Latest news with #PunjabiUniversity
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Dragonflies from Libellulidae family studied in a research by Punjabi University; five new species added to the global list
Researchers at Punjabi University, Patiala, have studied dragonflies from the Libellulidae family, which are colorful insects often seen near lakes and ponds. The research work carried by Dr Hardeep Singh and supervised by Prof. Gurinder Kaur Walia, at the Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, looked at the dragonflies' chromosomes (structures that carry genetic information) and their DNA to understand how different species are related to each other. Dr. Hardeep Singh said that they collected dragonflies from various parts of North and South India and examined the chromosomes of these dragonflies to identify unique features and check for any changes in their structure. He told that they also studied a specific gene (mitochondrial COI gene) in the dragonflies' DNA, which acts like a 'barcode' to tell species apart and show how they are related. By combining the chromosome and DNA data, they confirmed how these dragonfly species evolved and are connected, he told further. He told that the findings were published in 4 research papers in well-known international journals. Prof. Gurinder Kaur Walia told that the study added five new dragonfly species to the global list of 258 species studied for their chromosomes. They submitted DNA data for 28 sequences from 21 species to a global database (NCBI). They analyzed 112 DNA sequences from 80 species to map out how these dragonflies are related evolutionarily. She told that dragonflies are ancient insects, around for about 220 million years, and are related to some of the earliest winged insects. They are important for studying freshwater environments (like lakes and rivers) because different species need different habitats, and they have complex life cycles (partly in water, partly on land). This makes them great for understanding ecology that how living things interact with their environment and evolution. Vice-Chancellor Dr Jagdeep Singh, said that such researches are a testament to the quality of research being done in the university which enhances the prestige of the institution. He said that it is only on the basis of such quality researches that institutions are able to establish their identity at the international level.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Punjabi University researchers add five dragonfly species to global catalogue
PATIALA: Researchers at Punjabi University conducted a study on dragonflies of the Libellulidae family, enhancing the global understanding of their chromosomes and DNA. Hardeep Singh, leading the research supervised by Prof Gurinder Kaur Walia in the Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, collected dragonflies from various states in North and South India. The team examined the chromosomes to identify unique features and structural changes. Researcher Hardeep Singh stated, "We collected dragonflies from various parts of North and South India and examined the chromosomes of these dragonflies to identify unique features and check for any changes in their structure. We also studied a specific gene (mitochondrial COI gene) in the dragonflies' DNA, which acts like a 'barcode' to tell species apart and show how they're related". By combining the chromosome and DNA data, they confirmed how these dragonfly species evolved and are connected." He added, "The findings were published in four research papers in well-known international journals." Prof Walia mentioned that the study expanded the global list to 258 species by adding five new dragonfly species. The researchers deposited 28 DNA sequences from 21 species in the global NCBI database and analysed 112 DNA sequences from 80 species to map the evolutionary relationships of these dragonflies. "Dragonflies are ancient insects, around for about 220 million years, and are related to some of the earliest winged insects," she explained. "They are important for studying freshwater environments because different species need different habitats and have complex life cycles, partly in water and partly on land. This makes them valuable for understanding ecology and evolution." Vice-Chancellor Jagdeep Singh praised the research, congratulating both the researcher and the supervisor. "Such research is a testament to the quality of research being done at the university, enhancing the prestige of the institution. It is only through such quality research that institutions can establish their identity at the international level."
