Author: News Desk

As India ramps up its focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing, universities are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s research and innovation ecosystem. Ajay Sood, in conversation with ETEducation, highlights how national missions, funding mechanisms under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), and programs connecting academia, industry, and startups are driving the next phase of India’s science and technology development. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), through the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), evaluates the state of various scientific fields, identifies challenges, and recommends mission-oriented strategies for…

New Delhi has installed India’s first microalgae-based PureAir Tower along the Aerocity highway corridor, introducing a biotechnology-driven approach to tackle urban air pollution. Positioned on a busy road median, the tower transforms conventional road infrastructure into an active air purification system. This pilot initiative targets vehicular emissions along one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors. How the Microalgae Air Tower WorksUnlike traditional smog towers that rely on mechanical filters, this system uses photosynthetic microalgae to absorb pollutants directly from the surrounding air. It captures carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter at street level. Through natural biological processes, these pollutants are converted…

Netflix announced the launch of Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, expanding its global production and innovation footprint in India—a key market for the streaming giant’s growth. The 32,000-square-foot facility is the fifth global hub for Eyeline, joining locations in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seoul, and London, and complements a smaller office in Mumbai. The Hyderabad studio represents a major long-term investment in India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem. Netflix plans to integrate it fully into its global production network, contributing to high-end visual storytelling, virtual production, and next-generation production technologies. The office was inaugurated by Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy alongside senior…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commissioned the Haldia Bulk Terminal, formally dedicating the facility to the nation. Built to handle 4 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of dry bulk cargo, the terminal is a fully automated facility located on the Hooghly River and includes direct rail connectivity for cargo evacuation. The project marks an important upgrade for bulk cargo movement along India’s eastern maritime corridor, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce handling losses, and streamline logistics for industries dependent on imported raw materials. Automated Bulk Handling and Rail Connectivity According to Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, the terminal introduces…

Indian Railways has completed redevelopment at 180 out of 1,337 railway stations identified under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), Parliament was informed on 11 March. The scheme, launched as a long-term initiative, aims to modernise railway stations nationwide by enhancing passenger facilities, connectivity, and infrastructure. According to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, redevelopment is ongoing across multiple states and railway zones. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme follows a phased approach based on master plans, which cover: The scheme also incorporates sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, ballastless tracks where required, phased development, and long-term creation of city-centre-like hubs at major stations. So far, 180 stations…

Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, is reportedly planning large-scale layoffs that could affect around 20% of its workforce, or nearly 16,000 employees, as the company invests heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure and prepares for efficiency gains from AI-assisted operations. Sources told Reuters that while plans have been communicated to senior leaders, no official date or final numbers have been confirmed. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone described the report as speculative. If implemented, this would be the largest reduction in staff at Meta since its “year of efficiency” restructuring in late 2022 and early 2023. Previously, Meta cut 11,000 employees in November…

The Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS), one of India’s largest cooperative infrastructure organisations, has successfully completed three major projects worth a total of Rs 4.53 billion, showcasing its expertise in coastal protection, complex bridge construction, and climate-resilient roads. One project created a 7.31-km coastal protection system to prevent shoreline erosion and sea intrusion. It involved placing roughly 1,25,000 tetrapods, 8,50,000 tonnes of granite armour units, and constructing groynes to stabilise sediment movement along the coast. This project earned the Outstanding Infrastructure Project 2023 award from the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI), Kochi Chapter. ULCCS also delivered South India’s longest over-backwater…

Amid the ongoing commercial LPG shortage in Kochi, which has forced many restaurants to reduce menus or close temporarily, two local software engineers have developed an app called GasUndo to keep residents informed about which eateries are open. The app, a crowdsourced platform, allows users to see restaurant status, view menus, and update information about availability in real time. Vaishakh Suresh, one of the creators, explained that the app functions as a live map, showing each restaurant’s location and status. Users can log in to mark whether a restaurant is open, closed, or offering a limited menu, helping the community stay updated.…

KSRTC has brought a piece of Kerala’s history back to the roads by launching a vintage-style bus that evokes nostalgia. The green bus, featuring classic round headlights, the iconic Ashok Leyland logo, and a windshield reminiscent of the 1980s, was inaugurated at Kowdiar Palace by KSRTC Minister KB Ganesh Kumar. The bus will run between Peroorkada and Kizhakekotta, offering nine trips daily from 7:15 am to 5:35 pm, with each journey taking about 30 minutes. Minister Ganesh Kumar had personally suggested creating the vintage bus, inspired by similar heritage vehicles in Europe. The bus seats up to 52 passengers and…

Iran has assured India of safe maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz despite the escalating conflict in West Asia, with Tehran citing the long-standing friendly ties between the two countries. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said on Friday that vessels bound for India would be allowed to transit safely through the crucial shipping corridor. Responding to a question on whether Indian-bound ships would be permitted safe passage, he said Iran considers India a close partner with shared interests and a long history of cooperation. Fathali also noted that Tehran has directed its embassy in New Delhi to assist…