Latest news with #DSSC
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Defence Services Staff College appoints Amitabh Mattoo as Chair of Excellence on India's Strategic Culture
Tamil Nadu-based Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), a training institution under the Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday (May 28, 2025) the appointment of Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), to the first-ever Chair of Excellence on India's Strategic Culture. In a press statement, DSSC stated that this appointment will take effect from June 1 for a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional year, and will be in addition to his continuing role as Dean at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). In his new role, Professor Mattoo will engage with faculty and officers undergoing training at DSSC, contribute to curriculum development, and mentor research that deepens our understanding of India's rich and complex strategic culture. 'His scholarship—rooted in both classical Indian thought and contemporary global theory—offers an invaluable perspective at a time of profound geopolitical change,' the press statement said. Professor Mattoo stated, 'It is a privilege to be entrusted with this Chair. India's strategic thought has long drawn from its civilizational wisdom as well as contemporary realpolitik. I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty and officers at DSSC to deepen our understanding of India's strategic culture and contribute to India's preparedness in an increasingly complex world.' A Padma Shri awardee, Professor Mattoo is an academic, policy advisor, and institution-builder, widely recognized for his contributions to strategic studies, diplomacy, and international relations. Currently serving as the Dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he has previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu and as Honorary Professor of International Relations at the University of Melbourne. He has been a member of the National Security Council's Advisory Board. 'Professor Mattoo's appointment to the Distinguished Chair marks a significant milestone in DSSC's continuing commitment to fostering advanced research and strategic thinking within the Indian defence and academic establishments,' the statement said. The statement also said, 'DSSC looks forward to Professor Mattoo's contributions in enriching the intellectual ecosystem of the College and advancing India's strategic discourse on the global stage.' 'The DSSC, which trains officers of the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, civil services, and foreign militaries for senior leadership roles, views this initiative as essential to enriching professional military education in India with deeper indigenous knowledge systems and strategic perspectives,' the statement further said. 'This appointment represents a timely confluence of academic scholarship and national service, strengthening the bridges between India's universities and its defence institutions,' the statement added.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Headline: DGAO Air Marshal AK Bharti's Family Hails OP Sindoor Heroics
DGAO Air Marshal AK Bharti led crucial efforts in India's anti terror Operation Sindoor, commanding precision strikes that dismantled terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK. Hailing from Bihar, Bharti's family expressed pride in his leadership. 'My son's leadership made us proud,' said his father. 'Proud to see him serve the motherland,' added another family member. A fighter combat leader and DSSC graduate, Bharti was commissioned into the Flying Branch in 1987. Over 20 years of service, he has achieved multiple milestones. He served as Flight Commander of a Sukhoi-30 MKI squadron and earned three stars for accident-free flying. In 2023, Bharti was promoted to Air Marshal, marking a high point in a stellar IAF career.#airmarshalakbharti #dgaoakbharti #indianairforce #akbhartifamilyrecation #akbhartifather #opsindoor #iaf #nationfirst #fighterpilot #sukhoi30mki #airforceheroes#indiapakistanconflict #indianmilitary #akbhartibihar #toibharat Read More
Malay Mail
28-04-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Smiles, science, and spark: Why creativity matters in dental education — Azwatee Abdul Aziz
APRIL 28 — Every year on April 21st, the world observes World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) – a day designated by the United Nations to encourage creative thinking and innovation as essential tools for solving global challenges. In an era marked by rapid technological transformation, WCID holds increasing significance for academic fields that must continuously adapt to shifting landscapes—and dental education is no exception. As dentistry integrates emerging tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, the need for creative and forward- thinking approaches in dental academia has never been more urgent. Creativity and innovation in dental education Dental education is undergoing a metamorphosis, driven by evolving technologies, societal needs, and new healthcare challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, necessitated remote learning innovations and accelerated the adoption of digital platforms. But beyond crisis adaptation, there'S a broader call for integrating creativity into the foundation of dental Education. Creativity, defined as the generation of novel and useful ideas, is essential for developing innovative pedagogies that respond to modern demands such as interprofessional