The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru has developed a new platform that makes it easier and cheaper to study single cells.

Named OptiDrop, the platform has potential applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, agriculture, and animal health. The novel microfluidic chip-based platform allows for optical sensing of biological samples without the expensive open space, and bulky optical components routinely used in microscopy and flow cytometry-based techniques.

This innovation, developed by C-CAMP’s Discovery to Innovation Accelerator team enables the study of single cells encapsulated in droplets with ease and precision.

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), the world's biggest fertiliser cooperative and leader in the fertiliser manufacturing industry, signed a MoU with ACME Cleantech Solutions Private Limited (ACME), a pioneer in renewable energy for the purchase and supply of about 200,000 MT Ammonia made through the renewable energy route; a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and renewable energy usage in India.

This initiative is in line with PM's vision of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This will make India the global hub for the production, usage and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Glamour and Lifestyle Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in Style and Sophistication- The Glamour and Lifestyle Awards 2024 dazzled the city of Mumbai with its opulence and grandeur, solidifying its status as a hallmark event in the realm of glitz and glam. This prestigious awards ceremony, held at the exquisite Sethia Banquet of Raghulila Mall in Kandivali West, showcased the creme de la creme of the lifestyle and entertainment industries, making it a night to remember for all attendees.

From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, they were enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance. The venue was transformed into a veritable paradise, adorned with dazzling lights, luxurious decor, and an aura of exclusivity that permeated every corner. It was a celebration of all things glamorous, where style and sophistication reigned supreme.

India’s foreign exchange reserves reached an all-time high of US$ 645.6 billion as of March 29, 2024, with Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasising that they act as a buffer against future risks.

“Consciously, over the last 4-5 years, we have been building up reserves, as the market moves, depending on the prevailing market situation. That endeavor continues because it acts as a buffer against future risks especially in situation when the cycle turns and if there are significant outward flows of dollars. It is by way of a buffer that we are building up reserves. This whole approach adds to the strength of the national balance sheet,” Das said

India’s holds the world’s fourth largest forex reserves after China, Switzerland, and Japan.

In its 154-year history, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata including Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), achieved a milestone in the just-concluded financial year 2023-24 by handling 66.4 million tonnes of cargo.

It marked a 1.11 per cent increase from the previous record of 65.66 million tonnes moved in 2022-23, as per an official release by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Chairman Rathendra Raman attributed this throughput to a series of strategic initiatives implemented by the port to enhance productivity, safety measures, business development, and overall capacity utilisation.

GAIL (India) Limited won the 15th 'CIDC Vishwakarma Award' in the ‘Achievement Award for Best Construction Projects’ category for its Barauni – Guwahati Natural Gas Pipeline project (BGPL). GAIL's Director (Projects) Deepak Gupta and Executive Director (Projects) AK Tripathi received the award on behalf of the company at a function in New Delhi on April 4.

The BGPL project, an integral part of Jagdishpur – Haldia & Bokaro – Dhamra Pipeline project, has connected North-East India with the National Gas Grid for the first time. The 718 km long pipeline will act as the gateway for access of environmental-friendly fuel natural gas for entire North-East through Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).

Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Love Kumar has been appointed as Inspector General in Special Protection Group (SPG) on Friday.

According to an official notification issued from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of the Office of Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat for the appointment of Love Kumar (IPS) for the post of IG in SPG by temporarily upgrading the post of DIG held by him.

Kumar is a 2004-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre. He has been appointed to the post for a period of two years with effect from the date of assumption of post or till further orders, whichever is earlier. Currently, he is posted as DIG in the same group.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is celebrated annually on April 6 with an aim to recognise the importance of sports and physical activity in our personal lives and communities around the world. Sports are an important component of society as it keeps us active, competitive, and healthy. Additionally, playing sports can increase confidence and teach valuable life lessons.

The United Nations (UN) has long recognised sport’s power and universality, using it to unite individuals and groups by supporting sports for development, participating in events on a global and grassroots level, and developing its sports-related campaigns and initiatives.

In the Indian Ocean, there exists a phenomenon known as a ‘gravity hole’ where the Earth's gravitational pull is weaker, resulting in a depression in the sea level by over 328 ft. If reports are to go by, this anomaly has puzzled geologists for a considerable period of time, but researchers have claimed to have discovered a credible explanation for its formation: plumes of magma originating from deep within the Earth, akin to those responsible for the creation of volcanoes.

When formulating this hypothesis, the team utilised supercomputers to simulate the possible evolution of the area, tracing back as far as 140 million years. The findings, outlined in a recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, focus on a prehistoric ocean that has vanished over time.

Beginning April 1, 2024, Japan has initiated the issuance of eVisas to Indian tourists, introducing a system that eliminates the necessity for physical visa stickers in passports, according to reports.

Applicants can now electronically apply for visas through designated Japan Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global. Specifically designed for tourism, the Japan eVisa offers a single-entry short-term visa allowing a stay of up to 90 days in Japan.

The eligibility extends to both Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India, with the application process centralised through the Visa Application Centres managed by VFS Global, simplifying the procedure.