IIT-Madras' Zanzibar campus launches undergraduate programme in Chemical Process Engineering
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras' Zanzibar campus has launched a new Bachelor of Science (BS) programme in Chemical Process Engineering for the academic Year 2025-26, officials said on Friday.
The four-year full-time undergraduate degree programme in the Zanzibar campus is open to candidates of all nationalities, including Indians. "The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum blending core chemical engineering fundamentals with practical laboratory work, industry-aligned projects and electives that encourage interdisciplinary learning," a senior official said.
The last date to apply is July 6. "It would be delivered by a distinguished faculty team from IIT Madras, IITM Zanzibar, and partner institutions, ensuring rigorous academic standards and global relevance," the official added.
Preeti Aghalayam, Director-in-charge, Zanzibar campus, IIT Madras, said, "As a Chemical Engineer myself, it is such a pleasure that we are bringing this programme to IITM Zanzibar. We believe that it will be a very meaningful step forward for the campus."
The other courses currently offered by the IIT-Madras' Zanzibar Campus are a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science and AI, a two-year Master of Technology degree in Data Science and AI, and another M.Tech in Ocean Structures.
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The Hindu
44 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Large genetic map of Indians flags hidden disease risks
India's vast linguistic, cultural, and social diversity has long been evident, but only now are scientists beginning to uncover the genetic richness underpinning it. In a new study in Cell, researchers reported sequencing the genomes of 2,762 Indians from 23 States and Union Territories. The data captured variation across caste, tribal groups, language, geography, and rural-to-urban settings, offering the most comprehensive genomic map of India to date. The findings are striking. The study reaffirmed the three primary sources of Indian ancestry and explored how this layered history, along with entrenched social practices, continues to shape health and disease risk today. One migration, many mixtures Using mutations as genetic clocks, the study confirmed that present-day Indians descend primarily from a single out-of-Africa migration around 50,000 years ago. Although archaeology suggests earlier human presence in the subcontinent, 'those populations may not have survived or left lasting genetic traces,' said Elise Kerdoncuff, the study's first author. The researchers modelled Indian ancestry as a blend of three ancient populations: indigenous hunter-gatherers known as Ancient Ancestral South Indians; Iranian-related Neolithic farmers, best represented by fourth millennium BC herders from Sarazm in present-day Tajikistan; and Eurasian Steppe pastoralists, who arrived around 2000 BC and are associated with the spread of Indo-European languages. While most Indians fall along a genetic spectrum reflecting different proportions of this admixture, individuals from East and Northeast India, and a subset from Central India, carry additional East Asian-related ancestry, with levels reaching up to 5% in West Bengal. This likely entered around 520 AD, after the Gupta Empire's decline or with an earlier spread of rice farming. Legacy of endogamy, kinship India's population structure reflects long-standing practices of marriage within communities. This has produced strong founder effects, where a small ancestral gene pool gets amplified over generations. As a result, Indians, especially in South India, have 2-9x more homozygosity than Europeans or East Asians, making them more likely to inherit the same version of a gene from both parents. Every individual in the study had at least one genetic relative, indicating levels of relatedness far exceeding those seen elsewhere. This tight-knit structure may make recessive disorders caused by inheriting faulty copies of the same gene from both parents more common than currently recognised. One example is a pathogenic BCHE variant linked to severe anaesthetic reactions found enriched in Telangana. Like all non-Africans, Indians carry traces of ancient interbreeding with other hominins, with Neanderthal or Denisovan segments covering up to 1.5% of the genome in some Indians. They also have the widest variety of Neanderthal segments. 'Multiple waves of migration, followed by caste-based endogamy, likely fixed archaic segments within specific groups, contributing to this high diversity,' Lomous Kumar, population geneticist at the Centre for Anthropobiology and Genomics of Toulouse, France, said. Neanderthal-derived sequences are enriched in immune system genes. A region on chromosome 3 (linked to severe COVID-19) is especially common in East and Northeast India. Denisovan variants appear in immune-related pathways and regions such as the MHC, a key genomic region involved in detecting and fighting infections. 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Dr. Kumar added: 'Within India as well, population-specific rare and unique variants continue to make the scenario complex,' emphasising localised efforts are also imperative. To help close this gap, Dr. Kerdoncuff said, the team is expanding the study to include more genetically isolated communities. They're also studying proteins and metabolism to better understand how genes influence health outcomes. In parallel, they're developing new tools to trace the origins of disease-linked genes in Indian populations. To make medicine truly inclusive, India's vast genetic diversity must be central to global research and matched by deeper, community-level efforts at home. Anirban Mukhopadhyay is a geneticist by training and science communicator from Delhi.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'You may be far, but hearts of 140cr Indians beat with you, it's start of new era': PM Modi to Shukla on ISS
