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Time of India
04-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
From Writers' Building to national importance: Here is the story of West Bengal's first engineering college
Image credit: Official website of IIEST Shibpur Not all legends wear capes; some rise from the foundations of bricks and blueprints. In 1856, as the British Raj laid tracks across Indian soil, a humble Civil Engineering College found its beginnings inside Kolkata's iconic Writers' Building. Its mission? To churn out engineers for the colonial Public Works Department. But what began as a colonial necessity soon ignited a spark that would fuel one of India's greatest centres of technical brilliance, IIEST Shibpur. A nomadic start, a permanent identity After a brief stint under Presidency College, the institution uprooted itself in 1880 and made a defining move to Shibpur, settling near the banks of the Hooghly River. With this shift came a new identity, the Government College, Howrah. It soon expanded into Mechanical Engineering and embraced a fully residential model by 1889, a rarity in those days. The campus didn't just provide accommodation; it cultivated a culture. The rise of BE College : A vision beyond borders In 1921, the institute became Bengal Engineering College (BE College), marking its foray into a broader engineering curriculum and national relevance. Post-Independence, as India embarked on its industrial dreams, the college launched postgraduate and doctoral programmes and even struck a pivotal collaboration with the University of Wisconsin, USA, an academic bridge few Indian institutions dared to build at the time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dores nos nervos e neuropatia? Esse truque está surpreendendo. A arte do herbalismo Undo It wasn't just keeping up; it was leading. BESU: A modern university with roots in antiquity As India's higher education evolved, so did BE College. In 1992, it was declared a Deemed University, later transforming into the Bengal Engineering and Science University (BESU) in 2004. Inaugurated by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2005, BESU introduced science programmes alongside engineering and positioned itself as a knowledge crucible where disciplines collided and coalesced. The tipping point: Becoming IIEST The decade-long pursuit of excellence culminated in 2014, when BESU was upgraded to the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, India's first IIEST and an Institute of National Importance. The move, backed by the Government of India and mentored by IIT Kanpur, wasn't merely symbolic; it was strategic. With ₹592.2 crore in sanctioned funds and a clear vision to produce scientists for India's strategic sectors and academia, the institution entered a new league. A legacy burdened by glory and growing pains IIEST Shibpur today occupies a unique place in Indian academia. Despite a ranking slide, from 21 in NIRF 2020 to 49 in 2024, the institution continues to punch above its weight in terms of legacy, research output, and alumni influence. Yet, it grapples with an age-old constraint: Land. With 121 acres at its disposal, the campus craves another 100 to match its growing ambitions. In 2014, its founding director candidly confessed that the land space crunch is the biggest ordeal that they are encountering. Beyond the classroom: Quiet revolutions in research In the last decade, IIEST has emerged as a silent but potent force in niche research. From a ₹130 crore ten-storey hostel to the establishment of a cutting-edge Fundamental Research Lab on Homeopathy with support from the Ministry of AYUSH, the institute is no longer just preserving legacy; it's creating one for the future. An institution, not just an address IIEST Shibpur is more than a location on the educational map; it's an embodiment of India's tryst with modernity, resilience, and scientific nation-building. In an era where Ivy Leagues and IITs dominate headlines, this 169-year-old engineering titan continues to thrive, quietly, modestly, and purposefully. The tale of IIEST is not just the story of West Bengal's first engineering college. It's a chronicle of how colonial infrastructure turned into a national cornerstone, and how legacy, when paired with vision, can build more than just buildings. It builds a future. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Krishna University celebrates triple convocation
As Andhra Pradesh plans to become a global leader by 2047, Governor and Krishna University (KrU) Chancellor S. Abdul Nazeer expressed hope that the varsity, too, would ascend the trajectory of sustained growth, inclusive development and technological renaissance that would secure the State's future. Addressing the students of Krishna University's 6th, 7th and 8th convocation in Machilipatnam on Wednesday, the Governor said: 'Students are going to be part of the evolving progress and change that sectors will see in alignment with Swarnandhra 2047 vision. At the end of graduation, one does not just carry degrees, but responsibilities, a wealth of knowledge, problem solving abilities, ethical values and an understanding of the world.' The Governor encouraged students to dream big. Quoting former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he said: 'Dreams take shape of thoughts, which then result in action.' He expressed happiness over the university having achieved 100% placements this year, Mr. Abdul Nazeer urged the faculty to formulate a demand-driven approach in designing courses, keeping in view the emerging technology, for wider employability of students. Earlier, HRD Minister N. Lokesh, Guest of Honour, told the graduating students that their degrees are not mere certificates, but 'a responsibility to apply their knowledge for the greater good.' He emphasised that learning should not end with graduation, but has to be a lifelong commitment. 