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From Gurmukhi to Braille: Patiala University joins dots, launches inclusive tool for visually impaired readers
PATIALA: A technology developed by a research team at Punjabi University here enables the conversion of Punjabi texts into Braille, empowering visually impaired individuals to access written content in their native language. The system, developed by Charanjeev Singh Saroya from the department of computer science and engineering under the guidance of Dr Kawaljit Singh, integrates advanced features such as Gurmukhi-to-Braille transcription, automatic font conversion, an extensive linguistic corpus, and text-to-speech functionality. "The primary goal is to provide a seamless digital pathway for visually impaired individuals to engage with information in their mother tongue," said Kawaljit Singh, while highlighting the transformative potential of the technology. Kawaljit Singh described the technology as a revolutionary step towards making knowledge accessible to the visually impaired in Punjabi. By enabling swift and accurate conversion of Gurmukhi script into Braille, this innovation promotes self-reliance and enhances the quality of life for its users, he added. Elaborating on the system's capabilities, Charanjeev Saroya noted the ability to instantly convert Punjabi text into Grade-1 and Grade-2 Braille with exceptional precision - 99.9% accuracy for Grade-1 and 99.7% for Grade-2. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Empieza a ganar un segundo sueldo con Mercado Libre CFD Actualidad-CL Más información Undo Grade-1 Braille involves character-by-character transcription, where each Punjabi letter is mapped to a corresponding Braille symbol. For Grade-2 Braille, sophisticated coding patterns enhance efficiency, catering to more complex linguistic structures. The system accepts Unicode-based text inputs and delivers Braille output in BRF (Braille Ready Format) or text format, compatible with screen readers and Braille printers. "This system will not only convert Gurmukhi into Braille, but it will work beyond this through the process called contraction, which will make the transcribed text less voluminous," said a researcher associated with the project.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Punjabi University declares 2025 results for UG and PG programmes including B.Com, BALLB and MBA at punjabiuniversity.ac.in: Direct link
PUP Result 2025: Punjabi University announces results for BALLB, B.C.A., MBA and Diploma courses. (AI generated image used for representational purposes only) PUP Result 2025: Punjabi University declares results for BALLB, Diploma and other programmes Patiala: Punjabi University, Patiala has officially declared the results for several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on its result portal. The university has made available the results for students enrolled in BALLB, B.C.A. , MBA, L.L.B., and Diploma in Computer Applications across various semesters. These results have been uploaded on the university's official examination result website — — and are intended for immediate information only. Students are advised to verify their final scores using the original marksheets issued by the university. Results announced across multiple programmes The recently published results include Semester V (December 2024), BALLB Semester VII (November 2024), B.C.A. Semester VI, MBA Semester I (Regular), L.L.B. Semester II (Regular), and Diploma in Computer Applications (Semester unspecified). These programmes represent a wide spectrum of academic disciplines offered by Punjabi University, which continues to serve as a hub of higher education in Punjab. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Students can access their individual results using their roll numbers on the university's result portal. The administration has urged all candidates to keep a copy of their digital results and wait for the issuance of official transcripts. About Punjabi University, Patiala Established under the Punjab Act No. 35 of 1961, Punjabi University began its journey on June 24, 1962, with a strong emphasis on promoting Punjabi language, literature, and culture. Located in the erstwhile princely state of Patiala, it stands as the second university in the world named after a language — the first being Hebrew University of Israel. Spread across over 600 acres, the university hosts more than 14,000 students, 1,500+ faculty members, 70+ teaching and research departments, 27 regional centres, and over 270 affiliated colleges across nine districts of Punjab. Vision rooted in culture and academic growth Punjabi University's mission is to advance Punjabi studies, promote education across disciplines, and foster research through a linguistically and culturally enriched academic environment. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chinese support to Pakistan during Op Sindoor
S D Pradhan has served as chairman of India's Joint Intelligence Committee. He has also been the country's deputy national security adviser. He was chairman of the Task Force on Intelligence Mechanism (2008-2010), which was constituted to review the functioning of the intelligence agencies. He has taught at the departments of defence studies and history at the Punjabi University, Patiala. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Illinois, US, in the department of arms control and disarmament studies. The ministry of defence had utilized his services for the preparation of official accounts of the 1971 war and the counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. In the JIC/National Security Council secretariat, he was closely involved with the preparation of the reports of the Kargil Review Committee and the Group of Ministers on national security as also with the implementation of their recommendations. His publications include two books and several articles. LESS ... MORE With more information now available, it can be concluded that China provided critical military and strategic support to Pakistan during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict from May 7 to May 10, 2025 (Operation Sindoor). This assistance encompassed advanced weaponry, intelligence sharing, and influence operations for narrative building, favouring Pakistan. John Spencer has rightly stated that Pakistan fought as a proxy force, using