Current Affairs - Education

Researchers at IIT Madras developed a patented, cost-effective injectable hydrogel using silk cocoons and seaweed for the treatment of fibrosis and other degenerative conditions. The hydrogel is biodegradable and biocompatible, and it transforms from a liquid into a gel at body temperature, allowing it to adapt to the treatment site. The innovation aims to reduce therapy costs significantly, from around USD 2,000–3,000 to nearly USD 300. It has potential applications in treating pulmonary, liver, kidney, and muscle fibrosis, as well as Sarcopenia. The research was led by Prof. Vignesh Muthuvijayan and Ms Varshiny Gopinath of IIT Madras.

Manindra Agrawal was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2026 for his outstanding contributions to theoretical computer science. He is widely known for co-developing the AKS primality test, a landmark achievement in mathematics and computer science. The algorithm provided the first deterministic polynomial-time method for testing whether a number is prime, with important applications in cryptography and internet security. Agrawal has received several prestigious awards for his research and was serving as the Director of IIT Kanpur when he received this honour.

Skyways Air Services Ltd., through its training arm MyLogistics Gurukul, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jindal Global Business School on May 18, 2026. The collaboration aims to strengthen skill development in the logistics and supply chain sector under the Government of India’s Skill India Mission. The initiative provides students with practical exposure through internships, visits to freight and warehousing hubs, and certified industry-focused training modules. It also integrates real-world logistics challenges into academic learning. Skyways, established in 1984, is recognised as one of India’s leading air freight forwarders and has maintained a strong position in the global logistics industry.

IIT Madras announced the creation of its first international deep-tech center in Menlo Park, California, with an investment plan of US$ 7.5 million. The initiative was introduced at the SelectUSA Investment Summit and aims to support Indian deep-tech startups by providing access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and global markets. Developed in collaboration with CA Startups, the centre is designed to encourage translational research, innovation, and international talent exchange. IIT Madras, established in 1959 with support from West Germany, is recognised as one of India’s leading engineering and research institutions and is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs collaborated with IIT Patna under the PM VIKAS scheme to enhance skill development among minority youth in Bihar. The initiative aims to train 600 individuals in advanced and industry-relevant fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics. This partnership reflects the government’s focus on bridging the skill gap and improving employability through modern technological education. IIT Patna, established in 2008, is one of India’s premier institutions and plays a key role in delivering high-quality technical training, thereby supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities for underrepresented communities.