IIT Delhi launches six-month executive course in generative AI for professionals
The comprehensive coursework covers advanced topics such as neural network development, transformer-based architectures, multilingual NLP, and parameter-efficient fine-tuning (PEFT) for low-resource settings. Participants also delve into modern model architectures like GPT, BERT, and T5, while exploring frontier techniques such as instruction tuning, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF), and advanced prompting strategies to boost model performance and reliability.Highlighting the broader impact of the programme, Professor Tanmoy Chakraborty from the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi shared, 'This programme is rooted in our belief that Generative AI will be at the heart of future innovation and decision-making. We're committed to nurturing professionals who can not only understand AI technologies but also lead their application across industries with accountability and depth.'As AI continues to reshape the global landscape, industry reports have underscored the critical need for AI talent. A PwC analysis projects AI to add up to USD 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. However, a BCG study points out that while AI investments are rising, only 26% of organisations are successfully scaling these technologies for real value. Meanwhile, EY's The AIDEA of India report suggests that Generative AI alone could contribute USD 1.5 trillion to India's GDP by the end of the decade.The programme is delivered through a blend of live online classes and self-paced learning, offering 60 hours of instructor-led sessions, structured tutorials, and a 10-hour capstone project. Participants also have the opportunity to engage in an optional one-day campus immersion at IIT Delhi, gaining exposure to the institute's academic and research excellence.advertisementTo enrol, candidates must hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Upon successful completion, learners will receive an e-certificate from IIT Delhi CEP.With a focus on practical skill-building and responsible innovation, this programme aims to shape the next generation of AI leaders equipped to drive meaningful transformation across industries.- EndsMust Watch
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Business Standard
21 minutes ago
- Business Standard
US-EU trade deal wards off escalation, to raise costs for firms, consumers
President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have announced a sweeping trade deal that imposes 15 per cent tariffs on most European goods, warding off Trump's threat of a 30 per cent rate if no deal had been reached by August 1. The tariffs, or import taxes, paid when Americans buy European products could raise prices for US consumers and dent profits for European companies and their partners who bring goods into the country. Here are some things to know about the trade deal between the United States and the European Union: What's in the agreement? Trump and von der Leyen's announcement, made during Trump's visit to one of his golf courses in Scotland, leaves many details to be filled in. The headline figure is a 15 per cent tariff rate on the vast majority of European goods brought into the US, including cars, computer chips and pharmaceuticals. It's lower than the 20 per cent Trump initially proposed, and lower than his threats of 50 per cent and then 30 per cent. Von der Leyen said the two sides agreed on zero tariffs on both sides for a range of strategic goods: Aircraft and aircraft parts, certain chemicals, semiconductor equipment, certain agricultural products, and some natural resources and critical raw materials. Specifics were lacking. She said the two sides would keep working to add more products to the list. Additionally, the EU side would purchase what Trump said was USD 750 billion worth of natural gas, oil and nuclear fuel to replace Russian energy supplies, and Europeans would invest an additional USD 600 billion in the US. What's not in the deal? Trump said the 50 per cent US tariff on imported steel would remain; von der Leyen said the two sides agreed to further negotiations to fight a global steel glut, reduce tariffs and establish import quotas that is, set amounts that can be imported, often at a lower rate. Trump said pharmaceuticals were not included in the deal. Von der Leyen said the pharmaceuticals issue was on a separate sheet of paper from Sunday's deal. Where the $600 billion for additional investment would come from was not specified. And von der Leyen said that when it came to farm products, the EU side made clear that there were tariffs that could not be lowered, without specifying which products. What's the impact? The 15 per cent rate removes Trump's threat of a 30 per cent tariff. It's still much higher than the average tariff before Trump came into office of around 1 per cent, and higher than Trump's minimum 10 per cent baseline tariff. Higher tariffs, or import taxes, on European goods mean sellers in the US would have to either increase prices for consumers risking loss of market share or swallow the added cost in terms of lower profits. The higher tariffs are expected to hurt export earnings for European firms and slow the economy. The 10 per cent baseline applied while the deal was negotiated was already sufficiently high to make the European Union's executive commission cut its growth forecast for this year from 1.3 per cent to 0.9 per cent. Von der Leyen said the 15 per cent rate was the best we could do and credited the deal with maintaining access to the US market and providing stability and predictability for companies on both sides. What is some of the reaction to the deal? German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the deal which avoided an unnecessary escalation in transatlantic trade relations" and said that we were able to preserve our core interests, while adding that I would have very much wished for further relief in transatlantic trade. The Federation of German Industries was blunter. "Even a 15 per cent tariff rate will have immense negative effects on export-oriented German industry," said Wolfgang Niedermark, a member of the federation's leadership. While