universities
    Explanation: GIAN aims to bring distinguished scholars from around the world to teach at Indian universities.
  2. Which category of institutions hosted the highest percentage of GIAN courses?
    A. State universities
    B. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
    C. National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
    D. Management institutes
    Correct Answer: B. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
    Explanation: The highest percentage of GIAN courses (39%) was hosted by Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
  3. What is the envisioned impact of GIAN on higher education institutions in India?
    A. Increase international student enrollment
    B. Catalyze growth in State universities
    C. Promote faculty isolation
    D. Contribute to the growth and excellence of Indian academic landscape
    Correct Answer: D. Contribute to the growth and excellence of Indian academic landscape
    Explanation: GIAN is envisioned to contribute to the growth and excellence of India’s academic landscape.

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