NEW DELHI: 'Earth looks borderless and gives feeling of oneness, and Bharat looks big from space,' Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla told PM Narendra Modi on Saturday during his first interaction with the PM through a video link from the International Space Station while 'orbiting Earth at an altitude of 400 km". Cheering the astronaut, Modi told him that 'you may be far from us but the hearts of 140 crore Indians beat with you'. 'The first thing I saw was Earth — it looks perfectly unified. No borders are visible. India looks so large from here, far more prominent than on a map. From up here, there are no countries, no divisions — just one home. That is our ethos: unity in diversity. Just a while ago, when I saw from the window of ISS, I could see Hawaii,' Group Captain Shukla told the PM while informing him, 'I have hoisted the tricolour on ISS. India has reached ISS. ' Modi said Shukla's name carries the word 'shubh' (meaning auspicious) and that his journey marked the auspicious 'beginning of a new era'. The Indian astronaut told the PM that his space sojourn was 'not my journey alone but also our country's'. 'We trained for a year and I learnt about different after coming here, everything even small things are different because there is no gravity in by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Livguard Lithium-X: The Future of Power Backup Livguard Shop Now Undo here is a big challenge...I can even sleep on the roof. It takes some time to get used to this environment,' Shukla told the PM, while adding, 'Right now, we are travelling at a speed of 28,000 kmph and I am talking to you with my legs tied. ' 'This speed reflects how fast our nation is progressing and now, we must go even beyond this,' he said. The astronaut said the space station orbits Earth 16 times a day and that he is privileged to witness 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day. While referring the astronaut as 'Shux', PM gave him 'homework', telling him to learn as much as possible because the lessons learnt from this Axiom-4 mission 'will have to be extensively used in the Gaganyaan mission , our own Bharatiya Antariksh Station and also for landing an Indian on the Moon.' Shukla told Modi that he is 'absorbing experiences at ISS like a sponge'. When the PM asked about Indian delicacies he carried to space and whether he shared them with his space mates, Shukla said he is carrying 'gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras into orbit'. 'I wanted my fellow crew members from other countries to taste India's heritage. We all sat together and enjoyed it. They loved it,' Shukla said. Shukla shared his reflections from space — on science, struggle, and the boundless dreams of a rising nation. The call was more than ceremonial. It was a glimpse into how India's spacefaring ambitions have matured. Modi described Shukla's journey not as a solitary voyage but as India's own orbit of progress. 'When I was a child, I never imagined I could become an astronaut. But today, modern India enables the realisation of such dreams,' Shukla said. When asked by Modi about microgravity tests he will carry out on ISS, especially from the medicine and agriculture sectors, Shukla said, he 'will do seven experiments'. 'Today, I am going to do a test on stem cells. I am doing a test on supplements to see if such supplements can help prevent muscle loss. This will help people in old age who are losing muscle due to ageing,' he said. Another test explores the cultivation of nutrient-rich microalgae, which could boost food security back home. 'The advantage of space,' he said, 'is that processes happen quickly. That accelerates research and inspires children back home to say, 'I can go there too'.' PM Modi asked what message he would send to India's youth. Shukla responded with clarity and conviction: 'Never stop trying. Whether today or tomorrow, success will come if you don't give up. This is just the first chapter of India's space story. We'll build our own space station. We'll land Indian astronauts on the Moon. And, I'm documenting everything—every lesson I learn will help others fly sooner.' His final words struck a chord destined to echo across classrooms, command centres and quiet corners of the country: 'The sky is never the limit—not for me, not for you, and not for India.' 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' chant filled up the space station as the PM raised the slogan towards the end of the 18-minute conversation, which was reciprocated by Shukla.
