The Union Government-led Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme to enhance quality research-oriented higher education in the country.

In line with ANRF, operationalised in September, the PAIR programme aims to bring major transformation in Indian Universities.

While being aligned with the objectives set by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the PAIR programme will cultivate research excellence in central and state public universities by fostering collaborations with top-tier institutions via a mentorship-driven hub and spoke model.

“The hubs will guide emerging institutions (spokes) in research activities, provide access to harness their resources and expertise, thus bridging the gap between institutions and nurturing a robust research ecosystem in India,” said the Ministry of Science & Technology.

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) has received international acclaim for its advancements in digital innovation, securing accolades at the ‘Airport Excellence Awards’ held during the Saudi Airport Exhibition 2024. The awards ceremony took place on November 12 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), celebrated leading global innovations in the aviation industry.

GHIAL’s ‘Digital Twin’ secured an award in the Innovation and Technology and Facility Management categories. Another of GHIAL’s innovations, the ‘Smart Shopping Trolley,’ was recognised as the runner-up in the Airport Revenue Management category.

The Digital Twin at RGIA creates a virtual replica of the physical airport. Through real-time data integration from CCTV, sensors, and IoT devices, this advanced model offers a holistic, data-driven view of airport operations, from terminal functionality to passenger flow and resource management, as per a release.

The Fable, starring Manoj Bajpayee in the lead has scripted history by becoming the first Indian film to be honoured with the prestigious Best Film award in the main international competition (Constellation Features Competition) at the Leeds International Film Festival 2024. It marks a milestone achievement for Indian cinema, as no Indian film has earlier received this honour at the prestigious film festival since its inception in 1987.

The Ram Reddy directorial had its world premiere at the Berlinale Film Festival 2024, and bagged the Special Jury Prize at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.

Manoj Bajpayee feels honoured to be a part of The Fable and see it resonate with audiences globally.

Leading chipmaker Nvidia and SoftBank Corp, the telecommunications arm of SoftBank Group, have piloted the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G telecoms network, the two companies said on Wednesday.

The network can run AI and 5G workloads concurrently, a process known as an artificial intelligence radio access network (AI-RAN), the companies said.

Applications for the network include autonomous vehicle remote support and robotics control.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar presided over the inauguration of Symbiosis International University’s first overseas campus at Dubai Knowledge Park. The ceremony, marking a significant milestone in Indo-UAE relations, was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jaishankar celebrated the university’s achievement in securing full accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation under the UAE’s Ministry of Education. The campus will offer comprehensive programs in management, technology, and media, focusing on developing 21st-century skills while promoting collaboration aligned with the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”-“the world is one family.”

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched his book, Why Bharat Matters, at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai, UAE on Thursday . During the event, Dr. Jaishankar provided insight into the themes and key messages of his book, reflecting on the complex interplay of global and domestic factors shaping India’s position in the world.

Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the evolving global landscape, characterized by technological advancements, the impact of artificial intelligence, shifts brought by green technologies, and changes in lifestyle due to electric mobility. He emphasized that these transformations are compounded by extreme climate events, which present significant challenges on their own. According to Dr. Jaishankar, these factors are redefining relationships, altering power dynamics, and reshaping global balances.Amidst this shifting global scenario, Dr. Jaishankar painted a picture of a transforming India. He discussed how India is changing both in comparison to other nations and through its own autonomous evolution. He pointed to the cumulative impact of democratization, greater access to opportunities, economic growth, and a rising aspirational middle class. The diversity and representativeness seen in Indian politics, civil services, and even the cricket team were cited as examples of this transformation. Dr. Jaishankar stated that India today is more diverse and authentic in its representation than ever before.

Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab is being celebrated with religious fervour across India and the world today. It marks the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who laid the foundation of Sikhism. This year marks the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. On this day, devotees around the world offer prayers.

In honor of the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will engage in an e-samwad (virtual dialogue) with beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM-Janman) from Jamui in Bihar on Friday, according to Gujarat CMO.

PM Modi will also launch the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan,’ a national campaign aimed at the upliftment of tribal communities across India.

As part of this initiative, a state-level celebration will be held on November 15 at Ahwa in the Dang district under the leadership of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Various events will be organized across Gujarat to commemorate ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas,’ with participation from ministers, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Legislative Assembly.

The state of Jharkhand honours its foundation every year on November 15. Jharkhand Foundation Day commemorates the founding of India’s 28th state. The state was a part of Bihar before the Bihar Reorganisation Act of 2000. The state is currently made up of the forests of Santhal Pargana and Chhotanagpur Plateau. The day holds particular significance in Indian history because it also marks the anniversary of the birth of Birsa Munda, also known as Bhagwan Birsa, a tribal leader.

The Ministry of Mines today signed an agreement with the International Energy Agency (IEA) on cooperation in the area of critical minerals. This collaboration will provide India with access to reliable data, analysis, and policy recommendations in the critical minerals sector, enhancing the country’s decision-making capabilities and ensuring strategic resource management. It will also enable the country to streamline its policies, regulations, and investment strategies in the critical minerals sector. Approval for the proposal to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IEA and the Ministry of Mines was granted by the Union Cabinet on the 3rd of last month.