SNIPPETS 30 MARCH 2026

QS rankings: 16th annual edition of QS World University Rankings by Subject was recently published+ Published By: London-based, QS Quacquarelli Symonds+ Ranks universities for 55 subjects+ Five Indicators: Academic reputation; Employer reputation; Research citations per paper; H-index ; International research network (by broad faculty area)+Indian School of Mines (IIT-ISM) Dhanbad, ranked 21st globally in Mineral and Mining Engineering, along with IIM Ahmedabad in both Business and Management Studies and Marketing

Waste Foundry Sand (WFS): It is high-quality silica sand, byproduct of metal casting processes, often contaminated with heavy metals, acids, and carbon residues+ It is generated in large quantities and poses environmental disposal challenges+ Its reuse supports circular economy, waste minimization and resource efficiency+ CSIR-Central Road Research Institute is spearheading efforts for the effective utilization of Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) in road construction.

Protected Area Permit (PAP): It is a special permit required for foreign nationals to visit certain sensitive areas in India+ Governed Under: Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958+ Areas Covered: Those falling between the ‘Inner line’ and International Border of State that have been declared as a Protected Area in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Parts of Sikkim, etc+ Issuing Authority: Union Ministry of Home Affairs.