Published on: February 12, 2025
Snippets : 12 FEBRUARY 2025
Snippets : 12 FEBRUARY 2025
- Karnataka has the highest college density in India, with 66 colleges per lakh eligible population, more than twice the national average of 30, as per data released by NITI Aayog. The state also performs well in the pupil-teacher ratio (PTR), standing at 15:1, which is lower than the national average of 23:1. Tamil Nadu leads in this aspect with a 14:1 ratio. In terms of Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), Tamil Nadu ranks first with 47%, followed by Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The majority of teachers in higher education institutions are lecturers or assistant professors (68%), while states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have a higher share of junior faculty. However, some states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have seen a decline in PTR between 2011-12 and 2021-22, raising concerns about faculty shortagesTargeted policies are needed to recruit and train educators in states lagging behind, and strengthening state public universities is crucial for delivering high-quality education. Additionally, achieving the government’s goal of doubling higher education enrollment by 2047 remains a key priority.
- Karnataka launched its New Industrial Policy 2025-30, targeting ₹7.5 lakh crore investment and 20 lakh jobs by 2030. Key sectors include aerospace, electronics, manufacturing, logistics, and renewables. Incentives prioritize backward regions, with 12 new investment zones planned. The policy emphasizes workforce development, ease of doing business, and MSME support. Karnataka boasts a strong industrial base, including major IT companies and a leading position in electric vehicles and aerospace.
- Government is reviving the Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP) concept, a proposed metric to measure the impact of knowledge and innovation on the economy. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) held a session to discuss a framework for quantifying GDKP, recognizing the need for a refined methodology to capture knowledge-driven economic contributions. MoSPI will form a technical committee to develop a suitable measurement approach, addressing challenges identified by the National Statistical Commission.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently renamed its flagship HJT-36 jet training aircraft as ‘Yashas.’ Designed for Stage II pilot training, it is equipped for advanced training missions, including counter-insurgency, counter-surface force operations, and armament training. The aircraft features a modernized cockpit with state-of-the-art avionics to enhance training effectiveness and operational efficiency. Weight reduction measures have improved its performance and reduced dependency on imported components. It is powered by a FADEC-controlled engine, offering a high thrust-to-weight ratio, optimized thrust management, and enhanced reliability. The stepped-up rear cockpit and a drooped nose provide improved visibility, ensuring better situational awareness for trainees. Additionally, Yashas has armament capability, supporting up to 1,000 kg of payload for advanced training scenarios. This aircraft represents a significant step towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, playing a crucial role in training future generations of Indian Air Force pilots and contributing to India’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in defense technology.
- The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific: Final Approach had its first performance in Bengaluru at Christ University on Tuesday evening, entertaining the audience with classics like Bee Gees’ Staying Alive and Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely. The 10-member ensemble, based at Japan’s Yokota Base, is in Bengaluru for their upcoming performances at Aero India on February 13 and 14. The Final Approach delivered a dynamic mix of rock, pop, country, and folk music, captivating students who stood up and sang along. US Air Force Senior Airman and drummer Brian Ellerman described performing in Bengaluru as an incredible experience, praising the city’s energy and enthusiasm
- Unnathi Aiyappa was the lone Karnataka athlete to sparkle on the fourth day of the athletics competitions in the 38th National Games in Dehradun, the sprinter securing a silver medal
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will establish a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Karnataka to support the Indian Air Force’s Lockheed Martin’s C-130J fleet.
- Ellie, Asia’s first life-sized animatronic elephant, unveiled at St. Joseph’s School, Bengaluru
- The Swavalambini: Women Entrepreneurship Programme for Northeast India was launched by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram to empower female students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with entrepreneurial skills, resources, and mentorship. A joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and NITI Aayog, it is implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) in collaboration with NITI Aayog. The programme targets institutions such as Gauhati University, NEHU, Kiang Nangba Government College, RiBhoi College, Mizoram University, Government Champai College, Lunglei Government College, Handique College, and Dispur College. It follows a structured approach, guiding participants through entrepreneurial awareness, training, mentorship, and funding while also recognizing and awarding successful ventures. Virtually launched in nine colleges/universities, the programme includes key components like a 2-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) for 600 students, a 40-hour Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) for 300 students, six months of mentorship, a 5-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) for HEI faculty, and an Award to Rewards Initiative for outstanding women entrepreneurs. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the initiative aims to integrate skills, foster industry collaboration, and promote hands-on experience. The programme’s goals include ensuring that 10% of EDP trainees launch successful enterprises, instilling an entrepreneurial culture within HEIs, and creating sustainable women-led businesses in the region
- Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech group company, Biovet, recently announced that its Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccine, Biolumpivaxin, for dairy cattle and buffaloes has received a license from the Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO). LSD is an infectious viral disease caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a member of the capripoxvirus genus within the poxviridae family (which also includes smallpox and monkeypox viruses). The disease is not zoonotic, meaning it does not infect humans. Initially found in Africa, LSD has since spread to regions in the Middle East, Asia, and eastern Europe. It primarily affects cattle and, to a lesser extent, buffalo, with a higher morbidity rate in cattle. Economically, LSD is significant as it can cause temporary reduction in milk production, sterility in bulls, hide damage, and, in some cases, death. The disease spreads mainly through blood-feeding insects like flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, as well as through infected oral and nasal secretions contaminating fodder and water sources.
- Astronomers recently identified what could be the largest structure ever found in the known universe, named Quipu.
- Recently, the Natco Pharma has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration final approval for Bosentan tablets for oral suspension, its generic version of Actelion Pharmaceuticals US Inc.’s pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) drug Tracleer.
