Vehicle that Moves on Land, Air and Water Developed at IIT Jodhpur
Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur researchers developed a robust control system and design for a hybrid unmanned aerial-underwater vehicle. Hybrid vehicles that can operate both on land and in water are essential for tasks like mapping oil spills on beaches, rivers, or underwater erosion and pollution dispersion.
By developing a sound mathematical system that drives these vehicles, this research will help make them more capable and efficient, and better applicable to their functions such as lifeguard rescue efforts, and even underwater and aerial photography.
The team developed this system by taking inspiration from a species of bird, Anhingas that are both able to move on land and underwater. Based on this, the research team has created a 3D-printed prototype made of various components and waterproofing. The prototype has been tested for aerial, water surface, and underwater manoeuvring using Remote Control (RC) transmission.
Senior Bureaucrat Rahul Singh New CBSE Chief
Senior bureaucrat Rahul Singh was appointed as the new chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), succeeding Nidhi Chhibber. The appointment is part of a senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle announced by the Centre. Singh is a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Bihar cadre.
Chhibber, the outgoing CBSE chairperson, was appointed as Advisor to the NITI Aayog.
IIT Madras, SmartBridge Jointly Launch 9 Courses on SWAYAM Plus
The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) offers a diverse range of courses on SWAYAM Plus, an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. A total of nine courses were launched by IIT Madras in collaboration with SmartBridge, a Veranda Learning enterprise.
As a part of this collaboration, IIT Madras now offers several courses on the platforms including Artificial Intelligence, Applied Data Science, Backend Development (Java Spring Boot), Cyber Security Analyst, Android Application Development (with Kotlin), and Android Application Development (with Flutter).
All these courses are aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCRF) level 5 and 5.5, providing students with project-based learning opportunities, and making them credit-eligible.
UGC Issues Mandate for National Minimum Standards and Protocol for Creches
The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued guidelines concerning the National Minimum Standards and Protocol for Creches, which are designed to provide a secure and nurturing environment for children while their parents or guardians are at work.
These guidelines stem from the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, which mandates that any establishment with 50 or more employees must provide a creche facility within a specified distance.
The benefits of creche facilities are intended to extend to the children of employees across various categories, including temporary, daily wage, consultant, and contractual personnel, aged between 6 months to 6 years.
Mar 14, 2024
IIT Delhi, Israel Aerospace Industries Collaborate on Applied Research
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) collaborated with the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for applied research. According to IIT Delhi, the IAI-IIT CSR agreement demonstrates IAI's commitment to its corporate social responsibility in India. The cooperation includes collaborative projects, training and research consultancy.
This alliance between IAI and IIT-Delhi, the official statement added, will demonstrate a shared vision leveraging research to drive progress and technological excellence, shaping together the future of technology in India.
NIELIT and ITI Egypt Sign MoU to Improve Skills, Jobs, and Global Collaboration
The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) of India and the Information Technology Institute (ITI) of Egypt signed an MoU. This significant event took place in Cairo, Egypt. This collaboration seeks to bridge the gap in ICT skills, enhancing industry engagement and fostering meaningful international cooperation between India and Egypt.
The MoU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including:
Curriculum and Training Materials Development: Both institutions will work together to develop comprehensive curriculum and training materials to meet the evolving demands of the ICT industry.
Exchange of Trainers and Experts: Facilitating the exchange of trainers and experts will enrich the learning experience and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Mutual Recognition of Certification: Ensuring mutual recognition of certifications will streamline the process of skill validation and enhance the mobility of professionals between India and Egypt.
Sharing of Virtual Labs Facility: The sharing of virtual lab facilities will provide students with access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources for hands-on learning.
Offering of Post Graduate (PG) Diplomas/ Technical Certificates: ITI Egypt will nominate interns to receive PG diplomas and technical certificates from NIELIT, enhancing their employability and skill set.
Mar 13, 2024
IIM Sambalpur, IG Drones partners to Launch First Drone Centre of Excellence
IG Drones, India's premier Drone Tech and Analytics company, and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to collaborate on cutting-edge applications of drone technology, specifically focusing on areas such as Business Analytics, Management Strategies, and Public Policy.
This agreement opens doors for collaborative efforts to utilise advanced drone technology across various domains, including Business Analytics, Management Strategies, and Public Policy, fostering innovation and progress in each field.
Jharkhand Rolls out 2 Schemes for Students Pursuing Higher Education
Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren launched two schemes aimed at improving students' access to higher education. At the inauguration event in Ranchi's Tana Bhagat Stadium, Soren highlighted the significance of these schemes, the 'Guruji Student Credit Card' and the 'Manki Munda Scholarship', in overcoming obstacles hindering students' pursuit of higher education.
The Guruji Student Credit Card scheme offers collateral-free education loans of up to Rs. 15 lakh with an annual interest rate of 4 per cent. Repayment starts one year after course completion, with the government acting as guarantor. The Manki Munda Scholarship scheme aims to encourage girls to pursue technical education, providing Rs. 15,000 annually for diploma courses and Rs. 30,000 for engineering.
International Conference in Bihar Advocates for Women's Research Empowerment
Gopal Narayan Singh University in Bihar held a three-day international conference dedicated to advancing women's involvement in research endeavours. Themed 'Research Conducted by Women', the programme welcomed esteemed guests including the Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha.
Mar 12, 2024
UGC Introduces SheRNI, Helping Female Scientists and Faculty Connect
The University Grants Commission's (UGC) Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Centre unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, known as the 'She Research Network in India' (SheRNI). This initiative aims to address the gender disparity in the field of science by ensuring equal representation of women scientists.
The primary goal of SheRNI is to establish a national-level expert platform for women faculty members.
This platform facilitates the exchange of expertise, insights, and experiences across various domains, promoting collaboration and networking opportunities among women in academia.
Initiatives like SheRNI underscore the commitment of organizations like the UGC towards promoting gender equality and empowering women in the field of science and research.
Mar 09, 2024
Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) Signs an MoA with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore
The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore to establish the International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED). With a focus on dam safety, ICED will provide technical support, conduct research, and offer academic courses.
The Ministry will fund the center with a grant of 118.05 crore rupees for infrastructure construction and modernization. The MoA duration is ten years or until the completion of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase-II and III Scheme, whichever is earlier.
IIM Kozhikode, Emeritus Jointly Launch New Chief Executive Officer Programme
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) introduced the Chief Executive Officer Programme in India in partnership with Emeritus, an educational institution.
The new programme is a 12-month programme designed to facilitate high-level leadership development, help the learners understand geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts and equip them with the right tools and strategies to drive business growth.
The module has been designed to provide leaders with growth strategies, innovation, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making.
IIT-Delhi, University of Queensland University Collaborate for PhD Programme
IIT Madras Hosts Four-Day Long All India Research Scholars' Summit 2024. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) hosted the All India Research Scholars' Summit (AIRSS) 2024 from March 4 to 7, 2024. The event was organised by the Research Affairs Council of IIT Madras.
Researchers from various disciplines across India participated, showcasing the breadth and depth of research talent in the country.
The summit provided a platform to showcase and explore the latest advancements in various research domains, highlighting cutting-edge discoveries and innovations.
Participants had the opportunity to present their work through oral presentations, poster sessions, and product/prototype showcases, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration.
A key highlight was the Panel Discussion on 'Research and Development: Catalysts for India's Global Academic Standing', featuring eminent personalities from leading academic institutions.