Tag: technology

  • No link between sports concussions and cognitive problems: Study

    New research uncovers brain pathway linked to autism, cerebral palsy

    No link between sports concussions and cognitive problems: StudyIANS

    Sports-related concussions (SRC) may not be linked to long-term cognitive problems for non-professional players, according to a study on Wednesday.

    The research, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry (JNNP), showed that people who reported having any SRC in their lives performed marginally better cognitively than those with no concussion history.

    In fact, participants who had sustained SRC actually performed better cognitively in some domains than those who had never had a concussion, suggesting that sports activity may have preventive effects.

    Led by researchers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, an international team from the US, and the UK analysed data from over 15,000 participants aged 50 to 90. The research aimed to comprehend cognitive decline and ageing of the brain.

    “We hypothesise that there may be physical, social, and long-term behavioural effects of sports that may make for healthier adults in late life,” said lead author Dr. Matt Lennon, from UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA).

    While people with one SRC had better working memory and reasoning capacity, participants with three or more SRCs had worse processing speed and attention. They also had a declining trajectory of verbal reasoning with age.

    Study proposes new obesity treatment with brain electrical stimulation

    Study finds sports-related concussions may not lead to cognitive declineIANS

    The study suggests that there could be long-term benefits from sport that could outweigh any negative effects of concussions, which could have important implications for policy decisions around contact sport participation.

    “While these results do not indicate the safety of any sport in particular, they do indicate that overall sports may have greater beneficial effects for long-term cognitive health than the damage it causes, even in those who have experienced concussion. This finding should not be overstated, the beneficial effects were small and in people who had two or more sports-related concussions there was no longer any benefit to concussion. Additionally, this study does not apply to concussions in professional athletes, whose head injuries tend to be more frequent, debilitating and severe,” noted Lennon.

    However, the study acknowledged some limitations, including the retrospective design of the study and the lack of inclusion of professional athletes, who face the concussion problem daily.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • AI City to come up on 200 acres near Hyderabad, says Telangana govt

    AI City to come up on 200 acres near Hyderabad, says Telangana govtIANS

    The Telangana government on Thursday unveiled its vision of Artificial Intelligence City, an ambitious project that will come up on 200 acres near Hyderabad.

    The state-of-the-art AI City will serve as a vibrant hub for the AI ecosystem, hosting an AI Advisory Council supported by an AI research and collaboration network, leading universities, global corporations, and innovative startups, as per the state government.

    The AI City logo was unveiled by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at Global AI Summit 2024, which began here on Thursday.

    The AI City will provide the ideal environment for collaboration, driving the development of next-generation AI technologies and solutions. It will host state-of-the-art data centers, and high-performance computing facilities, empowering organizations to innovate at scale. The facility will also give citizens direct access to the world of artificial intelligence. Through immersive experiences, educational programmes, and interactive demonstrations, the AI City will demystify AI, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of its potential across all sectors of society, the state government said.

    The planned city will also create an AI-skilled population through AI Skilled University and Experiential Centre.

    On this occasion, the state government also entered into partnerships with various companies and institutions for different components of the AI City.

    Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said Telangana’s AI drive is not new as the state has already taken big steps.

    Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said Telangana’s AI drive is not new as the state has already taken big stepsIAN

    “If we think of India’s future, no city is as perfectly ready for it as Hyderabad. In our city, we not only embrace the future, but we also create it,” he said.

    “The AI summit today in Hyderabad is our declaration – we are ready for AI. We will create AI’s future and set standards,” he added.

    Information Technology and Industry Minister D. Sridhar Babu said that while AI City takes shape, AI-driven companies can commence operations quickly by partnering with the World Trade Centre, Shamshabad offering two lakh square feet of office space as an interim measure.

    The minister said the state government was committed to harnessing AI as part of its efforts to make Telangana a trillion-dollar economy in the near future and a 3 trillion-dollar economy in the next one decade. He stated that Telangana has emerged as a tech powerhouse, leveraging the existing IT ecosystem to transform Hyderabad into a leading global hub in deep tech innovations and products.

    Sridhar Babu said the AI landscape has emerged as a major catalyst for growth with vast data resources, a talented workforce and a vibrant startup ecosystem combined with the government’s commitment to harnessing AI for social good.

    Special Chief Secretary, IT, Jayesh Ranjan, said that the two-day Global AI Summit is the first-of-its-kind event. About 150 speakers from across the world will share their expertise at the summit being held with the main theme ” Making AI work for everyone”.

