
Advanced drone pilot training initiative launched to boost youth employment
Thiruvananthapuram: Higher education minister R Bindu inaugurated an advanced
drone pilot training
initiative at
Rajadhani Engineering College
in Nagaroor near Attingal. The programme is being launched by
ASAP Kerala
in collaboration with the Centre for Aerospace Research, Anna University, a DGCA-approved institution.
Speaking at the event, Bindu emphasised the govt's commitment to bridging the gap between education and employment. "Drones are rapidly emerging as a major source of employment, ranging from agriculture to national defence. We must prepare our youth to seize these opportunities," she said. She highlighted ASAP Kerala's role in transforming the state into a knowledge-based society and announced that the next centre of excellence in drone pilot training will be established in Thrissur.
The event also featured a seminar and drone exhibition led by space scientist Myilsamy Annadurai. Students also participated in live demonstrations and interactive sessions.
Attingal MLA O S Ambika, ASAP Kerala CMD Usha Titus, Centre for Aerospace Research director Senthil Kumar, Nagaroor panchayat president Smita D, Rajadhani Group chairman Biju Ramesh, ASAP Kerala head Liju I P Nair and Rajadhani College principal Madhukumar S were also present.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Bryan Johnson claims he has the biology of a 10-year-old—thanks to oxygen therapy. Can science really turn back time?
Imagine waking up with the energy levels, organ functions, and biological markers of a 10-year-old at 46. That's exactly what tech entrepreneur and self-proclaimed biohacker Bryan Johnson claims he has achieved, and he credits it to a radical experiment: 90 days of intense oxygen therapy. Johnson, known for spending millions annually on anti-aging regimens under his Blueprint project, recently announced that this latest venture has helped him 'reverse' aspects of his biological age to that of a pre-teen. His claims, though bold, are grounded in an evolving field of science where longevity research is beginning to intersect with what was once considered science fiction. What is oxygen therapy? The treatment at the center of Johnson's latest experiment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). While oxygen therapy in general refers to the medical use of supplemental oxygen, HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. These chambers are typically pressurized at two to three times normal atmospheric levels, enabling oxygen to dissolve more effectively into the bloodstream and reach tissues that may be oxygen-starved. This isn't a new practice. HBOT has been FDA-approved for a range of medical conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, non-healing wounds, and decompression sickness (common among divers). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Una inversión en Amazon podría darte un salario extra. Undo But over the last few years, HBOT has gained attention for its potential anti-aging and regenerative benefits. How does HBOT work on the body? Under normal conditions, oxygen is carried mostly by red blood cells. But when the body is exposed to high-pressure pure oxygen, more oxygen dissolves directly into the blood plasma. This super-oxygenated blood can then travel deeper into body tissues, promoting healing and rejuvenation at the cellular level. Some of the key reported benefits of HBOT include: Increased production of stem cells, which help regenerate damaged tissues Reduced inflammation across various organs Improved mitochondrial function, which boosts cellular energy Enhanced cognitive performance Potential telomere extension – telomeres are protective caps on DNA that shorten with age A 2020 study conducted in Israel found that HBOT could not only increase the length of telomeres (often considered a marker of youthfulness) but also reduce senescent cells, which are old, malfunctioning cells that contribute to aging and disease. Bryan Johnson's results: Hype or hope? According to Johnson, after 90 days of HBOT combined with his usual strict regimen of exercise, plant-based diets, sleep optimization, and regular medical testing, he experienced: Improvements in skin health Reduction in biological markers of aging Enhanced lung capacity and cardiovascular performance Better cognitive function and sleep quality He claims that his overall biological profile, assessed using various biomarkers, now resembles that of a 10-year-old. It's important to note, however, that biological age can be calculated differently depending on the metrics used, and it's not a universally agreed-upon standard. Is it safe and effective for everyone? While Johnson's transformation has captured the public's imagination, medical experts urge caution. HBOT, though promising, is not without risks. Prolonged exposure can lead to oxygen toxicity, barotrauma (injury caused by pressure), and even vision changes. Moreover, the accessibility of such treatments remains limited. A full course of HBOT can cost thousands of dollars, and the kind of monitoring and medical supervision Johnson undergoes is far from standard. Dr. Shai Efrati, a pioneer in HBOT research, argues that with the right protocols and patient selection, HBOT could one day be used more broadly to slow biological aging, but more peer-reviewed studies are needed before it can be widely recommended. A glimpse into the future? Bryan Johnson's experiment opens up exciting, if controversial, possibilities in the field of anti-aging and longevity science. It challenges traditional views of aging as a linear, irreversible process and suggests that, with the right tools, we might not only delay aging but potentially rewind certain biological clocks. Still, it's essential to separate anecdotal success stories from scientific consensus. As fascinating as Johnson's story is, it should serve as a launchpad for deeper inquiry, not a universal prescription. While the idea of having the biology of a 10-year-old at midlife sounds like a dream, the reality is far more nuanced. Oxygen therapy, particularly HBOT, holds promise, but it's not a miracle solution, at least not yet. What Bryan Johnson's journey does offer, however, is a compelling glimpse into the future of how we might age and perhaps, how we might not. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change


Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
How NIAT is empowering universities to deliver NEP-aligned, industry-ready education
Rahul Attuluri, Co-founder & CEO of NxtWave & NIAT As India's education system advances under the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with the continued efforts of UGC and AICTE to promote quality and relevance in technical education, the NxtWave Institute of Advanced Technologies (NIAT) is playing a key role in bridging the gap between academia and industry expectations. Through its University Collaborations, NIAT is enabling UGC-approved universities across India to provide outcome-based learning, modern infrastructure, and deep industry alignment for their students, in full compliance with UGC and AICTE guidelines. The result is a new national benchmark for skill-based engineering education. 'At NIAT, we're strengthening universities,' said Rahul Attuluri, Co-founder & CEO of NxtWave & NIAT. 'Our role is to bring in everything the industry wants—hands-on skill training, practitioner-led faculty enablement, internships, and placements, while the university continues to own and deliver the core academic program.' The collaboration begins with curriculum insights. NIAT gathers and synthesises these insights from multiple sources such as its 3,000+ hiring partner companies, a community of over 10,000 tech professionals, and cutting-edge in-house R&D and product development. These combined insights are distilled into structured reports and whitepapers, highlighting real-time industry trends, evolving job roles, and skill gaps across domains like AI/ML, cybersecurity, and more. Universities receive these inputs at regular intervals, helping academic councils and boards of studies modernise the curriculum while staying fully aligned with UGC and AICTE regulations. Faculty upskilling is another cornerstone of the collaboration. NIAT runs industry-led certification programs for faculty, including case-based labs, hands-on code reviews, and access to sandboxed real-world projects. Universities also benefit from NIAT's network of 10,000+ tech professionals through the onboarding of Professors of Practice—seasoned professionals who co-deliver modules and mentor students. 'To become a globally competent professional, students need not only a degree but also the right skills and aptitude. This integrated program with NIAT delivers both. We're proud to offer such a transformative education,' said Dr. R.K. Jain, Vice Chancellor, Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune As a part of this collaboration, universities are leveraging AI enabled technology platforms offered by NIAT. When integrated into the University's infrastructure, this platform supports project-based learning, live assessments, and real-time feedback, giving students the kind of exposure previously reserved for top-tier industry bootcamps. 'Technical skills aligned with industry needs are essential for today's students. Our partnership with NIAT ensures they don't just graduate—they're prepared to thrive in their careers,' said Farhad Yanapoya, Pro-Chancellor, Yenepoya Deemed University Modern infrastructure is another focus. NIAT provides universities with a research-backed classroom design playbook, informed by benchmarking top world-class institutions, and adapted for the Indian context. The design includes high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating, smart AV systems, soundproofing, and collaborative layouts—all built to support tech-enabled, project-based learning. Implementation by universities is supported with detailed bill-of-quantities, vendor templates, and rollout roadmaps, ensuring academic institutions meet both AICTE norms and global standards. What truly sets this collaboration apart is its corporate connect. Through partnerships with 3000+ tech companies, NIAT facilitates structured internships, mock assessments, and placement sessions—aligned with actual industry hiring practices. Using data dashboards, every student's progress is tracked and supported, giving universities deeper insight into career readiness. 'Students today need more than just a degree—they need skills. Through this partnership, students will receive a degree from our university and an industry-ready certification from NIAT. This gives parents the confidence that their child is truly career-ready,' said Dr. Ch.V. Purushottam Reddy, Founder and Chancellor, Chaitanya Deemed University Students receive a UGC-approved degree from the university upon completing the university projects, assessments, courses, required credits, and an Industry Ready Certificate (IRC) from NIAT, based on their performance in skill tracks, projects, and assessments. This dual credential not only boosts their employability but also aligns perfectly with the UGC/AICTE vision of multidisciplinary, skill-based learning. 'From 2025-26, students at our campus will benefit from a holistic program—receiving a degree from Aurora University along with upskilling and industry certifications from NIAT. This collaboration empowers students with both academic credentials and real-world capabilities,' said Dr. Srilatha Chepure, Vice Chancellor, Aurora Deemed University Importantly, the fee structure is fully transparent. Students pay tuition directly to the university for academic services, and a separate, optional fee to NIAT for the Industry Readiness Program. There is no bundling or crossover, ensuring 100% compliance with UGC, AICTE norms. 'This is what the government wanted education to be. Government bodies like UGC/AICTE are bringing important reforms for change. Aligning with them, we've built collaborations that make that change real—inside classrooms, with universities, and for students who now have both a degree and a future they can count on,' concludes Rahul Attuluri.


