IIT Madras, THSTI Researchers Develop First India-specific AI Model for Foetus Age
Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, as part of 'Interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research on Birth Outcomes – DBT India Initiative' (GARBH-Ini) programme, developed the first India-specific Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to determine the age of a foetus in a pregnant woman in the second and third trimesters precisely.
Accurate 'Gestational Age' (GA) is necessary for the appropriate care of pregnant women and for determining precise delivery dates. Called 'Garbhini-GA2', this is the first late-trimester GA estimation model to be developed and validated using Indian population data.
Currently, the age of a foetus ('Gestational Age' or GA) is determined using a formula developed for Western population
They are likely to be erroneous when applied in the later part of pregnancy due to variations in the growth of the foetus in the Indian population
The newly developed 'Garbhini-GA2' accurately estimates the age of a foetus for the Indian population, reducing error by almost three times.
Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) Achieves Category-1 Status from UGC
The University Grants Commission (UGC) granted Category-1 status to the Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), a first for a university in the state.
For the CUSB, which was set up in 2009 and received the highest 'A++' rating from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in June 2023, it is another feather in the cap in a state where state universities are mostly unaccredited and struggling with late sessions and poor performance.
The Category -1 status means that the CUSB will be automatically deemed to be under section 12B of the UGC Act, 1956, without requiring inspections and makes it eligible for research grants. It will not require approval for starting new course, programme, school or centre in disciplines that form a part of its existing academic framework.
Feb 26, 2024
Indraprastha University Launches PhD in Sports Injury
The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University launched a PhD programme in sports injury.
The programme will be offered at the Sports Injury Centre of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, an affiliated medical college of the university.
The programme was launched keeping in mind the surge in demand of specialised persons in the field of sports injury and increase of sports culture in the country.
Haryana Launches Innovative 'Savera' Program for Early Breast Cancer Detection
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the 'Savera' program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at early detection and prevention of breast cancer in women. Developed in collaboration with the Medanta Foundation and the Health Department, Savera leverages the unique ability of visually impaired women to conduct breast cancer screenings.
The program capitalises on the naturally heightened tactile sensitivity possessed by visually impaired individuals.
The launch of Savera coincided with the establishment of the National Cancer Institute at AIIMS Jhajjar, equipped with 1,000 beds.
Feb 25, 2024
India's First Gati Shakti Research Chair Established at IIM Shillong
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong to set up India's first 'Gati Shakti Research Chair'.
This initiative aims to enhance academic research in multimodal logistics, particularly focusing on the north-eastern region.
The Chair will contribute towards high-quality academic research on multimodal logistics with a North-East focus: building knowledge on multimodal logistics development strategies and practice in the north-eastern region, facilitate knowledge and innovation for logistical capacity building in the region.
Nokia and IISc Partner for 6G Research and Development in Bengaluru
In a partnership, Nokia and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) united to pioneer 6G technology research and its real-world applications, with a particular focus on India.
This collaboration, headquartered at Nokia's newly inaugurated 6G Lab in Bengaluru, will delve into various facets of 6G technology, from radio technologies to architecture, while integrating machine learning into the 6G air interface.
CBSE Plans Open-Book Exams in Selected Schools for Classes 9 to 12
According to reports, the CBSE will be rolling out a pilot programme that could reshape the Indian examination system—open book exams. Under this system, while taking exams, students will be allowed to refer to material like their class notes and text books, as well as other educational resources.
The pilot programme will conduct open book exams in English and Mathematics at selected schools for students in Classes 9-12, as well as in Science for students in Class 9 and 10 and in Biology for students in Class 11 and 12. Reports say that the CBSE is looking to finalise the development of this programme by June 2025, with the pilot exam being conducted in November 2024.
However, officials have also reportedly also clarified the limited scope—for now, the CBSE has no plans to adopt the open-book system for major exams like the 10th and 12th Boards.
Feb 24, 2024
IIT Jodhpur Develops First Make in India Sensor for Alcohol Detection
Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur researchers developed the first "Make in India" human breath sensor based on metal oxides and nano silicon operating at room temperature. The device's primary function is to measure alcohol content in the breath in drunk and driving cases. However, with some changes in sensing layers and the use of an array of sensors (for Electronic Nose or Artificial Nose), and data analytics, it can also be very useful for characterisation of diseases, such as asthma, diabetic ketoacidosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and cardiac arrest, where the person's breath volatile organic compounds are monitored.
The existing sensors are based on fuel cell-based technology or metal oxide technology. Hence, it motivated the researchers to take up the work and develop a breath VOC sensor whose cost will be less than the existing fuel cell technology-based device.
Feb 23, 2024
IIT Guwahati Launches India's Largest Drone Pilot Training Organisation
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati in collaboration with EduRade, a brand owned by RC HobbyTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and incubated at IIT Guwahati Research Park, launched India's largest Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO), spanning 18 acres and boasting the capability to fly 9 medium-class drones simultaneously. The primary objective of this RPTO is to promote the advancement of drone technology in India. Additionally, it aligns with the vision of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to establish India as a global drone hub by 2030, thereby contributing to the 'Namo Drone Didi' initiative.
The launch of IIT Guwahati RPTO symbolises the Institute's dedication to transforming drone training, aiming to equip individuals with essential expertise.
In a bold move aimed at revolutionising the educational landscape, the Madhya Pradesh government announced a groundbreaking initiative – the introduction of a 'bag-less school' policy. This policy would be implemented once a week from the upcoming academic session of 2024-25, marks a significant departure from traditional educational norms and underscores the government's commitment to student welfare and holistic development.
Central to this initiative is the establishment of clear weight limits for students' school bags, as outlined in a notice issued by the state government. The weight limits vary according to students' respective classes, ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 kg for classes 1 and 2, to 2.5 to 4.5 kg for classes 9 and 10.