    About 2,000 delegates including corporates, academia, startups and government officers are attending the conference which will have panel discussions on innovation, the future world, responsible AI, and governance.

    (With inputs from IANS)

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  • Guru Raghavendra, A Berkeley MBA Graduate, Shapes Global Cloud Architecture Strategies

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah

    Photo courtesy of Guru Raghavendra

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah is an engineering leader with more than 20 years of software engineering experience. He has used his MBA from the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business to drive significant advancements in cloud architecture. Over the course of his career, he has held key roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Nordstrom, and Oracle, where his expertise in software engineering has made a major impact. His work has not only propelled these organizations but has also left a lasting influence on the broader field of cloud computing, driven by his commitment to excellence and strategic thinking.

    From Classroom to Cloud Architecture

    At UC Berkeley, Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah built the foundation for his success in cloud architecture. One of the most influential courses he took was “Turnarounds,” which focuses on strategies to help struggling businesses recover. He has noted, “The principles I learned in ‘Turnarounds’ directly apply to cloud architecture. You need to identify risks in advance, optimize efficiency and performance, and ensure systems can scale as as the business grows.” This course resonated with him deeply, as it mirrored his passion for transforming challenges into opportunities, a theme that has guided his career.

    In addition to “Turnarounds,” his studies in technology strategy, operations and supply chain management, and financial analysis for technology companies equipped him with the skills to design cloud systems that are both technically & financially sound and aligned with business goals. These skills have enabled him to develop methods in cloud architecture that are recognized and adopted across the industry. His strategic planning for cloud expansion has set new standards for scalability and efficiency, showcasing his foresight and ability to think beyond the immediate needs of the project.

    Leadership and Technical Expertise

    Before joining AWS, where one of his responsibilities is the rollout of Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL, Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah held key roles at Nordstrom, Ascena Retail Group, and Infosys Ltd. At Nordstrom, he led engineering teams, modernized software systems, and achieved significant cost savings while enhancing reliability. His leadership on these projects set new standards for efficiency in the industry. “For instance, his work on critical systems overhaul at Nordstrom significantly increased merchandising systems efficiency and reduced downtime, directly contributing to a significant increase in online and in-store sales during peak periods.

    His technical expertise includes AWS, Python, SQL, NoSQL, Kubernetes, and various DevOps tools. He is also certified as an AWS Developer, TOGAF Enterprise Architect, and Oracle Developer. These qualifications have empowered him to create cloud architecture frameworks that are widely regarded as benchmarks in the industry. His pioneering efforts have inspired other cloud architects to adopt similar methods, further extending his influence.

    Achievements and Recognitions

    While studying at UC Berkeley, Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah led investment discussions for his classmates, earning the nickname “investments guy.” He was also nominated to the National Society of Leadership and Success and participated in the Inclusive Leadership Institute Program from Pneumosis LLC, which focused on diversity and inclusion. These experiences shaped his leadership style, emphasizing mentoring and developing talent. Guru’s dedication to fostering growth in others stems from his belief that true leadership is not just about guiding projects but about empowering people to reach their full potential.

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in the mentorship program he created, which has helped engineers advance in their careers. This program has not only benefited individuals within his organizations but has also contributed to the broader engineering community by cultivating a new generation of leaders who are making their own marks in the field. Several of his mentees now lead significant projects in cloud architecture, further amplifying his impact. His mentorship is driven by his personal philosophy that nurturing talent is essential to driving long-term success in any industry.

    Enhancing Cloud Architecture at AWS

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah has effectively applied the knowledge gained during his MBA to advance cloud architecture at AWS, particularly in the implementation of Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. His strategic and analytical skills have boosted release efficiency and expanded the service to new regions with zero-touch rollouts. “The skills I gained from my MBA have been invaluable in my role,” he shared.

    While his contributions have been vital to AWS, their impact extends beyond the company. His work on Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL has influenced best practices in cloud architecture, particularly in release efficiency and scalability, setting new industry benchmarks. For example, his methodologies for zero-touch rollouts have been studied and implemented by cloud teams at other leading tech companies, underscoring his role as a thought leader in the field. Guru’s approach to problem-solving is characterized by his ability to foresee challenges and design solutions that not only meet current needs but also pave the way for future advancements. His efforts at AWS have contributed to the company’s position as a leader in managed PostgreSQL database offering, surpassing competitors like Google’s AlloyDB and Microsoft’s PostgreSQL on Azure.

