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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Sindoor ka badla khoon': Shashi Tharoor on Operation Sindoor's symbolism in US; watch video
Shashi Tharoor NEW DELHI: Congress MP and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor , who is leading an all-party delegation to the United States, on Wednesday described Operation Sindoor as a deeply symbolic and culturally resonant response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack , saying that the mission was India's way of delivering "sindoor ka badla khoon", blood in return for the sindoor wiped from the foreheads of widowed Indian women in J&K's Pahalgam. Speaking in a presser, Tharoor said the name "Operation Sindoor" was deliberately chosen to convey both cultural meaning and national resolve. "Operation Sindoor, actually, I thought was a brilliantly chosen name. Sindoor, in case some Americans obviously don't know about this, is a vermilion mark that is applied to the centre of the forehead of married women in the Hindu tradition," he said. Detailing the brutal nature of the Pahalgam attack, Tharoor added, "We were very conscious of these brutal terrorists who, by the way, shot men in front of their wives and children but spared the women, and when one wife screamed out, 'Kill me too,' she was told, 'No, you go back and tell them what we've done.'" "That sindoor had essentially been wiped off the foreheads of 26 Indian women… so we wanted first of all, to avenge that act of wiping off the sindoor. But, secondly, it's no accident that the colour of the sindoor is bright vermilion red, which is not far from the colour of blood, and in many ways there is a Hindi expression that 'khoon ka badla khoon'; here it was 'sindoor ka badla khoon' hoga," he said. On the operational front, Tharoor highlighted the precision and scale of India's military strikes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo 'There've been craters on the runway, operational command centers have been busted by these Indian bombs. Just yesterday, the Pakistanis publicly admitted that Indian strikes were so wide-ranging and effective they struck from as far as Hyderabad in South Pakistan to Peshawar in the northwest,' he said. Tharoor emphasised that the delegation's visit is aimed at presenting a united Indian stand against terrorism and educating the international community on the motivations behind India's counterterror action. 'This is not about party politics. We are here to speak for a united India, to explain clearly what Operation Sindoor stands for and why the country responded the way it did,' he said.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Economics: The new frontier in India's leading technical institutes
In the hallowed halls of India's premier technical institutions, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Once considered a secondary subject to engineering and technology, economics has steadily climbed the ranks, carving out a prominent place at institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), and the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs). The discipline—traditionally seen as theoretical—has evolved into a dynamic and essential field that complements and enhances the technical education these institutions offer. As a result, economics is no longer relegated to the sidelines of engineering education; it is now demanding centre stage. The annual IIT Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), one of the most competitive academic exams in India, is just around the corner. Following the exam, students will participate in counselling sessions to select their preferred branches of study. In the past, fields like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering dominated these preference lists. However, in recent years, a surprising trend has emerged: economics is increasingly being chosen as a preferred discipline, often outpacing some of the more traditional engineering fields (see figure below for opening and closing rank for different programmes in IIT Kanpur for year 2024). This shift has prompted both parents and students to reconsider their views on the discipline and its potential. So, what is driving this shift? The answer lies in the transformation of economics itself. India has traditionally approached economics in a qualitative manner, emphasising theoretical concepts and broad social insights. However, modern economics has become increasingly quantitative, leveraging data analysis and statistical tools to solve real-world problems. This shift to quantitative methods has made economics a highly applicable field, particularly in sectors like data science, public policy, and finance. At leading institutions like IITs and BITS, economics programmes have evolved to focus on the application of analytical frameworks and quantitative methods. This focus on quantitative economics is what gives technical institutions like IITs and IISERs a distinct comparative advantage. These institutes are well-suited to deliver a modern curriculum, as they are already equipped with the technical infrastructure and expertise to teach complex mathematical models, data analysis, and econometrics effectively. This shift has made economics not only relevant but also indispensable in a world that increasingly requires cross-disciplinary expertise. For many students, economics offers more than just a theoretical understanding of markets and economies. It provides them with a broad set of analytical and quantitative skills that are highly transferable across industries. These skills are particularly valuable in a job market where flexibility and adaptability are prized. Students who opt for economics over traditional engineering disciplines are often motivated by the wide range of career pathways the subject offers. From data science to public policy, from finance to artificial intelligence, the