logo
HMRL MD invites IITs to share ideas for future metro rail works

HMRL MD invites IITs to share ideas for future metro rail works

The Hindu2 days ago
Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy has invited greater participation from IITs in upcoming Metro Rail expansion projects and expressed readiness to integrate innovative ideas from academia into future metro developments.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 'Sustainable and Green Cities' meet organized by IIT Madras alumni and faculty in Hyderabad on Saturday, Mr. Reddy has called for greater collaboration between government bodies, industry stakeholders and research institutions.
He emphasized the importance of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in fostering sustainable urban development in the country and has pointed out that as urbanization accelerates across India, cities are under increasing pressure.
To build environmentally resilient and long-lasting urban spaces, there is a need for shared responsibility to deliver well-planned infrastructure and services. Public transport, environmental friendly practices in waste management, water bodies protection, rainwater harvesting, flood control measures and provision of affordable housing are key components of this vision.
Citing the success of Hyderabad Metro Rail, Mr. Reddy noted its evolution into a world-class transit system powered by cutting-edge technology and energy-efficient innovations. He shared that the metro has garnered over 350 prestigious national and international awards for its eco-friendly design and operational efficiency.
IITM professors — Ashwin Mahalingam, Manu Santhanam, Geethakrishnan, and several high-ranking engineers and scientists who graduated from IIT Madras took part in the session, said a press release.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Government throws open IITs for students from gurukuls
Government throws open IITs for students from gurukuls

