Tag: Institutes
ARUN JAITLEY NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The officer trainees of 31st batch of Probationers Training Course at the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (February 5, 2024). These officers are from Indian Civil Accounts Service, Indian Defence Accounts Service and Indian P&T (Finance and Accounts) Service.
Addressing the officers, the President said that it is a well-known fact that a good public financial management system is the very basis of good governance. The organized financial services that they represent have the onus to build and maintain a financial management system that helps in carrying out efficient functioning of the government. Therefore, their role in administration is of immense importance as they have to ensure propriety and prudence in governance. She urged them to shoulder this responsibility with utmost sincerity by acquiring and utilizing their abilities.
The President said that they have joined at a time when the country is undergoing digital transformation. There is a rising expectation among the public for greater efficiency in service delivery, while ushering in transparency and accountability. To address these concerns, it is imperative for the government departments to make the best use of technology and make the governance system citizen-centric, efficient, and transparent. She said that their job is not only limited to the maximization of the utility of financial resources but also includes analysing the impact of policy changes and proposing reforms to improve the various systems of governance including the financial management systems. She advised them to keep pace with the world of ever-changing and advancing technology to undertake these tasks. She stated that their efforts and endeavours should be to devise mechanisms to use the latest technology and make our accounting and auditing systems seamless.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants: Offering Opportunities in Health-related Research
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) stands as a cornerstone of biomedical and health-related research, driving innovation and scientific breakthroughs. At its core, NIH functions as the primary agency of the United States government, dedicated to advancing knowledge about health and disease. Among its myriad initiatives, the NIH offers grants that serve as lifeblood for researchers, funding groundbreaking studies across diverse scientific domains. These grants provide not only financial support but also an invaluable endorsement and recognition that catapults research endeavors forward.
The NIH grants cater to a wide spectrum of research areas, covering everything from basic science to clinical trials, public health interventions, and translational research. This expansive reach ensures that investigations into fundamental biological processes, disease mechanisms, therapeutics, and population health are consistently supported and propelled forward.
The significance of NIH grants lies not just in the financial backing they offer, but also in the stamp of credibility they confer upon researchers and their work. The NIH grant review process is rigorous, emphasizing scientific merit, innovation, and potential impact. Successful applicants gain more than just financial resources; they also receive validation and recognition within the scientific community, paving the way for future collaborations and opportunities.
Securing an NIH grant, however, is no easy feat. The process demands meticulous planning, a well-crafted proposal, and a clear understanding of NIH guidelines and priorities. Here are key steps to navigate the NIH grant application process:
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Identify the Right Grant Opportunity: NIH offers various grant types (R01, R21, etc.) for different stages and types of research. Choose the grant program aligning best with your research goals.
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Develop a Strong Research Proposal: Craft a compelling proposal that outlines the significance, innovation, approach, and potential impact of your research. Emphasize how your work aligns with NIH priorities.
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Understand NIH Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with NIH guidelines, submission deadlines, and specific criteria for the grant you are applying for. Follow instructions meticulously.
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Collaborate and Network: Collaborate with experts, build collaborations, and seek mentorship. Networking within your field can provide insights and support.
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Seek Feedback: Prior to submission, seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or NIH program officers. Constructive criticism can significantly improve your proposal.
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Submit and Follow-up: Submit your application through NIH’s electronic system and monitor the review process. Even if your application is not funded initially, use reviewer feedback to strengthen future submissions.
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Persistence and Continuous Learning: Grant writing is a skill that improves with practice. Learn from both successful and unsuccessful attempts to refine your approach.
United Service Institution of India to organise Annual UN Forum 2023 on ‘International Humanitarian Law & Peacekeeping’ in New Delhi
United Service Institution of India (USI), the country’s oldest think-tank established in 1870 for research and debate on national security and military affairs, is organising its Annual UN Forum 2023 in New Delhi in November 21-22, 2023. The forum on ‘International Humanitarian Law and Peacekeeping’ is being organised in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Centre for UN Peacekeeping Operations.
