Microsoft establishes the IPR Chair at GNLU
In a major boost to research mission of the Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Microsoft has established a dedicated intellectual property rights (IPR) Chair at GNLU. This is first ever chair by Microsoft in any law university in the country. In the long run, the Microsoft Chair aims to create capacity and development of thought leadership in IPR law and policy research, education and awareness through a multidisciplinary approach. In the short run, within five years, the Chair will develop suitable academic research projects, as agreed between Microsoft India and GNLU; provide a framework for analysing the impact of IPR law and policy on development and growth of the Indian economy; and disseminate knowledge and information on IPR law and policy through outreach programmes.
Mercedes introduces auto mechatronics course
Mercedes-Benz India, in collaboration with the Government Engineering College, Barton Hill (GECBH) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has announced the introduction of the Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics (ADAM) course for engineering college students. This initiative in south India is designed to address the growing need for skilled resources in automotive technology. This course is currently run by two government polytechnics in Pune and Aurangabad since 2006 and 2009, respectively. This is the third PPP by Mercedes-Benz India. In Government Polytechnic, Pune and Aurangabad, a total of 266 students have been trained in eight batches of ADAM and five batches of another short-term course, thus far.
JICA?s Rs 1,336 cr loan for building IIT Hyd campus
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed an agreement with the government of India to provide 23,035 million Japanese yen (Rs 1,336 crore approximately) of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for building of part of the campus of newly established Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad. The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Shinya Ejima, chief representative, JICA India Office, and Rajesh Khullar, joint secretary (Bilateral Cooperation), ministry of finance, government of India. The loan is at concessional rate of 1.40% and carries a repayment period of 30 years with a grace period of 10 years. The project is to be executed by IIT Hyderabad and the expected date of completion is 2018.
The Oberoi Group brings the STEP programme
The Oberoi Group has opened online applications for selection of students for its ?Systematic Training and Education Programme? (STEP). The three-year programme designed for students completing high school combines practical on-the-job training with study towards a bachelor of tourism studies degree from the Indira Gandhi National Open University.
Bamboo frames for multi-storey housing in India?
Engineers from Trinity College Dublin and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have joined forces to develop bamboo frames for multi-story housing in India. The research aims to establish whether a bamboo composite could work in high rise housing in earthquake zones in India. During the five-week project, the team worked with Professor Roger West and Professor Ravindra Dhir from Trinity?s Department of Civil Engineering. Using static and cyclic loading, the durability of the frames was measured to establish their collapse strength and stiffness. Bamboo is well known for its tensile strength and flexibility. A special composite of bamboo and epoxy could provide an answer to the chronic shortage of low cost renewable medium density housing. It may also satisfy the need for ductility and durability for its use as the primary structural material in earthquake zones for housing of up to four storeys. The project forms part of an ongoing research collaboration between Professor Suresh Bhalla of IIT Delhi and Trinity College on testing bamboo columns. Trinity signed an MoU with IIT Delhi in 2011.