Hans India
6 days ago
- Hans India
Building India's AI-Ready Workforce: The Launch of Mirai School of Technology
New Delhi: In a bold response to India's growing AI talent gap, which is projected to exceed 1 million skilled professionals by 2027, Mirai School of Technology makes its debut today as India's new age AI-first higher education company. and BCA degrees offered by AICTE and UGC-approved colleges are powered by Mirai School of Technology to deliver AI-first technical education—reimagining engineering for an era where artificial intelligence is no longer optional, but essential. Mirai redefines conventional education by empowering students to become tomorrow's tech leaders. While traditional programs remain rooted in outdated methods and theory-heavy learning, Mirai is driven by a bold belief: education should be centered around the tools and technologies that will shape the workplace of 2030. Founded by Arpit Sarda (BITS Pilani, IIM Kozhikode), and strengthened by the strategic collaboration with Varun Kohli (CEO & Co-Founder at Coding Blocks) and Kartik Mathur (NSIT, Co-Founder at Coding Blocks) — the two minds behind one of India's most impactful tech education platforms that has mentored over 250,000+ students. Together, they aim to build a future-focused learning ecosystem that equips students with hands-on AI skills and real-world career outcomes. 'Mirai isn't just a new institution—it's a movement to bridge the gap between today's education and tomorrow's tech careers,' says Arpit Sarda, Founder of Mirai. 'We're building an ecosystem where students learn to lead with AI, not just adapt to it.' "What makes Mirai revolutionary isn't just what we teach, but how we teach it," explained Kartik Mathur, Founding Member and Academic Head at Mirai. "Our students don't just learn about AI—they build with it from day one, using the same tools powering innovations at companies like Google and OpenAI." As AI continues to redefine global industries and talent demands, India faces a pressing need to produce skilled professionals who can drive innovation. Mirai enters the scene at this critical moment with a bold, disruptive model rooted in four core pillars: AI-First Education: Programs built around 15+ top AI tools, 6+ global certifications, and programs are designed around real-world AI applications—from generative AI to LLMs and APIs—preparing students for the technologies of tomorrow, today. Code with AI from Day 1: From the very first week, students build, debug, and create with AI as a co-pilot. Tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT Plus, and other AI development platforms are integrated into daily coursework—helping students write smarter code, learn faster, and think like real-world engineers. Infra Designed for Coders: State-of-the-art facilities including Apple labs, robotics labs, and smart classrooms—plus personal MacBooks and subscriptions to premium AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT Plus. Selection of Top 20%: Admission is merit-based, with only the top 20% selected—fostering a competitive, high-potential peer group that drives excellence. It's not just about getting in—it's about becoming part of a community where ambition is the common language Tech Practitioners as Teachers: Courses are led by engineers, founders, and industry experts, ensuring every lesson is rooted in practical experience and evolving industry needs. This ensures that students don't just study technology—they absorb its context, challenges, and evolving nature. It's learning that's alive, applied, and aligned with what companies truly value. 'From industry-certified learning paths to global AI competitions and startup incubation, Mirai offers unmatched depth and exposure,' says Varun Kohli, Founding Member and Learning Head at Mirai. 'This is tech education, reimagined for the AI age.' With India's AI market expected to reach $17 billion by 2027 and showing rapid growth potential, coupled with a significant shortage of AI-skilled professionals, Mirai emerges at a critical juncture. Through AI-first and BCA programs offered by partner colleges, Mirai provides students with a clear pathway into high-growth AI careers across healthcare, finance, automotive, and other emerging sectors. Arpit Sarda _ Founder _ Mirai School of technology