With contemporary UN peacekeeping missions increasingly being deployed in volatile environments characterised by asymmetric warfare, ensuring adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) principles has become critical. However, applying IHL norms presents challenges arising from the complexity of modern conflicts, actions by non-state actors and blurred lines between combatants and civilians in urban battlespaces.
Against this background, the forum aims to discuss the applicability and limitations of implementing IHL frameworks in UN peace operations through an interactive, multi-stakeholder approach. The sessions will enable a deeper examination of some of the contemporary issues like the protection of civilians, accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, the role of women in peacekeeping operations, and leveraging technology for more effective operations.
The forum will involve insightful perspectives presented by both academicians and practitioners who have first-hand experience of peacekeeping challenges. Keynote addresses will be delivered by senior officials from the Indian Armed Forces and the Ministry of External Affairs. The forum will be held over two days as under:
- Session 1 will discuss application of IHL principles to peacekeeping given situations involving non-state actors and urban warfare.
- Session 2 will analyse constraints to protection of civilian mandates and overcoming them by integrating IHL norms.
- Session 3 will examine legal frameworks to ensure accountability when peacekeepers are targeted, and measures to enhance their protection.
- Session 4 will focus on the importance of gender-inclusive peacekeeping and challenges for women peacekeepers.
- Session 5 will discuss utilising technology for more effective peacekeeping through data analytics, AI and advanced surveillance.
The event will conclude with a plenary session aimed at consolidating takeaways for peacekeeping practitioners and providing recommendations to further informed discourse on IHL and its integration into UN peace operations. The dialogues during the forum can contribute to developing training modules and policy frameworks to make peacekeeping more effective while ensuring the rights and safety of peacekeepers and civilians.
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Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, established in 1936 as Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work and renamed TISS Mumbai in 1944. It is an esteemed institute ranking 57th in the overall category and 34th in Universities across India (NIRF Ranking 2020), well known and often credited for its contribution through research in social work, social sciences, human resources management & health systems.
It offers PG and Doctoral programs like MA, M.Sc, MPH, MHA, MLIS, LLM and PhD. & M.Phil. One of the top programs at TISS Mumbai is the M.A. in HRM and Labour Relations. Admission is based on TISS-NET with a cut-off of marks 68-69 for general category students. Basic eligibility criteria are to have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject for the PG courses and a Master’s with valid marks for doctoral programs. Applications can be filled online on the official website.
Some of the top recruiters of the college include Mahindra and Mahindra, P&G, Asian paints, etc offering an average package up to INR 20 LPA.
TISS Mumbai Key Points
- Due to the ongoing pandemic, TISS has shifted its course study online and has established its own Learning Management System (LMS) called TISSOL, as a two-way academic platform for both students and teachers.
- TISS is well known for its top 7 Master of Arts courses:
- M.A. in Human Resource Management and Labour Relations
- M.A. in Development Studies
- M.A. in Media and Cultural Studies
- M.A. in Social Work (Public Health)
- M.A. in Social Entrepreneurship
- M.A. in Women’s Studies
- M.A. in Climate Change and Sustainability Studies
- TISS offers Summer Internship Programs; all the offers made available to the students in the previous year were paid internship offers with Highest paid stipend being INR 1,60,000 per month and the Average monthly stipend being INR 1,03,785.
- As far as the placements are concerned at TISS, it has a remarkable record of near 100% Placement across all programmes. In a batch of 60 students, about 75% stood at a salary package of INR 24 LPA.
- The highest Salary offered at TISS is INR 37 LPA and the Average Salary offered is INR 21 LPA
TISS Mumbai Ranking and Achievements
- NIRF 2020 has ranked TISS at 57th place in the overall category and 34th among the category of Universities.
- TISS was featured in Forbes India in 2018 and was named ‘A Great Place to Study’.
- TISS has been awarded a 5-star rating from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) for securing a score of 3.89 out of 4.00 for the 3rd consecutive cycle.