the rate is lower than threatened, "the big caveat to today's deal is that there is nothing on paper, yet," said Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING bank. With this disclaimer in mind and at face value, today's agreement would clearly bring an end to the uncertainty of recent months. An escalation of the US-EU trade tensions would have been a severe risk for the global economy," Brzeski said. This risk seems to have been avoided. What about car companies? Asked if European carmakers could still sell cars at 15 per cent, von der Leyen said the rate was much lower than the current 27.5 per cent. That has been the rate under Trump's 25 per cent tariff on cars from all countries, plus the preexisting US car tariff of 2.5 per cent. The impact is likely to be substantial on some companies, given that automaker Volkswagen said it suffered a $1.5 billion hit to profit in the first half of the year from the higher tariffs. Mercedes-Benz dealers in the US have said they are holding the line on 2025 model year prices until further notice. The German automaker has a partial tariff shield because it makes 35 per cent of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in the US in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but the company said it expects prices to undergo significant increases in coming years. What were the issues dividing the two sides? Before Trump returned to office, the US and the EU maintained generally low tariff levels in what is the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, with some USD 2 trillion in annual trade. Together the US and the EU have 44 per cent of the global economy. The US rate averaged 1.47 per cent for European goods, while the EU's averaged 1.35 per cent for American products, according to the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. Trump has complained about the EU's 198 billion-euro trade surplus in goods, which shows Americans buy more from European businesses than the other way around, and has said the European market is not open enough for US-made cars. However, American companies fill some of the trade gap by outselling the EU when it comes to services such as cloud computing, travel bookings, and legal and financial services. And some 30 per cent of European imports are from American-owned companies, according to the European Central Bank. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
In trans-Yamuna region, hurdles in route mapping delaying DEVi bus trials
As the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) begins trial runs of its compact 9-metre Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector (DEVi) buses in the trans-Yamuna region, the ambitious neighbourhood bus service is running into real-world roadblocks. From electric poles and trees in the middle of narrow streets to shifting weekly markets, illegal parking, and roadside encroachments, officials say several logistical challenges are complicating route rationalisation in East Delhi. The Delhi government, in collaboration with researchers from IIT Delhi, initiated the route-mapping project earlier this year to prepare for the roll-out of DEVi buses, first introduced in 2023 by the AAP government as Mohalla buses. The rebranded service was formally launched by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on May 2 from Ghazipur, Nangloi, and East Vinod Nagar depots, with 400 buses flagged off. Building on that, the Chief Minister on July 15 announced that a pilot route planning project would begin in Yamuna Vihar, with the goal of replicating the model across the Capital. Logistical hurdles However, the on-ground reality in East Delhi's dense neighbourhoods is proving complex. 'From electric poles at intersections, trees blocking turns, to narrow culverts and roadside markets, everything affects whether and when a bus can pass,' said a senior DTC official involved in the trial runs. He cited weekly markets that occupy different lanes on different days, affecting day-wise accessibility. 'If a market runs on Tuesdays in one locality, buses may have to avoid that route from 4 p.m. onwards. In Trilokpuri, for instance, there's simply not enough space for a DEVi bus to turn around when the market is active. Only bikes or cycles can pass through,' the official said. In cases involving trees or power poles, temporary route detours are the only solution for now. Removing electric poles involves multiple agencies and long processes, and the corporation has clarified that it has no intention of cutting down trees obstructing narrow lanes. Community cooperation For encroachments by private shops or illegal parking, officials say community support is critical. 'Large-scale removal of encroachments often causes unrest. But if Resident Welfare Associations and market bodies cooperate, the process becomes much easier,' the official added. Despite these operational snags, another senior official exuded confidence and said the problems will be ironed out in the long term. 'It is a one-of-a-kind initiative in India. There is no ready model to copy. These logistical issues are being mapped as we go. In the next neighbourhoods, we will be better prepared,' the official said. A similar model was tested earlier by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 2019 with its 9-metre feeder buses from Shastri Park and Majlis Park depots. However, the buses, run by private operators, were transferred to Delhi Integrated Multimodal Transit System (DIMTS) in 2023 after struggling with profitability and route rationalisation. 'The biggest issue was route planning. Limited buses and inconsistent connectivity made the feeder model unviable as a last-mile option,' said a senior DMRC official.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Second airport backed by Abu Dhabi inaugurated in the Maldives with AED 330.5 million investment