    Shaping the Future of Cloud Architecture

    As cloud architecture continues to evolve with new technologies and business needs, Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah emphasizes the importance of resilience, performance optimization, and scalability. “Cloud architecture must be resilient and adaptable,” he said. “It’s about building systems that can handle disruptions and support strategic goals.”

    Guru Raghavendra Tumkur Kumbaiah’s contributions have shaped modern cloud architecture, preparing systems to meet future demands. His frameworks anticipate and mitigate disruptions, a concept he’s championed throughout his career. He credits his time at Berkeley for his creativity and leadership. From Berkeley to AWS, he highlights the value of a strong educational base and practical knowledge, with his work poised to inspire future engineers and leaders.

  • Auckland University of Technology launches a course on Taylor Swift; Here’s all you need to know

    New Zealand’s Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has officially launched a course on the American singer and songwriter Taylor Swift. The university will offer a summer school course based on the singer’s 18-year-long career.

    Taylor Swift at a concert in Minneapolis. Photo courtesy: Taylor Swift/Instagram
    Taylor Swift at a concert in Minneapolis. Photo courtesy: Taylor Swift/Instagram

    This is the first university-level course featuring the global pop icon in Australasia, and it is being offered by AUT’s School of Communication Studies.

    Students interested in taking the course can apply for it. This course will allow students to study and apply the communications theory to Swift’s work by enrolling in the ‘Taylor Swift Communications Professional course’.

    The students enrolled in the course will also have the opportunity to analyse Taylor Swift’s career from a modern communication perspective. Students will also work on a case study that examines the various communication tactics that Taylor employs to keep her fans interested and her in the news.

    Course details

    The official announcement states that the course will take place from November 18 to December 13, 2024. In this course, students will examine her branding strategies in addition to her written and visual materials.

    Classes will be held at AUT’s City Campus three days a week.

    In order to accommodate students who are unable to attend in person, the institute added that if there is sufficient interest, it might potentially offer the course online.

    Also read: German city to rename itself after Taylor Swift ahead of her Eras Tour concerts

    Everyone can benefit from this course, including seasoned professionals seeking to broaden their knowledge and high school students hoping to get a head start on their college studies.

    This course is the result of the overwhelming response to the academic conference “Swiftposium”, which took place earlier this year in Melbourne during Taylor’s Eras Tour. The discussion focused on Taylor’s influence on Swifties worldwide and her global impact.

    Also read: Taylor-made tourism plan and SGD 300 million top-up set to give Singapore a booming 2024

    (The article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Free Press Journal and Connected to India)

  • Dyson has a festive surprise; new products in beauty, audio, home in offing [details]

    Dyson has a festive surprise

    Dyson has a festive surprise

    Dyson has unveiled four new products across its Beauty, Audio, and Home categories in India ahead of the festive season. The new lineup will be released in phases and includes two advanced hair styling tools, Dyson’s first audio-only product, and a dedicated wet floor cleaner. These products feature Dyson’s high-performance technologies designed to cater to consumers’ needs.

    Among the new launches, Dyson has introduced two hair care products: the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler and Dryer, and the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer.

    The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler and Dryer, priced at Rs 45,900, is Dyson’s first connected beauty product. It uses Bluetooth technology to allow users to customize their hair styling experience via the MyDyson app. The tool creates curls at the push of a button without heat damage and is available in a special Strawberry Bronze/Blush Pink edition. It includes six attachments and comes with a complimentary detangling comb in a Dyson-designed case.

    Dyson has a festive surprise

    Dyson has a festive surpriseDyson

    The Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer, available for Ra 41,900, is designed to enhance scalp and hair health. It features Nural sensors that automatically adjust heat and airflow near the scalp to prevent damage. The dryer also enhances shine and styling through a new Scalp Protect mode. It comes in two color palettes: Ceramic Patina and Topaz, and Vinca Blue and Topaz.

    Dyson is also set to release its first wet floor cleaner, the Dyson WashG1. The cleaner is engineered to handle both wet and dry debris and is designed for large hard floor spaces. Equipped with a 1-litre clean-water tank, it can cover up to 3,100 square feet in one cleaning session. The Dyson WashG1 will be available from October 2024.

    Additionally, Dyson will introduce the Dyson OnTrac headphones, the company’s first high-fidelity, audio-only product, in India. These headphones, which feature noise cancellation and a 55-hour battery life, are customizable with over 2,000 colour combinations.

