SRMIST signs MoU for oil-field lab with Pon Pure Chemicals
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pon Pure Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, to establish a joint laboratory for oil-field chemical product development and analytical testing. The facility, named SRMIST–Pon Pure Chemicals Lab, will be on the SRMIST campus and focus on drilling fluids and related formulations. The collaboration aims to bridge academic research and industrial application in the oil and gas sector. SRMIST plans to offer certificate, diploma, and degree programmes in areas including mud engineering, aligned with industry needs, according to a press release.
MoU with Pon Pure Chemicals to create joint lab at SRMIST.
Lab focuses on oil-field chemical development and testing.
Facility to be named SRMIST–Pon Pure Chemicals Lab on campus.
Programs planned include mud engineering and related fields.
Dec 15, 2025
Arunachal Pradesh climbs to 17th in Parakh National Education Survey 2024
Arunachal Pradesh rose to 17th position in the Parakh Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, signaling improved learning outcomes across grades. The survey ranks 36 states and union territories on literacy and numeracy indicators. Punjab topped multiple grades, with Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Chandigarh also showing strong performance. Arunachal Pradesh recorded notable improvements in Grade 9 (12th), Grade 6 (14th), and Grade 3 (24th). Officials attribute gains to sustained reforms, better policy implementation, and focus on foundational learning, indicating a positive trajectory for northeastern education outcomes.
Arunachal Pradesh – 17th in PRS 2024
Punjab leads; Kerala and others strong
Improvements across Grade 3, 6, 9 indicators
AIIMS Delhi marks milestone with India’s first dedicated brain stent trial
AIIMS Delhi announced India's first dedicated brain stent trial for stroke care, naming the device Supernova. The domestic clinical trial marks a significant milestone in local medical device testing and regulatory pathways. AIIMS stated the device has treated over 300 patients in Southeast Asia and will be manufactured in India, potentially expanding access to advanced stroke treatment for about 17 lakh Indians who suffer strokes annually. The development is expected to influence future neurosurgical practice and encourage further innovation in domestic biomedical manufacturing.
AIIMS Delhi conducts India’s first brain stent trial
Device: Supernova; domestic clinical trial
Manufactured in India; 300+ patients treated regionally
Aims to serve ~17 lakh stroke patients annually
Dec 14, 2025
University of Western Australia Partners with IIM Mumbai & IIT Dhanbad
The University of Western Australia (UWA) inked an agreement with the IIM Mumbai and IIT/ISM Dhanbad to work on creating new opportunities in mining, with a focus on logistics and sustainability.
"We are signing an MoU with IIM Mumbai and Indian Institute of Technology/Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad to work on unlocking new opportunities in mining with a focus on logistics and sustainability," UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said.
He said that initially, about 10 micro-credential online courses will be introduced, followed by joint development of additional courses to meet the needs of the sector.
These programmes are designed to support India's clean energy transition, strengthen supply chain resilience and elevate the country's minerals workforce with global best practices.
Dec 12, 2025
Universal Health Coverage Day 2025: UN and WHO outline global events and theme
As Universal Health Coverage Day falls on 12 December 2025, UN agencies and the World Health Organization outline global events and campaigns. The theme, 'Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!', emphasizes financial protection as a core pillar of universal health coverage. The day invites governments to accelerate reforms in health financing, primary care, and access to essential services. In India and other nations, health policy discussions focus on expanding insurance coverage, reducing out-of-pocket expenditures, and strengthening primary health networks. The day serves as a global call to action for safer, affordable, and accessible health care for all.
Universal Health Coverage Day observed on 12 December 2025.
Theme: 'Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!'.
UN/WHO highlight focus on health financing and primary care.
Encourages reforms to expand coverage and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Universal Health Coverage Day 2025 observed on 12 December
Universal Health Coverage Day is observed globally on 12 December 2025 to highlight the right to affordable, quality health care. The World Health Organization and United Nations host events and campaigns emphasizing health financing, primary care, and financial protection. This year’s theme, “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!”, calls on governments to strengthen health systems and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. In India and other countries, policymakers are leveraging UHC discussions to push reforms in health insurance, service delivery, and accessible care for vulnerable populations. The day underscores the link between health and sustainable development goals.
Universal Health Coverage Day observed on 12 December 2025.
Theme: 'Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!'.
WHO/UN host events to promote health financing and primary care.
Link between UHC and Sustainable Development Goals highlighted.
The government has discontinued the Padho Pardesh minority scholarship scheme for studying abroad, citing overlap with other programs and limited impact. A parliamentary briefing notes that NMDFC loans offer overseas study at lower interest rates, reducing the need for a separate subsidy. Kerala emerged as the top beneficiary state earlier in the scheme’s history. The decision, taken from 2022-23 onward, aligns with efforts to consolidate financial support for overseas study and improve efficiency in public subsidies, with a focus on ensuring access to education for minority communities through alternative channels.
Padho Pardesh scholarship scheme discontinued from 2022-23 onward.
NMDFC loans provide overseas study support at lower rates.
Kerala recorded the highest beneficiary numbers historically.
Policy consolidation aims to reduce overlap and improve efficiency.