LIRC@SFIT

The increased prioritisation and spending on AI from Indian firms will mean a significant portion of technology R&D budgets will now be dominated by something related to AI, Kalra noted. India is emerging as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence adoption, with 80% of companies marking AI as a core strategic priority; surpassing the global average of 75%, according to Boston Consulting Group’s latest AI Radar report. The study finds that Indian enterprises are planning significant investments, with 72% allocating up to $25 million for AI initiatives in 2025, while 16% plan to spend between $26-50 million, positioning India among the major global spenders in AI technology . Amongst key global markets, India ranks ahead of several developed economies in planned AI investments for 2025, with only Japan (53%), US (59%), and Singapore (63%) showing lower percentages of companies planning investments up to $25 million. The higher percentage of Indian companies in this investment brac...

The United States announced the removal of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and two other Indian entities from its restricted list. The United States' Bureau of Industry & Security on Wednesday, January 15, removed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and two other Indian entities from its restrictive list. In a statement, Bureau of Industry & Security said, “The removal of Indian entities Indian Rare Earths, Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) will support US foreign policy objectives by reducing barriers to advanced energy cooperation, including joint research and development and science and technology cooperation, towards shared energy security needs and goals.” In a statement regarding the removal of three Indian entities, Príncipal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Matthew Borman said, “The removal of the three Indian entities will enable closer cooperation between the United Sta...

Assistant professor roles require a postgraduate degree with 55 per cent marks and NET/SET/SLET, except in Engineering and Technology. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025 on January 6, setting forth the minimum qualifications required for appointing and promoting academic staff in universities and colleges. While addressing discipline-specific criteria for faculty eligibility, these guidelines aim to uphold and enhance standards in higher education. Qualification criteria Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree with at least 55 per cent marks (or equivalent) and clear the National Eligibility Test (NET), State Eligibility Test (SET), or State-Level Eligibility Test (SLET), to qualify for an assistant professor role in disciplines such as Arts, Commerce, Humani...

UGC NET December 2024 exam schedule: The January 15 exam, postponed due to Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and other celebrations, will now be held on January 21 and 27. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the postponement of the UGC NET December 2024 examination scheduled for 15 January 2025. This decision follows numerous requests to defer the exam due to significant festivals occurring on that date, including Pongal and Makar Sankranti. The 15 January exam, which has been postponed, will now be held on January 21 and January 27. However, the tests scheduled for 16 January remain unchanged. In an official statement, the NTA stated, "In the interest of aspirants, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to postpone the UGC-NET December 2024 Exam scheduled on 15th January 2025 only." The UGC NET December 2024 examination cycle began on 3 January 2025 and was initially planned to conclude on 16 January 2025. The UGC NET is a national-level examination conducted to de...

Coinciding with National Startup Day, the event serves as a platform for over 325 student-led startups to present their ideas, connect with investors, and access mentorship, writes TG Sitharam. Aiming to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students across India, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched UDYAMOTSAV 2025. Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), the event coincides with National Startup Day, announced by PM Narendra Modi on January 16, 2022, and aligns with the vision of the government to make India a global hub for startups. Being the government’s flagship initiative, Startup India has fostered innovation, catalysed startup culture, and built a robust and inclusive ecosystem for entrepreneurship. Over the years, the initiative has rolled out numerous programmes designed to support entrepreneurs, build a resilient startup ecosystem, and transform India into a nation of job creators. Since its ince...