    Dyson has a festive surprise

    Dyson has a festive surpriseIBT

    Dyson is also expanding its presence in India, opening two new Demo Stores in Pune and Lucknow, bringing the total number of stores to over 20. These stores allow customers to experience Dyson products firsthand. In addition to the stores, Dyson products are available at over 400 retail locations, including Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, Nykaa, Tira, and Shoppers Stop.

  • reMarkable Paper Pro gets color display with a twist; how is it different from reMarkable 2

    reMarkable Paper Pro gets color display with a twist and another cool feature

    reMarkable Paper Pro gets color display with a twist and another cool featurereMarkable

    reMarkable is back with yet another innovation, the reMarkable Paper Pro, a paper tablet designed to elevate productivity and creativity. With an 11.8-inch color display, adjustable reading light, and a paper-like writing feel, the reMarkable Paper Pro is tailored for knowledge workers seeking focus in a digitally cluttered world. The device is now available for order on remarkable.com and bestbuy.com.

    “Millions of people around the world rely on reMarkable to find focus and do their best work,” said Phil Hess, CEO of reMarkable. “The reMarkable Paper Pro enhances this experience by adding just enough technology to your workflow without disrupting your focus. We’ve built upon the success of reMarkable 2 to create a device that offers the best writing and reading experience ever on a paper tablet.”

    Revolutionary Color Display

    The reMarkable Paper Pro features the Canvas Color display, a first for reMarkable’s paper tablets, allowing users to write, draw, and read in color. This new display supports nine distinct colors for writing and sketching, and thousands for reading, offering a more dynamic way to visualize and organize thoughts. Unlike other tablets that rely on filters, the reMarkable Paper Pro uses colored ink particles within the display, providing a natural, paper-like experience without the strain of bright screens.

    reMarkable Paper Pro gets color display with a twist and another cool feature

    reMarkable Paper Pro gets color display with a twist and another cool featurereMarkable

    The display also boasts an impressive 12 ms latency, a 40% improvement over its predecessor, the reMarkable 2, ensuring a seamless writing experience. The larger display offers 30% more space, and the adjustable reading light provides comfort in low-light conditions, making it perfect for extended use.

    Designed for Distraction-Free Work

    The reMarkable Paper Pro is equipped with powerful tools designed to help professionals stay organized and focused. Users can effortlessly combine handwritten and typed notes, and organize them with folders, tags, and limitless pages. Enhanced security features, including encryption and secure boot, ensure that sensitive information remains protected.

    reMarkable Paper Pro gets color display with a twist and another cool feature

    reMarkable Paper Pro gets color display with a twist and another cool featurereMarkable

    Despite its advanced features, the reMarkable Paper Pro remains the world’s thinnest tablet at just 5.1 mm, with a battery life that lasts up to two weeks on a single charge. It is available with a variety of customizable Book Folio covers and the new Type Folio keyboard, designed to complement its sleek design.

    Pricing and availability

    The reMarkable Paper Pro is available for order starting today on remarkable.com and bestbuy.com. The device comes bundled with a Marker for $579 or the upgraded Marker Plus for $629. Protective Book Folio covers are available in various materials and colors, ranging from $89 to $179. The Type Folio, priced at $229, offers backlit keys and auto wake-up functionality. India availability is yet to be announced. 

    reMarkable Paper Pro vs reMarkable 2

    The reMarkable Paper Pro is an evolution of reMarkable 2, offering significant enhancements in display technology, responsiveness, and functionality. The most notable upgrade is the introduction of the Canvas Color display, providing a richer and more immersive experience compared to the monochrome display of the reMarkable 2.

    The reMarkable Paper Pro’s display is 30% larger, with improved latency that reduces the gap between the Marker tip and the digital ink, making writing and drawing feel more natural.

    The reMarkable Paper Pro also includes  Despite these advancements, the reMarkable Paper Pro maintains the same thin profile as its predecessor, ensuring portability without sacrificing functionality.

    What do you think of reMarkable Paper Pro?

  • realme’s fastest curved display with only 80W charging in the segment coming on Sep 13

    realme's fastest curved display with only 80W charging in the segment coming on Sep 13

    realme’s fastest curved display with only 80W charging in the segment coming on Sep 13IANS

    Smartphones have no doubt become indispensable tools in our daily lives. As we rely more heavily on these devices for work, entertainment, and communication, two features have emerged as crucial to enhancing user experience: charging speed and display quality.

    Rapid charging technology allows users to spend less time tethered to power outlets, ensuring their devices are ready when needed.

    Meanwhile, advanced displays with vibrant colors, high refresh rates, and curved designs offer immersive viewing experiences for everything from casual browsing to intense gaming sessions.