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
PM Modi interacts with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, says India is going to open doors of new possibilities of space for the world
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Astronaut, who became the first Indian to go to the International Space Station, via videoconferencing on Saturday and said India is going to open doors of new possibilities of space for the world. The Prime Minister remarked that although Shubhanshu Shukla is presently the farthest from the Indian motherland, he remains closest to the hearts of all Indians. He noted that Shubhanshu's name itself carries auspiciousness, and his journey marks the beginning of a new era. The Prime Minister stated that while it was a conversation between two individuals, it embodied the emotions and enthusiasm of 140 crore Indians. He said that the voice speaking to Shubhanshu carried the collective zeal and pride of the entire nation and extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Shubhanshu for hoisting India's flag in space. PM Modi enquired about Shubhanshu's well-being and whether all was fine aboard the space station. Responding to the Prime Minister, Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla thanked for best wishes on behalf of 140 crore Indians and stated that he is in good health and deeply moved by the love and blessings he has received. He described his time in orbit as a profound and novel experience, one that reflects not just his personal journey but also the direction in which India is advancing. The astronaut noted that his 400-kilometre journey from Earth to orbit is symbolic of the aspirations of countless Indians. Recalling his childhood, he shared that he never imagined becoming an astronaut, but under the Prime Minister's leadership, today's India enables the realisation of such dreams. Shubhanshu called it a great achievement and said he felt immense pride in representing his country in space. The Prime Minister remarked, with a touch of humour, that although Shubhanshu is in space where gravity is nearly absent, every Indian can see how grounded he remains. He asked whether the carrot halwa that Shubhanshu carried from India had been shared with his fellow astronauts. Shubhanshu Shukla shared that he brought along several traditional Indian delicacies to the space station, including carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras. He expressed his intent to offer his international colleagues a taste of India's rich culinary heritage. He informed the Prime Minister that they all sat together and enjoyed the dishes, which were very well received. He noted that his fellow astronauts appreciated the flavours so much that some even expressed a desire to visit India in the future to experience these dishes on Indian soil. Stating that circumambulation, or parikrama, has been a revered Indian tradition for centuries, the Prime Minister said that Shubhanshu now had the rare honour of performing parikrama of Mother Earth herself. He inquired which part of the Earth Shubhanshu might be orbiting over at that moment. Responding to that, the astronaut said while he did not have the exact location at that instant, just a short while earlier, he had seen through the window that they were passing over Hawaii. He shared that they complete 16 orbits a day--witnessing 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets from space--an experience that continues to amaze him. He informed that although they are currently travelling at a speed of nearly 28,000 kilometres per hour, that velocity isn't perceptible inside the spacecraft. However, he reflected that this great momentum symbolically mirrors the pace at which India is advancing today. Shubhanshu Shukla, responding to the Prime Minister, shared that the first thought which struck him upon entering orbit and witnessing the vastness of space was the view of Earth itself. He said that from space, one cannot see borders--there are no visible boundaries between nations and what stood out most was the sheer unity of the planet. He noted that when we look at maps, we compare the sizes of countries, including India, and often see a distorted picture because we're flattening a three-dimensional world onto paper. But from space, Shubhanshu Shukla said, India appears truly grand--majestic in scale and spirit. He further described the overwhelming sense of oneness he experienced--a powerful realisation that aligns perfectly with India's civilisational motto of 'unity in diversity.' He shared that from above, Earth looks like a single home shared by all, reminding humanity of the harmony and connection we inherently share. Highlighting that Shubhanshu Shukla was the first Indian to be on board the International Space Station, the Prime Minister enquired him about the contrast between his rigorous preparation on Earth and the actual conditions aboard the space station. The Astronaut shared that despite knowing about zero gravity and the nature of experiments in advance, the reality in orbit was entirely different. He remarked that the human body becomes so accustomed to gravity that even the smallest tasks in microgravity become unexpectedly complex. He humorously noted that during the conversation, he had to strap his feet down--otherwise, he'd just float away. Simple acts like drinking water or sleeping become significant challenges in space, he added. Shubhanshu Shukla explained that one can sleep on the ceiling, on the walls, or wherever--since orientation becomes fluid. Adjusting to this altered environment takes a day or two, but he described the experience as a beautiful harmony of science and wonder. On being asked whether meditation and mindfulness had benefited him, Shubhanshu Shukla wholeheartedly agreed with the Prime Minister's reflection that 'science and spirituality are twin pillars of India's strength'. He affirmed that India is already progressing rapidly, and his mission represents only the first step in a much larger national journey. Looking ahead, he envisioned many more Indians reaching space, including establishing India's own space stations. Shubhanshu emphasised the vital role of mindfulness in such an environment. Whether during rigorous training or the high-pressure moments of launch, mindfulness helps in maintaining inner calm and clarity. He shared that staying mentally centered is crucial for making sound decisions in space. Quoting a profound Indian adage, he said, one cannot eat while running--underscoring