The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) recently announced the appointment of Prof Ganesan Kannabiran as its new director. The appointment took place on July 28, as per the official statement from NAAC. Prof Kannabiran brings with him a rich experience of over 30 years in the education sector, having served as a senior professor of Information Systems at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership positions, including the Dean of Research and Consultancy, and Director-in-Charge at NIT Trichy and NIT Puducherry.

Contributions at Indian Institute of Information Technology, Andhra Pradesh:

From 2018 to 2023, Prof Kannabiran served as the founding director of the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Andhra Pradesh. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in implementing the National Education Policy at the institute and worked towards fostering community development by promoting engagement with neighboring villages.

Academic and Professional Accomplishments:

Prof Ganesan Kannabiran has earned recognition and acclaim for his contributions to the field. He has been the recipient of prestigious fellowships, including the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship, Fulbright Fellowship, and British Council Study Fellowship. Furthermore, he has undertaken various projects for prominent organizations such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and UNESCO.

Diverse Research Interests:

Prof Kannabiran’s research interests span a wide range of subjects, including computer-based learning, industry 4.0, entrepreneurship development, gender equality, and data privacy, among others. He specializes in software engineering, software project management, IT consulting, and business analytics, showcasing his expertise in multiple domains.

Entrepreneurial Initiatives:

Beyond academia, Prof Kannabiran has displayed a keen interest in entrepreneurship and has founded two companies: Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Incubation (CEDI) at NIT Trichy and Gyan Circle Ventures at IIIT Sri City. These companies are dedicated to supporting and nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs.

Academic Qualifications:

Prof Ganesan Kannabiran holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems and possesses three Master’s degrees in Computer Science and Engineering, Business Administration, and Mathematics, demonstrating his multidisciplinary approach to education and research.

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC): Key Points

1. Introduction: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India. It was founded in 1994 with the purpose of assessing and accrediting institutions of higher education in the country.

2. Mandate: The primary mandate of NAAC is to assess and accredit higher education institutions (HEIs) in India to ensure quality and promote excellence in education. Accreditation by NAAC is voluntary, but it has become an essential process for institutions seeking recognition and funding from various government bodies.
3. Accreditation Process: NAAC evaluates HEIs based on a set of well-defined criteria and indicators, covering various aspects of institutional performance. The assessment is carried out through a rigorous peer review process, where a team of experts visit the institution and assess its performance against the established criteria.
4. Grading System: The NAAC assessment results in a grade awarded to the institution, ranging from ‘A++’ (highest) to ‘C’ (lowest). Institutions that do not meet the minimum criteria receive an ‘Unaccredited’ status.

5. Parameters for Assessment: NAAC’s assessment framework includes key parameters such as Curricular Aspects, Teaching-Learning and Evaluation, Research, Consultancy, and Extension, Infrastructure and Learning Resources, Student Support and Progression, Governance, Leadership, and Management, and Innovations and Best Practices.

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Nisha Biswal has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

With over 30 years of experience in US foreign policy and international development programs across the Executive Branch, Congress, and the private sector, Biswal’s nomination was put forward by President Joe Biden.

Nisha Biswal’s Current Role at the United States Chamber of Commerce

Nisha Desai Biswal is currently serving as the Senior Vice President for international strategy and global initiatives at the United States Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, she also oversees the South Asia programs, reflecting her expertise in the region.

Previous Role as President of the US-India Business Council

Before her current position, Biswal held the prestigious role of President of the US-India Business Council at the United States Chamber of Commerce. This role highlights her significant involvement in fostering business relations between the United States and India.

Her Role in the US Department of State

Biswal has a distinguished history of public service, having served as the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the United States Department of State during President Barack Obama’s administration from 2013 to 2017. Notably, she was the first South-Asian American to hold this influential position.

Recognition and Samman Award

In January 2017, Nisha Biswal was honored with the prestigious Samman Award by the President of India, recognizing her outstanding achievements and commitment to promoting bilateral ties.

The United States International Development Finance Corporation(DFC)

• The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) functions as a development finance institution and agency under the United States federal government.
• Its main focus is investing in development projects, with a primary emphasis on lower and middle-income countries. It was first authorized on 5 October 2018, and officially became an independent agency on 20 December 2019.
• The DFC utilizes its lending capacity to offer loans, loan guarantees, direct equity investments, and political risk insurance to support private-sector led development projects, feasibility studies, and technical assistance.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• Headquarters of US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC): Washington, D.C.

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Shivendra Nath, a 1994-batch officer of UPSC, has been chosen by the PSEB (Public Enterprises Selection Board) panel to assume the role of Chairman & Managing Director at Engineering Projects India Ltd (EPIL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises.

Nath’s Career Milestones and Current Role at BSNL

• Nath began his engineering career in 1994, after being selected through the Union Public Service Commission as the Engineering Project Manager of P&T Department, Indian Engineering Services.
• Nath has been serving as Chief Engineer at BSNL from September 2020. Previously, he held the position of Superintending Engineer at Naya Raipur Development Authority until January 2021.
• At present, Nath is working as the senior general manager at BSNL.

Nath’s Extensive Expertise and Role as Chief Executive at EPIL

• With over 25 years of experience in diverse essential domains such as infrastructure development, contract management, supervision, sustainable water solutions, urban planning and development, and government administration, Nath assumes the role of Chief Executive at EPIL.
• Reporting directly to the organization’s Board of Directors, he bears the responsibility of ensuring the organization’s smooth operation and successful attainment of its corporate objectives and performance targets.

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PSEB)

• The Public Enterprises Selection Board is entrusted with the responsibility of selecting and appointing individuals to key positions, including Chairman, Managing Director, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, and Functional Director, in Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), as well as positions at other designated levels as specified by the Government.
• Furthermore, the board offers advisory services to the Government regarding matters related to appointments, confirmation, extension of tenure, and termination of services for personnel at the aforementioned levels.

About Engineers India Limited (EIL)

• Engineers India Limited (EIL) is a government-owned Indian engineering consultancy and technology licensing company. Established in 1965, its initial focus was on providing domestic technology solutions for hydrocarbon projects.
• Over the years, EIL has diversified its expertise to encompass various areas, including non-ferrous metallurgy, infrastructure, water and wastewater management, and fertilizers. The company’s headquarters are located at Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• Chairman & Managing Director of Engineering Projects (India) Ltd: Dhirendra Singh Rana

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