Time of India

time7 hours ago

  • Time of India

Government throws open IITs for students from gurukuls

NEW DELHI: Students who have studied in traditional gurukuls, even without formal academic degrees, will now have the opportunity to earn recognised qualifications and receive generous scholarships for research at premier IITs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The move marks a major shift in India's education policy, opening up elite research pathways for scholars from non-formal backgrounds rooted in classical learning. The initiative, titled 'Setubandha Vidwan Yojana', aims to bridge India's age-old gurukul tradition with modern scientific and academic inquiry. Backed by the ministry of education and implemented by the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division of the Central Sanskrit University (CSU), the scheme offers fellowships of up to Rs 65,000 per month across 18 interdisciplinary fields - from ayurveda to cognitive science, and architecture to political theory, grammar to strategic studies, performing arts to mathematics, physics, and health sciences. "Setubandha is the first national-level programme to formally integrate traditional scholars into the research ecosystem of IITs, without insisting on conventional degrees. Instead, eligibility is based on a minimum of five years of rigorous study in a recognised gurukul and demonstrable excellence in Shastras or traditional knowledge," said a senior MoE official. The maximum age to apply is 32 years. Scholars selected under Category 1 (equivalent to postgraduate level) will receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 40,000 and an annual research grant of Rs 1 lakh. Those under Category 2 (equivalent to PhD level) will be awarded Rs 65,000 monthly and an annual grant of Rs 2 lakh. Some of the recognised research areas include Anvikshiki Vidya (philosophy and cognitive science), Ganit-Bhaut-Jyotish Vidya (mathematics, physics, astronomy), and Bhaishajya and Arogya Vidya (Ayurveda and health sciences). The scheme marks a significant institutional recognition of traditional knowledge systems, which for decades have operated outside formal academic structures. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The NE explicitly calls for the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into mainstream curricula and research, encouraging cross-disciplinary studies rooted in the country's intellectual heritage. With increasing global interest in ayurveda, yoga, Sanskrit linguistics, and indigenous governance systems, the govt sees this initiative as a way to empower traditional scholars and harness centuries-old wisdom for modern applications in science, technology, and social policy. In 2020, India more than just released a policy - it rekindled an ancient ideal. National Education Policy (NEP) placed learning at the heart of nation building, drawing from civilisational wisdom. Framed through one of the most participatory policy-making processes in history under late K Kasturirangan's guidance, NE was a visionary roadmap rooted in cultural values. It reimagined learning as a process free from confines of rote memorisation, rigid structures, and linguistic hierarchies. It set the stage for a holistic, inclusive and future-ready education system. Five years on, NEP's impact is visible in policy corridors and classrooms. In early childhood classrooms, play-based learning is displacing rote memorisation; children read fluently in their mother tongue; Class 6 students explore hands-on skills in vocational labs. Its imprint is visible in research hubs where India's knowledge systems engage in dialogue with cutting-edge science. NEP's vision is reflected in the rise of women in STEM fields and in the growing global presence of Indian institutions. Nipun Bharat Mission has improved learning outcomes, ensuring foundational literacy and numeracy by Class 2. Nipun Bharat's success, reflected in Aser 2024 and Parakh Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, has made classrooms spaces of curiosity and comprehension. Initiatives like Vidya Pravesh and institutionalisation of Balvatikas will help integrate early childhood care and education. Add to this new-age textbooks and introduction of Jaadui Pitara and e-Jaadui Pitara in 22 Indian languages. Over 14L teachers have completed Nishtha training, and platforms like Diksha have expanded access to teaching resources. NEP recognised language is not a hurdle but a powerful medium of empowerment. With 117 language primers developed and Indian Sign Language introduced as a subject, vision of multilingual, inclusive education is being realised at scale. Bhartiya Bhasha Pustak Yojana and National Digital Depository for Indian Knowledge Systems will democratise access to linguistic and civilisational learning. National Curriculum Framework for School Education and new textbooks for Classes 1 to 8 are in place. Prerna is a bridge programme to help curriculum transition and ensure students aren't overwhelmed but supported at each stage of their learning journey. Centrally sponsored schemes like Samagra Shiksha and PM Poshan have helped achieve near-universal enrolment. NEP's reach has extended to underserved populations. More than 7.12L girls from disadvantaged groups are enrolled in over 5,138 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas. Over 490 hostels have been sanctioned for PVTG learners and 692 hostels under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. Prashast, a programme that screens for disability, helps the schooling system become more resilient and inclusive. A key driver of the transformation under NE are 14,500 PM Shri schools. These modern, inclusive and green institutions are being developed as exemplary schools aligned with NEP's vision, redefining both infra and pedagogy. The Vidyanjali platform has connected over 8.2L schools with more than 5.3L volunteers and 2,000 CSR partners, directly benefitting 1.7cr students. In higher education, total enrolment has risen from 3.42cr to 4.46cr, a 30.5% increase. Women now comprise nearly 48% of all students, and female PhD enrolment has more than doubled from 0.48L to 1.12L. This expansion in enrolment, especially for SC, ST, OBC, and minority students, marks a historic achievement for inclusivity in higher education. Female GER has surpassed male GER for six consecutive years. Introducing Multiple Entry and Exit, Academic Bank of Credits with over 21.12cr APAAR IDs issued, and National Credit Framework have together provided flexibility and mobility. With 153 universities offering multiple entry and 74 multiple exit options, learning is not linear but modular and student-driven. NEP's emphasis on research and innovation has improved India's Global Innovation Index rank from 81st to 39th. Over 18,000 startups have been incubated across 400 HEIs. Anusandhan NRF, revamped PMRF 2.0, and the ₹6k cr One Nation One Subscription initiative show a commitment to decentralise access to research. Tech platforms like Swayam and Swayam Plus have recorded over 5.3cr enrolments. Support of Diksha and PM e-Vidya with over 200 DTH Channels ensures high-quality content is available countrywide. Digital learning ecosystem's success, including biannual admissions and dual degree regulations, has made higher education more inclusive, interdisciplinary, and industry-relevant. In QS World University Rankings 2026, 54 Indian institutions made the list, up from just 11 in 2014. Global universities Deakin, Wollongong, and Southampton have set up campuses in India. The journey of transformation is being celebrated through Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam, but is being measured in the quiet confidence of learners, teachers, and parents. We must continue to green our campuses, expand critical research infra, and deepen learning outcomes. Under PM's leadership, education is not just policy but the greatest national investment. Where there is learning, there is progress. A billion minds unshackled and empowered aren't just a demographic dividend, but New India's supernova.