'Whatever you choose, be excellent in it and make ethics your compass,' he said, adding that while knowledge is important, it is character, compassion and courage that defines success. He said passion should be the driving force, since the best innovations have always resulted from great passion. The Minister, while lauding the varisty for achieving 100 percent placements, asked the faculty to work harder to place the varsity in the list of the best-ranking universities. During the convocation, 21 gold medallists, 62 PhD, two MPhil scholars and 300 PG students were awarded degrees. Honorary Doctorates for the 6th convocation was awarded to Mandava Prabhakar Rao, Chairman of NSL Group, while M.N.V. Ravi Kumar, a professor in the Department of Translational Science and Medicine, University of Alabama, U.S., received the Honorary Doctorate for the 7th convocation. For the 8th, C. Anil Kumar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Greenco received the honours. The Governor was welcomed by Ministers Mr. Lokesh, Vasamsetti Subhash and Kollu Ravindra, Vice Chancellor K. Ramji, District Collector D.K. Balaji and other officials at the university. Later, they all proceeded to inaugurate a food court within the premises.
Fashion Value Chain
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Fashion Value Chain
India's Defence Triumph in Operation Sindoor Showcases the Power of DRDO Indigenous Collaboration
Operation Sindoor has come to symbolize more than just a successful military campaign-it represents India's emerging confidence in its own defence ecosystem, powered by years of innovation, foresight, and collaborative development. At the centre of this transformative moment stands the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), whose ability to translate research into deployable combat systems has become a cornerstone of India's modern military capability. Precision Strike with Missile Systems: The operation demonstrated India's readiness across multiple domains. Akash missile systems and Supersonic cruise missiles like BrahMos played a decisive role, delivering precision strikes with speed and accuracy. These missiles not only offered a tactical edge but also showcased how indigenous missile programs have matured into globally benchmarked platforms. This progress is a direct outcome of the visionary leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who laid the foundation and build the institutional structure through the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), and the continued dedication of successive generations of leaders, scientists and engineers who transformed that vision into reality. Electronic Warfare and Radars Electronic warfare systems developed by DRDO further ensured that Indian forces could dominate the electromagnetic spectrum. These systems enabled the disruption of enemy communications and surveillance infrastructure, a critical factor in neutralizing early threats and maintaining battlefield advantage. DRDO's integration of spectrum analysis tools with advanced signal processors created a robust shield that was both adaptive and field-proven. Complementing these were high-performance surveillance systems and multi-mode radars that gave Indian forces complete situational awareness, even in complex operational theatres. From long-range battlefield surveillance units to electro-optical payloads, these systems ensured that the flow of real-time intelligence remained uninterrupted, enabling rapid and coordinated decision-making across command structures. Counter-Dronesystems: The growing threat of unmanned aerial systems was countered with equal foresight. DRDO developed a comprehensive countermeasure-the D4 system. This advanced, vehicle-mounted counter-drone solution is designed to neutralize the growing risk from rogue UAVs through an integrated multi-layered architecture. The D4 system synergizes key subsystems, including RF-based drone detection, radar tracking, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) identification, and a combination of soft-kill and hard-kill capabilities. It effectively employs RF jammers to disrupt hostile communication links, while electro-optical tracking ensures visual confirmation and precision targeting. For kinetic neutralization, the system incorporates hard-kill mechanisms capable of engaging and destroying the aerial threat, ensuring a robust and adaptive response across diverse operational scenarios. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marked a significant achievement in 2020 by swiftly developing and deploying an indigenous anti-drone system during the challenging peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This system was operationally deployed near Delhis Red Fort on August 15, 2020, to safeguard the 74th Independence Day celebrations, including Prime Minister Narendra Modis address . Anti drone system These systems neutralized some of the hostile drone incursions, protecting both frontline troops and strategic assets. Developed as part of a Development cum production partnership initiative under the leadership of DRDO's DG, Electronics Cluster, the D4 project has emerged as a powerful case study in co-development and battlefield relevance. Visionary leadership: Long before drone warfare captured international focus, the Electronics Cluster at DRDO had initiated the development of modular, scalable counter-drone systems. The D4 system was the result of this proactive strategy-designed for multi-sensor integration and rapid deployment across various conflict zones. The path adopted by visionaries is to have the PSUs and Indian private companies as key development partners in the program. DRDO – industry ecosystem: Unistring Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (UTS) a Subsidiary of Zen Technologies is one of the key private sector partners involved in the D4 program. The company was entrusted with the supply of Key RF and digital sub systems. This collaboration was marked not just by technical delivery, but by deep engagement with DRDO throughout the lifecycle of the system-from early design reviews to live field trials. Dr Nagendra Babu Samineni, & K Srinivasa Raju The experience of being involved in co-development efforts, backed by strong institutional mentorship, allowed UTS to not only deliver state-of-the-art systems but to shape and adapt them based on frontline realities and evolving threat scenarios. As drone threats continue to evolve, so must the system-reflecting the dynamic nature of electronic warfare, which demands constant innovation and adaptability. A word of appreciation: Operation Sindoor is more than just an operational milestone-it stands as compelling evidence that India's defence capabilities are increasingly being shaped and realized within its own borders. The journey from lab to battlefield has become shorter, more collaborative, and significantly more impactful. Under the leadership of DRDO, we have seen what becomes possible when a strong national vision is matched by the innovation and commitment of India's Public and private sector. Nearly every Indian private enterprise engaged in defence today has, in some form, drawn foundational learnings through its association with DRDO. For many, DRDO served as the first door into the world of defence technology-providing guidance, opportunities, and critical early-stage support. The invaluable and often quiet contributions of DRDO's scientific community have now yielded tangible results, delivering strategic advantages precisely when the nation needed them most. A Message to the youth of INDIA: To the bright young minds of India, In a world driven by technology and marked by evolving challenges, there lies an extraordinary calling-one that goes beyond personal achievement, beyond headlines and awards. It is the call to contribute to the defence of our nation, not just with courage on the frontlines, but with innovation, intellect, and integrity. Defence technology is not just about machines, missiles, or metal. It is about protecting lives. It is about giving our soldiers the edge to come home safely. It is about ensuring that India's borders are guarded by systems designed, developed, and delivered by Indians who believe in something greater than themselves. Imagine working on technologies that can track enemy drones in real-time, develop radar systems that scan the skies for threats, or build secure communication networks that operate even in the harshest conditions. Imagine the excitement of turning theoretical physics into battlefield-ready electronics, or algorithms into life-saving decisions. Every day brings a new challenge. Every breakthrough can shift the balance of national security. And then imagine the satisfaction-the unmatched pride-of knowing that your work helps protect a billion dreams. That because of your code, your circuit, your design, a threat was neutralized, a life was saved, a mission was accomplished. India needs not just soldiers in uniform, but scientists, engineers, developers, and thinkers who stand behind them. This is your chance to serve, to build, and to defend-not with a gun, but with a pen, a tool, a keyboard, and a vision. Join the mission. Be a part of the next generation of defence innovators. Because when you choose to work on technologies that secure our borders, you choose a life of purpose, excitement, and deep national pride Way ahead: Every conflict presents an opportunity to both learn and unlearn-to reassess existing practices, identify what proved effective, and recognize what fell short. This is the time to review, reflect, and address deficiencies with clarity and purpose. While certain systems and features performed as intended, others highlighted critical gaps. These insights are not setbacks but essential learnings that will strengthen future capabilities and drive more resilient, adaptive solutions. The lessons from Sindoor serve as both a validation and a roadmap. India is not just defending itself-it is building the future of defence, indigenously and intelligently. As former DRDO scientists, it gives us immense pride to have contributed to this meaningful and transformative journey.