- According to The World University Rankings, Impact Ranking 2020, TISS stands at 301-400th rank.
TISS Mumbai Courses
The following table shows the top courses offered by the TISS and their details:
| PROGRAM | PROGRAM DETAILS | SELECTION CRITERIA |
|---|---|---|
| MA |
|
|
| PhD |
|
RAT (Research Aptitude Test) Score Online Personal Interview (OPI) |
| MSc |
|
TISSNET followed by PI |
| MPH |
|
TISSNET followed by PI |
| LLM |
|
TISSNET followed by PI |
| M.Phil |
|
RAT (Research Aptitude Test) Score Online Personal Interview (OPI) |
TISS Mumbai Cutoff
TISSNET, conducted for admissions in Masters program at TISS comprises 3 components; viz. English proficiency, Mathematics & Logical Reasoning, General Awareness (GA). Although the English Proficiency and Mathematics & Logical Reasoning does not have any cut-off GA holds a sectional cut-off, which students must score to qualify TISSNET.
The following table shows category wise sectional cut-off for GA in TISSNET:
| General/ EWS/ KM/ AF | OBC/ NC/ PWD | SC/ ST |
| 35% (14 marks) | 30% (12 marks) | No Sectional Cut-off |
Category wise Minimum Qualifying marks for selection into OPI (Online Personal Interview) round:
| GEN/ OBC | 45% |
| SC/ ST | 35% |
Following Table shows program wise cut-off in TISSNET for the year 2019:
| PROGRAMME | GENERAL CUT-OFF |
|---|---|
| M.A. HRM & LR | 67 |
| M.A. Social Work (Public Health) | 61 |
| M.A. Media and Cultural Studies | 65 |
| M.A. Women Studies | 48 |
| M.A. Social Entrepreneurship | 62 |
TISS Mumbai Placements
TISS has a remarkable record of near 100% Placement across all programs with high compensation. The highest Salary offered at TISS is INR 37 LPA and the Average Salary offered is INR 21 LPA.
Apart from Placements, TISS also provides opportunities for various Field Work and Summer Internships that students can avail themselves of. The highest stipend paid during Summer Internship was INR 1.6 Lakh per month and the Average monthly stipend being INR 1,03,785.
TISS has a partnership with many reputed recruiters, a few are mentioned below:
| Larson & Toubro | ITC | Synchrony | Décor |
| CRISIL | Transworld | The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd. | Fire Eye |
| Aarti Industries Ltd. | Aurobindo | CYIENT | JP Morgan |
TISS Mumbai Scholarships
TISS, as of now does not provide any institutional Scholarships; however, it does enforce the Scholarship provided by the Government.
GoI-PMS (Government of India – Post Matric Scholarship), is a scheme centrally sponsored and implemented by the Government of India. It provides the SC/ ST students with the financial assistance for studying at the post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to ease the tuition fees and complete their education.
TISS has provided guidelines for students for availing the GoI-PMS:
- SC/ ST students whose parents/ guardian’s annual income is less than INR 2,50,000 are eligible for GoI-PMS.
- Students are required to produce a valid Income Certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Under this scheme, SC/ ST students are exempted from Tuition Fees; however, they are required to pay institutional charges.
- Total Fees for such candidates will stand at INR 9,500 for 2-years.
- Fees Applicable for OBC students eligible for GoI-PMS:
- OBC Students whose parent’s/ guardian’s annual income is less than INR 1,00,000, such students can opt for Upfront Student Aid by TISS upon producing a valid OBC (NC) Certificate and Income Certificate by the competent authority of the respective state.
- Such students are required to pay fees in the following manner:
- Course Fees for the programme to which they are admitted to.
- Considering the Availability of the funds, students will be eligible for upfront aid of INR 12,000 towards tuition fees. Students desiring to opt for this facility should choose the respective option in the Student Management Fee Payment Portal of TISS.
- Caution Deposit of INR 2,500 will be incurred instead of INR 10,000


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