Two New Special Categories Visas for International Students
The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced two special category visas for international students intending to pursue higher education in the country. Students using any of the two visas, the 'e-student visa' and 'e-student-x' visa will have to use the 'Study in India' (SII) portal launched by the government.
Eligible international students registered on the Study in India (SII) portal can access the e-student visa facility, while dependents of e-student visa holders are eligible for the e-student-x visa.
IIM Mumbai Wins LEAPS-2024 Award for Excellence in Logistics Education
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai achieved a momentous milestone by securing the LEAPS-2024 Award in the Institutions: Education and Skill Development in the Logistics Sector category. Standing first amongst 34 esteemed participants, the institute further cemented its leadership in logistics education and skill development.
The award was presented to Professor Manoj Tiwari, by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles.
Jan 05, 2025
NSDC International, IDP India Collaborate for Global Career Opportunities
NSDC International Limited (NSDCI), a subsidiary of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), partnered with IDP India, the distributor of IELTS exams in India, to enhance the global employability of skilled Indian professionals.
This initiative aims to address gaps in skills and language proficiency, enabling Indian professionals across sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and hospitality to compete in global job markets.
Under this partnership, NSDC International and IDP India will jointly implement a learning and testing ecosystem, integrating digital tools, online and offline training modules, and customised programmes.
Jan 04, 2025
Mamata Banerjee Opposes Semester System for Classes 1 to 5 in West Bengal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vetoed the West Bengal primary education board's proposal to implement a semester system for government-aided primary schools (Classes 1 to 5), citing concerns about increased study load on young students.
In a televised review meeting, Banerjee criticised Education Minister Bratya Basu for the decision, stating it lacked prior consultation at the government's highest level.
The proposed system, announced by the board in December, is intended to introduce six annual assessments -- two semesters of three exams each --replacing the current system of three evaluations per year.
Banerjee firmly opposed the move, emphasising the undue pressure it would place on children.
Jan 03, 2025
PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for DU's Veer Savarkar College
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for two new campuses of Delhi University (DU). These campuses, located in East and West Delhi, will house colleges named after Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar and former BJP leader Sushma Swaraj.
Blinkit Launches 10-Minute Ambulance Service in Gurgaon
Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa announced the launch of an instant ambulance service, where residents of Gurgaon can book an ambulance through the Blinkit app and have it arrive within 10 minutes. This initiative aims to address the critical need for quick emergency medical transport in urban areas. The service, which includes Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, marks a significant step toward providing fast and reliable medical aid.
IIT Guwahati Develops Injectable Hydrogel for Targeted Breast Cancer Therapy
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with Bose Institute Kolkata, developed an advanced injectable hydrogel designed for localised breast cancer treatment. This innovative hydrogel system allows for precise delivery of anti-cancer drugs to tumour sites, minimising side effects commonly seen in conventional treatments like chemotherapy.
Jan 02, 2025
Amit Patra Gets Additional Charge as IIT-Kharagpur Director
Professor Amit Patra has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of serving as the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. He will hold this position until a regular appointee takes over or until further instructions are issued. Professor Patra currently serves as the Director of IIT Banaras Hindu University (IIT BHU).
An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, Professor Patra has held numerous leadership roles at the institute, including Dean of Alumni Affairs and International Relations (2007–2013) and Deputy Director (2021–2024).