Chinese weapons and systems, which failed, exposing the strategic hollowness of Islamabad. There are several credible inputs on the Chinese support to Pakistan. First, a Pakistani ex-army officer, Adil Raja, revealed that Munir ordered the Pahalgam attack after receiving the nod from China. Second, China's arms/systems were used in the operations. China is the largest source of Pakistani weapons (about 81%). The PL-15E missile landed in a village in Hoshiarpur without hitting its target, reflecting that they did not perform well. JF-17 fired Chinese CM-401 hypersonic missiles, which were used to strike Indian logistical depots and mechanised brigades near Pathankot and Gurdaspur. These were also neutralised by the Indian air defence system. Pakistan employed Chinese-made CH-4 drones for reconnaissance and precision strikes. Despite their capabilities, these drones were largely neutralised by India's advanced air defence systems, including the S-400. Third, China placed five satellites for exclusive use in observing Indian military assets. Reports suggest that China provided real-time battlefield surveillance support and advice to Pakistan and coordinates ground and air-level military operations. An Indian research group found out that China assisted Pakistan in optimising its defence systems to better detect the Indian Army's troop movements and deployments during the four-day conflict. It included reorganising Pakistan's radars and air defence systems and adjusting satellite coverage over India. Fourth, the detection of a banned Huawei satellite phone, with messaging services connected to China's Beidou satellite navigation system in Pahalgam after the terror attacks, revealed a close nexus between the Pak Army/terrorists and the Chinese armed forces. The above inputs indicated that Beijing's involvement was far more extensive than originally assessed. Fifth, China actively engaged in information warfare to support Pakistan's narrative. Chinese state media outlets echoed Pakistan's denials of involvement in the Pahalgam attack and suggested alternative narratives, including labelling the attack as a potential 'false flag' operation by India. Chinese-controlled social media platforms disseminated unverified claims of Pakistani military successes, such as the downing of Indian Rafale jets, aiming to undermine India's military reputation and promote Chinese weaponry. Chinese bloggers and wumao soldiers (5 cents) provided massive support to Pakistan in spreading disinformation and psychological warfare. They were receiving inputs directly from Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations. They exaggerated Indian losses, thereby helping to bolster the Pakistani narrative. They portrayed India as an aggressor. Sixth, China provided comprehensive diplomatic support to Pakistan at the UN Security Council, coordinating with Turkey and Bangladesh. At the UN Security Council committee 1267 on counter-terrorism, China blocked any mention of The Resistance Force (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, that initially took responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attacks. In sum, despite China's extensive support, Pakistan's military efforts during Operation Sindoor were largely unsuccessful. Indian forces effectively countered Pakistani offensives, dominating the escalation ladder, and India's indigenous defence technologies outperformed Chinese-supplied systems. India achieved its stated objective of destroying terrorist camps at nine places. Now, some details are available on the losses of aircraft by Pakistan during the operations. In the operation, the IAF destroyed at least six Pakistani fighter jets, two high-value surveillance aircraft, and one C-130 military transport aircraft. More than ten armed drones (UCAVs), several cruise missiles, and radar sites were also taken out during India's operation. Chinese HQ 9 and HQ 16 systems were destroyed by India's missiles. Interestingly, while India claimed to have hit 11 places in Pakistan, the latter now says India attacked at 19 places. Perhaps to project itself as a victim of India's action aimed at the civilian population. The Chinese platforms and defence systems were for the first time put to a real combat test. Their underperformance must be unsettling to China. Pakistan's losses of China's aircraft and air defence systems raise questions about the reliability of its defence equipment in real-world combat scenarios. This will have an impact on the Chinese export of weapons and systems. China is using Pakistan as a tool for its hegemonic and expansionist designs. Pakistan occupies the central position in the Chinese geopolitical calculus for two reasons. First, Pakistan's antipathy towards India allows China to use it as its proxy to keep pressure on India, which it considers an obstacle to achieving its regional ambitions. Second, Pakistan constitutes an important country in the Chinese string of pearls around India. Pakistan's geographical position allows it to have access to the Indian Ocean and thereby overcome its Malacca choke point problem. Besides, China may have viewed India's economic growth as a threat to its dwindling economy. The plan of some manufacturing units moving from China to India must have been unnerving. Hence, China may have asked Pakistan to escalate terror attacks in India to project that this country is not safe for investments. Given the above, China is likely to continue to provide support to Pakistan, which will encourage Pakistan to continue with its policy of bleeding India through a thousand cuts. India has done well by announcing its policy that it will react strongly in case of any terrorist attack, and would not differentiate between the state sponsors and terrorists and would not accept the nuclear bluff. India must maintain its firm retaliatory policy and continue to enhance global narrative building efforts. India needs to pay urgent attention to the dimension of cognitive warfare. This is a process to weaponise public opinion of targets and drive them to act in the initiator's interest. The victims of this process start supporting the adversary's narrative after their minds are manipulated. This can undermine national resilience. A comprehensive study should be made to develop a robust strategy to counter this menace. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