versatility of economics creates opportunities across multiple sectors, making it a compelling choice for ambitious students. This growing appeal of economics is part of a broader trend. As industries and technologies evolve, the challenges of tomorrow will demand not only technical know-how but also an understanding of human behaviour, market dynamics, and policy implications. Take, for example, the way companies like Uber and Amazon have disrupted traditional industries. While technical innovations played a major role in these transformations, it was economists who helped provide the analytical frameworks that guided them. Microeconomics helps decode complex business models; econometrics teaches evidence-based decision-making; and macroeconomics links local economic trends to global developments. The rise of economics in India's top technical institutes also coincides with the government's push for reforms in education. India's National Education Policy 2020 emphasises critical thinking, interdisciplinary approaches, and the integration of diverse fields of knowledge—qualities where economics naturally excels. Unlike more specialised technical disciplines, economics bridges the gap between hard data and human behaviour. It draws from history to understand economic systems, from psychology to explain consumer behaviour, and from computer science to analyse vast datasets. In response to the growing demand for economics education, many institutions have begun to invest in cutting-edge research facilities and industry partnerships. By incorporating real-world data and engaging with policymakers, these institutions aim to provide students with hands-on experience that reflects the complexities of the modern economy. At IITs and BITS, this has resulted in the development of specialised programmes that combine technical and economic expertise, equipping students to address challenges like technological disruptions, global trade dynamics, and resource management. However, despite its rising prominence, the journey of integrating economics into technical education is not without its challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the difficulty of simulating real-world economic scenarios in a classroom setting. Traditional lecture formats, which dominate much of technical education, often struggle to provide the kind of experiential learning that students need to understand the intricacies of economics. To bridge this gap, universities are increasingly looking towards collaborations with industry leaders and policymakers, giving students opportunities to work on practical, real-world problems. Moreover, the curriculum itself must constantly evolve to incorporate emerging fields like behavioural economics, digital finance, and the application of artificial intelligence to economic models. This is an area where technology institutes have a distinct advantage. Their ability to rapidly adapt and introduce new courses and specialisations ensures that students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, keeping them competitive in the job market. Despite these challenges, the trajectory for economics in India's top technical institutions is clear. As the country positions itself in the global knowledge economy, economics has shifted from being a complementary subject to an essential pillar of technical education. For students weighing their options after the JEE, choosing economics is no longer just about securing a degree in an abstract subject. It represents a new way of thinking—one that combines technical solutions with a deep understanding of human behaviour, market dynamics, and the broader socio-economic forces that shape the world. Economic knowledge is essential to understanding and shaping our world in this new era. With India's top technical institutions hosting its brightest minds, the future of economics appears more promising than ever. Bikramaditya Datta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economic Sciences at IIT Kanpur and specialises in finance related research. Vimal Kumar is a Professor in the Department of Economic Sciences and Wadhwani School of Advanced AI & Intelligent Systems at IIT Kanpur and does research related to digital economy.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
GenAI is a civilisational shift: N Chandrasekaran
Bengaluru: TCS chairman N Chandrasekaran said GenAI was the single most transformative force in 2024. He described it as a significant advancement that goes beyond typical technological progression, stating that "GenAI is not just another tech cycle—it is a civilisational shift. " He expressed confidence that in 2025, TCS will have the largest AI-trained workforce in the industry with a four-pronged approach. Initially, TCS said it plans to create a large pool of AI agents collaborating with its human employees. Subsequently, TCS is implementing solutions through an integrated approach combining human expertise and AI capabilities. Furthermore, it's making strategic investments in AI data centres and cloud infrastructure. It's also forging industry-best partnerships with hardware companies, solution innovators, and startups. "Achieving near-human reasoning capabilities, GenAI is not just another tech cycle, it is a civilisational shift. Its widespread adoption is accelerating, powered by parallel advances in semiconductors, cloud computing, quantum technologies, robotics, and energy innovation. GenAI is already redefining analytics, customer experience, and marketing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now The rise of autonomous robots and AI agents promises a future of 'dark factories' and AI-assisted enterprise functions," he said in a letter to shareholders published in the company's annual report. Chandrasekaran said every industry stands to benefit from GenAI—and the IT industry is no exception. "TCS is uniquely positioned to lead this transition. With