that the calmer one is, the better choices one makes. Shubhanshu added that when science and mindfulness are practiced together, they greatly aid adaptation to such challenging environments, physically and mentally. The Prime Minister asked whether any of the space experiments being conducted would benefit the agriculture or health sector in the future. Shubhanshu Shukla shared that, for the first time, Indian scientists have designed seven unique experiments which he has taken to the space station. He informed that the first experiment, scheduled for that day, focuses on stem cells and explained that in the absence of gravity, the body experiences muscle loss, and the experiment seeks to test whether specific supplements can prevent or delay this loss. He highlighted that the outcome of this study could directly help elderly people on Earth who face age-related muscle degeneration. Shubhanshu further stated that another experiment focuses on the growth of microalgae. He remarked that though microalgae are small in size, they are highly nutritious. He noted that if methods can be developed to grow them in larger quantities based on the findings in space, it could significantly aid food security on Earth. He underlined that one major advantage of conducting experiments in space is the accelerated pace of biological processes, enabling researchers to obtain results much faster than on Earth. The Prime Minister observed that following the success of Chandrayaan, a renewed interest in science and a growing passion for space exploration has emerged among India's children and youth. He remarked that Shubhanshu Shukla's historic journey is further strengthening that resolve. PM Modi stated that today's children no longer just look at the sky--they now believe they too can reach it. He emphasised that this mindset and aspiration form the true foundation of India's future space missions. The Prime Minister asked Shubhanshu Shukla what message he would like to convey to the youth of India. Shubhanshu Shukla, responding to the PM, addressed the youth of India and acknowledged the bold and ambitious direction in which the country is headed. He emphasised that achieving these dreams requires the participation and commitment of every young Indian. He remarked that there is no single path to success--each individual may walk a different road--but the common factor is perseverance. He urged the youth to never stop trying, stating that no matter where one is or which route one chooses, refusing to give up ensures that success will come--sooner or later. The Prime Minister stated that he was confident Shubhanshu Shukla's words would greatly inspire the youth of India. He remarked that, as always, he never ends a conversation without assigning some 'homework.' PM Modi emphasised that India must move forward with Mission Gaganyaan, build its own space station, and achieve the landing of an Indian astronaut on the Moon. He asserted that Shubhanshu's experiences in space would be immensely valuable for these future missions. Shri Modi expressed trust that Shubhanshu was diligently recording his observations and learnings during the mission. Shubhanshu Shukla affirmed that throughout his training and current mission, he has absorbed every learning like a sponge. He stated that the lessons gained during this experience will prove to be highly valuable and important for India's upcoming space missions. He expressed confidence that upon returning, he will apply these insights with full dedication to accelerate mission execution. He shared that his international colleagues on the mission had inquired about their chances of participating in Gaganyaan, which he found encouraging, to which he responded to them with optimism, saying, 'Very soon.' Shubhanshu Shukla reiterated that this dream would be realised in the near future, and he is fully committed to applying his learnings 100 percent towards achieving it swiftly. Expressing confidence that Shubhanshu Shukla's message would inspire the youth of India, Shri Modi fondly recalled meeting Shubhanshu and his family before the mission, and observed that they, too, were filled with emotion and enthusiasm. He conveyed his joy in speaking with Shubhanshu Shukla and acknowledged the demanding responsibilities he carries--especially while working at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour. The Prime Minister affirmed that this marked the first chapter in the success of India's Gaganyaan mission. He remarked that Shubhanshu's historic journey was not limited to space alone, but would accelerate and strengthen India's progress toward becoming a developed nation. 'India is opening new frontiers in space for the world and that the country will now not just soar, but also build launchpads for future flights', stated Shri Modi. He invited Shubhanshu to speak freely from the heart--not as a response to a question, but as an expression of whatever sentiments he wished to share, adding that he--and the entire nation--were eager to listen. Shubhanshu Shukla thanked the Prime Minister and reflected on the depth of learning throughout his training and journey to space. He acknowledged his personal sense of accomplishment, but emphasised that this mission represents a much larger collective achievement for the country. He addressed every child and youth watching, encouraging them to believe that building a better future for themselves contributes to building a better future for India. He remarked that 'the sky has never been the limit'--not for him, not for them, and not for India. He urged young people to hold onto this belief, as it would guide them forward in illuminating their own and the nation's future. Shubhanshu expressed heartfelt emotion and joy at having had the opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister--and through him, with 140 crore citizens. He shared a moving detail: the Indian national flag visible behind him had not been present at the International Space Station before. It was hoisted only after his arrival, making the moment profoundly meaningful. He said it gave him immense pride to see India now present aboard the International Space Station. PM Modi extended his heartfelt wishes to Shubhanshu Shukla and all his fellow astronauts for the success of their mission. He conveyed that the entire nation awaits Shubhanshu's return and urged him to take care of himself. He encouraged Shubhanshu to continue upholding the honour of Maa Bharati and offered good wishes on behalf of 140 crore citizens. (ANI)