Mint
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Brahmos and Akash proved their worth as missiles in the India-Pakistan clash
The recent war with Pakistan saw India use two indigenous systems, the Akash surface-to-air missiles and Brahmos cruise missiles. On 7 May, Akash reportedly shot down a J17 Thunder fighter jet, developed by China and integrated by Pakistan, and on 10 May, the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted several strategic locations deep inside Pakistan in retaliation to attempted airspace violation by using Brahmos missiles alongside Scalp and Hammer munitions. Both Brahmos and Akash missiles have the distinct footprint of former president and scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Also Read: Arming up: 'Be Indian, buy Indian' is a useful mantra for strategic autonomy Brahmos and the story of India's missile programme: Brahmos has a hoary history, and Kalam can justifiably be credited with seeding and fructifying its joint venture with NPO Russia in 1995. In tandem with the S-400 defence systems, which were imported from Russia and helped thwart Pakistan's swarm drone and missile attacks, Brahmos and Akash have become the mark of our strategic superiority in military systems. The story of India being self-reliant in missile systems was envisioned when the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme was launched in 1983 to develop surface-to-surface missiles (short and long range), surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and anti-tank missiles. While the short-range Prithvi missile with a 150km range was inducted into service in 1994, the SAM missiles like Akash had several technical hiccups. Also Read: Why we must celebrate the three new warships joining India's naval fleet Kalam circumvented these by forging a joint venture with NPO Russia in December 1995, with India's stake at 50.5%. The name Brahmos fused the names of two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and Moskva of Russia. It can reach a speed nearing 3 Mach and cruise at altitudes up to 15km above sea level. It follows a fire-and-forget principle. Once launched, no further guidance is required. The missile's low radar signature and high kinetic energy make it difficult to intercept. Lethality of cruise missiles: These can be launched from submarines, ships and fighter aircraft. The air-launched variant of Brahmos, which can be fired from the SU-30 MKI, entered service in 2019. The IAF is reported to have fired these from the SU-30 modified aircraft. Four regiments of the Indian Army also have these missiles; in March 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the procurement of additional regiments equipped with Brahmos–Extended Range (ER) missiles worth ₹20,000 crore. The cabinet committee on security has further cleared the acquisition of over 220 Brahmos-ER for deployment on warships at a cost of nearly ₹19,000 crore. During the recent standoff, multiple Indian naval ships undertook successful anti-ship firings in the Arabian Sea to revalidate the preparedness of platforms for long-range, precise offensive strikes. While many countries like the Philippines, Brazil and Vietnam have shown interest in buying these missiles from India, China has objections to its neighbours getting them. Also Read: India's defence policy must gear up for a 3.5-front security challenge India as an arms importer: India is the one of the world's largest importers of conventional arms in the world and its fifth-largest defence spender. India has 2,229 military aircraft as against Pakistan's 1,399; 3,151 combat tanks compared with Pakistan's 1,839. While the Pakistan Navy has 121 naval assets, India has 293, including two aircraft carriers and 18 submarines as against the former's eight. In terms of nuclear weapons, as per the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, India spent $2.7 billion and Pakistan $1 billion in 2023. Our Self Reliance Index n strategic defence platform, weapons and systems is 30%. Sourcing of critical platforms: The majority of India's arms are from Russia, though it has been shifting its arms sourcing to France, Israel and the US. While the US was the main arms supplier to Pakistan till 1990, China supplied 81% of Pakistan's imports, like J10 C aircraft and J15 during 2020-24, while 36% of India's arms were sourced from Russia during this period. New Delhi's tilt now is towards purchases from the US and France. Also Read: Zero-day terror in Kashmir: National security needs an AI upgrade The surprises: Some of the unexpected fallout of the short war was the insistence of both the US and Russia to de-escalate, while China seemed keen to see how its air assets perform against Indian targets. Turkey seems to be a solid supplier to Pakistan of drones, which were reportedly repulsed by India's S-400 missiles. While Russia has proposed joint production of its latest S-500 air defence system with India, Moscow did not stand with New Delhi in the