    As smartphone manufacturers continue to innovate, the race to provide the fastest charging speeds and the most impressive displays has intensified.

    These advancements not only improve convenience but also fundamentally change how we interact with our devices, making them more efficient and enjoyable to use.

    realme has stepped up to the challenge with its latest offering, the realme P2 Pro. This cutting-edge device showcases realme’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, particularly in the realms of charging and display capabilities.

    The realme P2 Pro boasts an impressive 80W Ultra Charge feature, representing a 19 per cent increase in charging power compared to its predecessors, the realme P1 Series.

    Realme C3 launched in India

    realme has stepped up to the challenge with its latest offeringRealme

    This advancement allows users to gain an hour of gaming time from just a 5-minute charge. Moreover, the P2 Pro’s battery is designed for longevity, maintaining over 80 per cent capacity even after 1600 charging cycles — a 200 per cent improvement over industry standards.

    By combining high-energy density graphite with fast-charging graphite, realme has created a durable battery that stays rejuvenated for up to four years.

    Complementing this rapid charging capability is the realme P2 Pro’s stunning 120Hz Curved AMOLED display. Touted as the segment’s brightest and most eye-friendly screen, it offers an unprecedented peak brightness of 2000 nits – a 110 per cent increase from the previous generation.

    This display not only ensures excellent sunlight visibility but also introduces a unique, highly dynamic photo display technology.

    This feature optimises photo rendering by adjusting brightness based on the image’s light distribution, resulting in more vibrant highlights and layered dark areas for a viewing experience closer to what the human eye perceives in the real world.

    With these advanced features, realme P2 Pro is poised to set new standards in the smartphone market, offering users a device that not only keeps pace with their fast-paced lifestyles but also elevates their daily smartphone experience through long-lasting power and unparalleled visual quality. Be on the lookout for this device — launching only on September 13.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • DGCA, IndiGo conduct validation flight of new navigation tech at Kathmandu airport

    DGCA, IndiGo conduct validation flight of new navigation tech at Kathmandu airport

    IANS

    The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday said it has successfully conducted a validation flight of the Required Navigation Performance with Authorisation Required (RNP AR) procedure at the Kathmandu airport which involved an IndiGo aircraft.

    The RNP AR approach, which is a new navigation technology, offers several advantages, including enhanced safety through greater precision accuracy and more stabilised approach.

    “Indigo successfully conducted its first flight utilising the RNP AR approach on an A320 aircraft. An all-women inspectors’ team from DGCA and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal were on board to oversee the validation flight,” said the aviation regulator.

    The RNP AR approach reduces operational inefficiencies, such as the need for multiple step-downs in non-precision approaches, and lowers the landing minima.

    Pilots must undergo specialised simulator training to operate and conduct RNP AR approaches, and the aircraft must be properly equipped and capable of executing this advanced approach.

    IndiGo flight

    IANS

    According to the DGCA, the key benefits include increased safety in complex environments, enhanced operational efficiency, lower fuel burn and reduced carbon footprint and financial savings through minimised crew and flight time losses.

    “This approval underlines DGCA’s commitment to advancing aviation safety standards and operational excellence, ensuring safer and more efficient flights at one of the world’s most demanding critical airports,” said the DGCA.

    Late last month, budget carrier SpiceJet was placed under “enhanced surveillance with immediate effect” by the DGCA after passengers were not allowed to board the airline’s flights in Dubai as it had not paid its airport dues.

    Based on reports of cancellation of flights and financial stress being experienced by SpiceJet Airlines, a special audit of SpiceJet engineering facilities was conducted which has revealed certain deficiencies,” according to the aviation regulator.

    A SpiceJet spokesperson had attributed the cancellations to “operational issues” and said affected passengers were accommodated on subsequent flights or other airlines, or given a full refund.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • South Korea mobilises military doctors amid deepening health care crisis

    South Korea mobilises military doctors amid deepening health care crisis

    South Korea mobilises military doctors amid deepening health care crisisIANS

    The South Korean health ministry on Wednesday began deploying military doctors and public physicians to hospital emergency rooms suffering from staff shortages, but concerns about further disruptions to the health care system have grown, officials said.

    The government deployed 15 military doctors to assist in the emergency rooms of five hospitals, including Ewha Womans University Medical Centre in Seoul and Ajou University Hospital in the city of Suwon, on the day, and plans to send around 230 military doctors and public physicians to other thinly stretched hospitals across the country, Yonhap news agency reported.