India discovers rare earth in MP coalfields as China curbs squeeze industries: Minister
India discovers rare earth in MP coalfields as China curbs squeeze industries: Minister

Time of India

time14 hours ago

  • Time of India

India discovers rare earth in MP coalfields as China curbs squeeze industries: Minister

Promising reserves of rare earth elements have been found in the Singrauli coalfields of Madhya Pradesh, Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy told Parliament on Monday. Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of metallic elements, including scandium and yttrium, widely used in clean energy technologies, electronics, electric vehicles and various industrial applications. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Reddy said that Coal India Ltd (CIL) has undertaken research and development projects linked to rare earth elements present in coal mine waste. 'Results from appraisal of Gondwana Sediments (coal, clay, shale, Sandstone) for Trace Elements & REE concentration in the Singrauli coalfield, indicate that REE are 'promising' in nature (with an enrichment of 250 ppm on a whole coal basis in coal samples and 400 ppm in non-coal samples),' the minister said. He added that extracting REEs economically would depend on advances in technology and achieving economies of scale. Findings from the assessment of rare earth elements and other resources in the North Eastern Region Coalfield indicate that while the total REE content is low, the proportion of heavy REE is relatively high. Efforts are underway to develop indigenous technology for extracting critical minerals , including REE, from the overlying strata of coalfields in the northeast. The objective is to create an enrichment method for critical metals from non-coal strata using physical separation techniques, as well as a method to extract these metals from non-coal strata and acid mine drainage through ion-exchange resin. The minister said that Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has entered into memoranda of understanding with the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar; the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Hyderabad; and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad to conduct research in this area. India's key industrial sectors, ranging from transport equipment to electronics, depend heavily on imports of rare earth elements, with China being the main supplier. A recent analysis by the State Bank of India (SBI) suggested that continuing restrictions on Chinese rare earth exports could have a significant effect on domestic manufacturing. It said these curbs could influence local production capacity, hurt the export competitiveness of Indian industries that rely on these materials, and potentially affect the financial exposure of banks lending to these sectors. Rare earth is a subset of critical minerals with wide applications in many emerging technologies. Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are central to modern industrial production because of their unique physical and chemical properties, which help reduce energy consumption, enable miniaturisation and provide thermal stability in advanced manufacturing processes. (with PTI inputs)

Rare earth elements found in Singrauli coalfields; extraction viability under study
Rare earth elements found in Singrauli coalfields; extraction viability under study

Time of India

time14 hours ago

  • Time of India

Rare earth elements found in Singrauli coalfields; extraction viability under study

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday informed Parliament that promising reserves of rare earth elements (REE) have been discovered in the Singrauli coalfields of Madhya Pradesh, following detailed research and appraisal by Coal India Ltd (CIL). REEs — including elements like scandium and yttrium — are essential components in clean energy systems, electronics, electric vehicles and other critical industrial technologies. "Results from appraisal of Gondwana sediments (coal, clay, shale, sandstone) for trace elements and REE concentration in the Singrauli coalfield indicate that REE are 'promising' in nature, with an enrichment of 250 ppm on a whole coal basis in coal samples and 400 ppm in non-coal samples," Reddy stated in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, as quoted PTI. However, he added that commercial extraction would depend on technological advances and economies of scale. Assessment from the North Eastern Region coalfields showed that while total REE presence is low, the content of heavy REEs is relatively higher. Reddy also said that indigenous technology development is underway to extract critical minerals — including REEs — from the overburden strata of these coalfields. The project aims to develop enrichment techniques using physical separations and ion-exchange resin-based extraction from non-coal strata and acid mine drainage. To support this initiative, the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar; the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Hyderabad; and IIT Hyderabad, Reddy said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store