The Velana International Airport project was co-financed by ADFD alongside the Saudi Fund for Development, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and OPEC Fund for International Development/ Image: WAM The Republic of Maldives and the United Arab Emirates have marked another milestone in a longstanding partnership centered on sustainable development and infrastructure enhancement. Over four decades of cooperation through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has seen the successful implementation of critical projects across sectors like tourism, energy, transportation, and healthcare. Most recently, two significant aviation projects, Maafaru International Airport earlier this month and Velana International Airport today, stand as the latest additions to a portfolio exceeding AED 1.11 billion (approx. USD 302 million). These projects are not only infrastructural upgrades but also strategic interventions to enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, and position Maldives as a global hub. Velana Airport Inaugurated on Maldives' 60th Independence Anniversary The Government of Maldives today inaugurated the Velana International Airport, a flagship development aligned with the country's strategic infrastructure goals, with participation from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) highlighting its key role in the project. The event coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Maldives' independence, adding symbolic significance to the unveiling of this high-impact development. The airport's transformation was made possible by a total investment of AED 330.5 million (USD 90 million) from ADFD, executed in two phases, and co-financed by the Saudi Fund for Development, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and the OPEC Fund for International Development. This multi-stakeholder cooperation highlights a shared commitment among Gulf-based development partners to support inclusive and sustainable growth in developing nations. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of prominent leaders and officials, including: Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi , Director-General of ADFD Rahma bin Abdulrahman Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Maldives Senior representatives from the partnering development funds and both governments The upgraded Velana Airport can now accommodate over 7 million passengers annually, a major boost to the nation's capacity to handle international travel and tourism. Key features of the project include: Expansion of the western passenger terminal Installation of 26 passenger boarding bridges Development of a state-of-the-art international terminal. These infrastructure upgrades aim to position Velana International Airport as a vital commercial, tourism, and investment hub in the Indian Ocean, enhancing the Maldives' global competitiveness in aviation and hospitality. During the inauguration, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for the enduring support shown by the UAE towards the Maldives' development goals. 'ADFD's financing of Velana International Airport, in partnership with international collaborators, reflects our shared commitment to achieving sustainable development goals and demonstrates a long-term strategic vision for infrastructure development and growth in developing nations. The opening of this airport will further enhance the Maldives' position in the global aviation sector,' he said, adding that the project marks a key step in strengthening the country's global aviation presence. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, highlighted the significance of the collaboration as a model for regional cooperation in sustainable development: 'Through our partnership with the Government of Maldives and regional development institutions, we have collectively contributed to the country's economic and social growth. Coinciding with the Maldives' Independence Day celebrations, the inauguration of Velana International Airport underscores our ongoing commitment to ensuring greater resource efficiency and supporting our partner nations to build a resilient economy and prosperous future,' he said, noting that the project reflects ADFD's broader mission to support impactful, long-term growth in partner countries. Maafaru Airport Sets the Stage for Regional Connectivity The Velana project follows the recent launch of Maafaru International Airport on 8th July 2025, another high-impact ADFD-funded initiative aimed at improving access to the country's northern islands and luxury resorts. Constructed with an investment of AED 367 million (USD 100 million), Maafaru Airport includes a 2,850-metre-long and 45-metre-wide runway, capable of receiving large wide-body aircraft including Airbus A330 and Boeing 777. The airport is designed to serve as a key gateway to seven surrounding luxury resorts, playing a pivotal role in driving tourism revenue and employment in the region. The inauguration ceremony was attended by: Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Maldives Dr. Abdulla Muththalib , Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD During the event, Minister Mohamed Saeed extended his appreciation to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting the strategic value of the bilateral relationship and the UAE's unwavering commitment to supporting sustainable development in the Maldives. He also acknowledged ADFD's vital role in helping the country implement transformative projects and strengthen key economic sectors such as transport and tourism. Partnership Built Over Four Decades The Maldives' development partnership with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) began in 1978. Since then, ADFD has financed 11 strategic projects across vital sectors such as transportation, tourism, energy, and healthcare, with total investments exceeding AED 1.11 billion (USD 302 million). The recently inaugurated airport projects are a continuation of this enduring collaboration, aligning with the Maldives' national development agenda and the UAE's broader vision for international cooperation and sustainable growth. Established in 1971, ADFD is one of the UAE's leading financial institutions, focused on supporting infrastructure development in emerging economies. The Fund manages UAE government grants for key strategic projects and follows a diversified investment strategy that enhances economic resilience in partner countries. It also finances UAE-based private sector companies to help expand their global reach and competitiveness.