    The move came as a majority of South Korea’s 13,000 junior doctors have left their workplaces since February in the form of mass resignations in protest of the government’s decision to drastically increase the medical school admission quota starting next year to address the shortage of doctors.

    The monthslong action has put a strain on the country’s medical system, prompting major hospitals to cut back on surgeries, outpatient treatment services, and the operation of emergency room operations.

    The government has said that it is able to manage the situation, but doctors and some experts have said mobilising military doctors will only be a stopgap measure and the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.

    Number of Covid patients in South Korea expected to reach 350,000 next week

    Ewha Hospital has also limited its nighttime operation

    “Military and public doctors would not be able to play a major role, as some of them are not well experienced and nobody is sure about who will shoulder legal responsibilities for possible medical malpractices,” an official said.

    As of Tuesday, three hospitals, including the Kangwon National University Hospital in Chuncheon, have shortened nighttime operation hours of emergency rooms, as well as on weekends.

    The Ewha Hospital has also limited its nighttime operation to Wednesdays, and the Ajou Hospital took a similar step on Thursdays.

    The situation is feared to worsen during the upcoming Chuseok holiday in mid-September.

    St. Mary’s Hospital of the Catholic University in Seoul is mulling the suspension of nighttime ER operations during the holiday due to the shortage of medical staff, according to hospital officials.

    Others point to a possible medical service vacuum in rural areas and for service personnel.

    “When we mobilise public medical staff, we carefully consider the overall situation and take steps to minimise the impact on affected regions. We will continue to make all-out efforts,” a health ministry official said.

    As part of the medical system reform, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration has vowed to increase the medical school admissions quota by 2,000 seats per year over the next five years or so to address a shortage of doctors, and it finalized a hike of some 1,500 students for next year.

    Doctors claim that medical schools will not be able to handle the increased enrollment, which will compromise the quality of medical education and ultimately the country’s medical services.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • How IITs have become new export from India

    How IITs have become new export from India

    How IITs have become new export from IndiaIANS

    India’s prestigious Indian Institute of Technology is steadily spreading its wings to become the new export from India. In less than a year of opening its first offshore campus in Tanzania’s Zanzibar, the institute this week opened its second in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

    While the Zanzibar campus was part of IIT Madras, the new campus in Abu Dhabi is part of IIT Delhi, and was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

    The campus’ first batch consists of 52 undergraduate students selected through the JEE Advanced exam and the newly established Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET) for international candidates.

    The undergraduate group will pursue BTech degrees in Computer Science and Engineering and Energy Engineering.

    “IIT Delhi is honoured to have the esteemed presence of HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the inauguration of IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus and launch of strategic partnerships with HEIs in the emirate,” said Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, in a post on social media platform X.

    Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University)

    IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi also offers a Master of Technology (MTech) programme in Energy Transition and SustainabilityIANS

    The new campus is part of a collaboration between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, signed over two years ago in February 2022.

    The Vision Document launched by Prime PM Modi and the UAE President outlines a roadmap for expanding the India-UAE relationship into new collaborative areas.

    “IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus, an edifice of India-UAE friendship, unites our two countries together for leveraging the power of knowledge, science and technology for mutual and global prosperity,” Pradhan said.

    IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi also offers a Master of Technology (MTech) programme in Energy Transition and Sustainability.

    The premier institute opened its first offshore campus in Zanzibar, with a cohort including 50 students, in November 2023. The institute offers two full-time academic programmes — a four-year Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and a two-year Master of Technology in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. In May, the campus also launched a new MTech programme in Ocean Structures for the academic year 2024-25.

    More offshore IIT campuses are reportedly in the pipeline — in Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Malaysia, and the UK.

    The offshore campuses are part of the central government’s plan to ‘internationalise’ education as discussed in the new National Education Policy (NEP) of India 2020.

    In 2022, the Ministry of Education also set up a 16-member committee to explore possibilities for Indian universities to set up foreign campuses.

    More recently, PM Modi in his address to the nation on Independence Day said his government aims to “build such an education system in India that youngsters do not need to go abroad to study”.

    “In fact, we would want foreign students to come here and study,” the PM said.

    IITs are one of the most prestigious institutes of engineering in India. Its alumni include famous names like Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, noted economist and former RBI chief Raghuram Rajan, Flipkart founder Sachin Bansal, and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, among others.

    IITs also topped the list of the recently released National Institutional Ranking Framework rankings. IIT-Madras topped the list and was followed by IIT-Delhi and IIT-Bombay.

    (With inputs from IANS)