latest conflict, unlike its rock-solid support during the 1971 war, when Moscow checkmated the US move to intimidate India through its Seventh Fleet aircraft carrier. Yet, today, both the Cold War rivals are competing to sell India their military hardware—the US its F-35 stealth aircraft and Russia its SU-57. Also Read: Nitin Pai: Operation Sindoor leaves India better placed for the next round Lessons and the way forward: One of the issues that concerns India is whether Pakistan will use the nuclear option if pushed to the brink. Former Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto had once said, 'Neither India can use the nuke, nor can Pakistan. Whichever country is throwing that nuke knows there is not enough time or space, and is going to get it thrown back." That paradigm is valid even now. Unfortunately, this brief war did not lead India to the five armed terrorists who committed the dastardly Pahalgam attacks. Nor was enough light thrown on claims of Indian air assets being destroyed. The Indian government should have acknowledged the death of civilians, including children in Jammu and Kashmir, and highlighted the large strides India has taken in the indigenous production of military assets. Dialogue with adversaries should never be shelved, but we must also bolster our defence capability in strategic systems through joint ventures with global manufacturers and collaborations with design houses for arms development. The author is a former joint secretary (aerospace), ministry of defence.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Australia-India Financing Venture Southern Sitara Bows at Cannes Market With Cross-Cultural Slate (EXCLUSIVE)
The growing appetite for Australia-India co-productions has spawned a new financing entity designed to bridge the two markets with structured investment and cultural authenticity. Southern Sitara, unveiled at the Cannes Film Market, represents the latest effort to capitalize on the bilateral co-production treaty between the two countries, targeting features in the AUD5-11 million ($3.2-7 million) range through a hybrid capital model that combines proprietary funds with co-raised investment. More from Variety Dhanush to Play Former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in Om Raut-Directed Biopic Alibaba's 'Molly' Acquired for Malaysia by U.K.-China Film Collab (EXCLUSIVE) 'Legacies' Star Kaylee Kaneshiro Boards Cult Survivor Horror 'The Rift' From Helmer Colin Levy (EXCLUSIVE) The venture brings together investment duo Roshni Pandey and Jagdish Sidhu — who oversee portfolios spanning Southeast Asia, London and Australia — with filmmaker Anupam Sharma, architect of the Australia India Film Fund. The trio will partner with production house Temple, which operates from Disney Studios Australia in Sydney. 'Australia provides unprecedented support to screen professionals,' said Sharma. 'Southern Sitara builds on this to enable authentic cultural storytelling.' The financing structure addresses familiar pain points in cross-border production, offering development funding, production investment, gap financing and cash flow loans. Pandey emphasized the de-risking approach: 'We've been piloting business models to de-risk film investment, and Australia's treaties and incentives have helped us transform the narrative.' Southern Sitara has assembled backing from established players in the Australia-India space, including Pradnya and Tej Dugal of Jhumka Films ('Maasa,' 'Farewell Amor'), London-based media investor Jacqui Miller-Charlton, Sydney investor Chandru Tolani and angel investor Shallu Kundra. Distribution is handled through first-look deals with Icon Film for English-language titles and Forum Films for Indian-language releases. The initial slate reflects the cultural bridge the entity aims to build. Projects include 'The Return,' a thriller from actor-director Anupam Kher shot extensively in Australia, horror film 'Shadows' that blends First Nations and Indian mythologies, and 'The Indian Cowboy,' inspired by India's sole country music performer Bobby Cash, who was discovered Down Under. Additional titles in development include Richard Jameson's 'Bidjara Kumari,' which has received backing from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland, and 'Framed,' supported by Screen Australia, Screen NSW and SBS. The venture has recruited Australian producers Lisa Duff ('Last Cab to Darwin'), Jannine Barnes ('Downriver'), Cathy Rodda ('Bromley – Light After Dark') and Victoria McIntyre Wharfe ('The Flood') for key creative roles, alongside 'Shark Tank Australia's' Ben Ulm and First Nations producer Jodie Bell ('Doug the Human'). Singapore-based Sidhu will handle finance and compliance while Pandey leads strategy and investor relations. 'Australia's production incentives and treaties offer a uniquely de-risked path to global film investment,' Sidhu noted, 'aligning with our focus on compliance and strong ROI.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