collaboration, sustainability, and equity in dental care. Byrne and Glasser (2023) emphasise that cultivating creativity in dental academics is key to ensuring that future dental professionals are not only technically proficient but also adaptive and reflective thinkers capable of addressing diverse community needs. Recently, these ideals were powerfully embodied during the 26th Dental Students' Scientific Conference (DSSC) and the 2nd Dental Students' Talent & Innovation Competition (DSTIC) 2025 with the theme 'Innovate, Educate, Elevate: Digital Technology Impact on Learning and Research in Dentistry'. It is an annual event where final-year dental students from the Universiti Malaya showcase their research findings through oral or poster presentations. These events brought together forward-thinking students and academics to showcase innovative research, technology-driven projects, and creative approaches to dental practice and education. From AI-based diagnostic tools to artistic interpretations of oral health awareness, the conference echoed the very spirit of WCID: celebrating originality, curiosity, and bold thinking in academic spaces. The celebration of WCID thus becomes more than a symbolic gesture. It serves as an annual checkpoint for dental institutions to assess how well they are nurturing creativity and innovation within their programs. Fields (2022) underscores that WCID has inspired educational initiatives worldwide that combine fun, imagination, and hands-on problem-solving to stimulate learning environments that foster original thinking. Dental robots offer incredible precision and efficiency, but the author notes they lack the ability to make empathetic, ethical, and context-driven decisions — elements that remain at the heart of patient-centred care. — Unsplash pic The Rise of Robotics and AI The rise of robotics and artificial intelligence represents one of the most exciting yet debated advancements in dental innovation. With machines capable of conducting procedures with unmatched precision and consistency, the question arises: Can robots replace human dentists? The integration of robotics into dentistry is already well underway. Robots are being used for implant placement, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and even routine diagnostics. A recent review by Xia et al. (2024) details how robotics, paired with AI, can automate complex procedures, minimise human error, and improve patient outcomes — creating a paradigm shift in oral healthcare delivery. However, most researchers argue that robots will augment, not replace, human dentists. Kathuria (2024) notes that while dental robots offer incredible precision and efficiency, they lack the ability to make empathetic, ethical, and context-driven decisions — elements that remain at the heart of patient-centred care. Another example, AI algorithms can analyse radiographs and clinical data to assist in early detection of dental caries, pulp diseases, and structural anomalies. This allows for faster and more accurate diagnoses in operative procedures like fillings, root canals, and restorations (Pandey & Lakhanam, 2024). This viewpoint is echoed by Lubart et al. (2021), who present a model in which robots act not as independent replacements, but as collaborators—or 'Humbots'— in a creative partnership with human professionals. This co-creative model sees robots supporting dental practitioners by handling repetitive tasks and enhancing the precision of complex procedures while leaving diagnosis, ethical judgment, and interpersonal care to humans. The Gap Between Perception and Practice Despite the technological promise, there remains a significant gap in knowledge and acceptance among dental professionals. A 2023 study found that while a majority of dental practitioners believe that AI will improve dental care, over 50% fear it could eventually replace human dentists. Yet, most respondents lacked practical experience with these technologies (Alanya-Beltran et al., 2023). This calls for an urgent curriculum shift. Dental schools must not only teach the technical use of robotics but also foster critical and creative thinking to explore the ethical, social, and psychological implications of these tools. Creativity is not optional — it's a necessity for navigating the complexities of a technology-driven future. Events like DSSC and DSTIC 2025 offer a blueprint for this shift. By providing platforms where students can apply creativity to real-world challenges, these conferences go beyond theory and stimulate active innovation. They affirm that the next generation of dentists will need to be innovators, communicators, and collaborators—not just clinicians. Conclusion: A Future Forged in Creativity World Creativity and Innovation Day is a powerful reminder that progress in dental education must be fuelled by imaginative thinking, technological literacy, and ethical insight. As robotics and AI continue to revolutionise clinical practice, dental academics are called to lead with innovation, not fear. By embracing creativity, dental educators can ensure that future dentists are not only technically equipped but also humanistically grounded — ready to collaborate with machines, not be replaced by them. The success of events like DSSC and DSTIC 2025 underscores that creativity is already thriving in dental education — and with the right support, it can shape the future of the profession. * The author is associate professor at the Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, and may be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