our domain expertise, deep client relationships, and contextual knowledge, we are the ideal partner for enterprises seeking to build AI-first cultures, transform supply chains, navigate energy transitions, and build resilient and adaptive operations." He also said the evolving geopolitical landscape and the emergence of a multipolar world are now reshaping how global businesses operate. "We are witnessing the rise of new paradigms, demanding a thorough reimagination of systems, processes, and technologies to improve visibility, reduce costs, and enhance operational throughput." This reimagination, he said, includes designing end-to-end traceability across supply chains; diversification of sourcing strategies to build resilience, and region-specific ecosystems to serve decentralized markets. The annual report showed that TCS CEO K Krithivasan took home a salary of Rs 26.5 crore in the 2024-25 financial year, a 4.6% increase from Rs 25.3 crore in the year-ago period. His compensation includes a basic pay of Rs 1.3 crore, Rs 2.1 crore in benefits and perquisites, and Rs 23 crore as commissions. The company said the average annual increase was in the range of 4.5% to 7%, with top performers receiving double digit increments in India. In the last financial year, the overall rise fell within the 5.5% to 7.5% bracket, inclusive of promotions and additional compensation adjustments linked to specific events. Employees outside India received salary hikes varying from 1.5% to 6%.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tamil nadu turtle nesting season records highest number of eggs and hatchlings released
In a complete turnaround, Tamil Nadu's turtle nesting season, which started distressingly in December with more than 1,100 turtle carcasses washing ashore along the Chennai coast, has now seen an all-time high. Wildlife officials collected an unprecedented 113,933 eggs and released 106,595 hatchlings into the sea in Cuddalore — the highest figures recorded in the state over the past five years. This was followed closely by the Chennai wildlife division, which collected 65,649 eggs and released 54,917 hatchlings into the sea. Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu says hatcheries in eight of the nine districts have completed operations for the season, with the final hatchery in Chennai expected to close by the first week of June. "The increased enforcement of fishing regulations contributed to reducing turtle fatalities. The govt is now considering distributing turtle excluder devices to fishermen to ensure sustainable fishing," says Supriya. To safeguard the vulnerable olive ridleys, wildlife and fisheries officials also launched joint coastal patrols to monitor fishing activities, which led to the rescue of several live turtles caught in nets and penalties for violators. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo During the critical nesting period, the Tamil Nadu forest department established 53 hatcheries in nine coastal districts, sheltered from predators and human interference. "We launched a Tamil Nadu Turtle Guardian app that allowed real-time monitoring of egg collection, hatching, and hatchling releases. It enhanced coordination among volunteers and officials," says Supriya. The forest department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, has also initiated telemetry studies to track the turtles' migratory patterns and pinpoint key nesting sites. "These studies are complemented by habitat restoration projects, including mangrove mapping and seagrass regeneration, aimed at improving the coastal ecosystem," says Supriya. Email your feedback with your name and address to
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Granules FY25 PAT up 24% despite Gagillapur plant productivity woes
Granules FY25 PAT up 24% despite Gagillapur plant productivity woes HYDERABAD: Granules India Ltd posted a 17 per cent rise in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2025, at Rs 152 crore compared to Rs 130 crore in the same period of the last financial year. This was on a marginal 2 per-cent increase in consolidated revenue from operations at Rs 1197 crore in Q4FY25 from Rs 1176 crore in Q4FY24. However, for the financial year 2024-25, the company recorded a 24 per-cent jump in consolidated PAT at Rs 501.5 crore compared to Rs 405 crore, despite a 1 per-cent decline in revenue from operations at Rs 4482 crore from Rs 4506 crore in FY24. The company said it witnessed a sustained increase in formulations share despite the slowdown in productivity of its Gagillapur facility, where currently US FDA remediation activities are ongoing after inspectors flagged major violations of good manufacturing practices. Granules stated that while the share of revenues from the North American market rose to 79 per-cent in Q4FY25 from 70 per-cent in Q4FY24, the total share of finished dosages in revenues stood at 77 per-cent, and that of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and pharmaceutical formulation intermediates (PFI) was at 12 per-cent and 10 per-cent, respectively. Granules India Ltd Chairman & Managing Director Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati said that although the company paused production at Gagillapur in September 2024 for over a month to reassess the risks and undertake the necessary USFDA remediation activities, the company achieved a formulations growth of 18 per-cent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo 'The productivity of the Gagillapur facility was lower in H2 FY25 with ongoing remediation activities. Our strong financial performance reflects the success of our strategic initiatives, particularly our focus on enhancing our product mix by prioritising high-margin offerings and expanding our portfolio of non-legacy molecules. This reflects the strength and adaptability of our business model,' he said. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
