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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
IIT-BHU's new UG curriculum offers more flexibility
Varanasi: The IIT-BHU has announced significant changes in its B Tech curriculum to align with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, offering more flexibility and opportunities. The changes will be implemented from academic session 2025-26. Dean (academic affairs) prof Devendra Singh said that from the fourth semester onwards, students will have five academic pathways to choose from, based on merit and their preferences. From the fifth semester, BTech students with a minor can take 4-6 courses in another discipline while BTech students can complete a second major alongside their primary major, extending the program to 10 semesters. BTech students can complete under IDD, extending the program to 10 semesters. A student enrolled in a four-year BTech program can earn a minor degree by completing a minimum of four and a maximum of six courses in another engineering discipline during the fifth, seventh, and eighth semesters. About the BTech second major, he said that a student who initially pursued a Minor and then completes the 10-semester curriculum in the second discipline will earn a Second Major degree, effectively graduating with degrees in two engineering disciplines. Students who initially opt for a Minor can later switch to the Second Major track based on seat availability and merit. Associate dean (academic) Prof Indrajit Sinha highlighted that students can also earn the Integrated Dual Degree program for BTech and MTech degree in a single discipline within 10 semesters. Architecture (B Arch) students in the five-year program are also eligible for the Minor and Second Major options, with the latter extending the program to six years. tnn Prof Singh elaborated that the traditional branch-change system after the first year has been discontinued. Instead, students can diversify by adding a Minor or Second Major without changing their primary branch. He also noted that the sixth semester of every B Tech program has been earmarked for industrial or research internships, giving students hands-on experience and stronger industry connections. IIT (BHU) has also implemented a Multiple Exit Framework, which allows students to exit the programme at different stages based on earned credits. Prof Singh further shared that the institute has launched an MTech programme in Medical Devices to bridge engineering and healthcare. Additionally, AI-based industry-focussed courses are being launched in collaboration with the Saras AI Institute, and a standards-focused course is proposed in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Director of IIT (BHU) Prof Amit Patra emphasized that the new curriculum promotes holistic education and interdisciplinary dialogue, giving students the freedom to tailor their academic journey while ensuring a strong foundation in their core discipline. He stated, "This curriculum is a major step towards nurturing graduates who are not only academically strong but also socially conscious and industry-ready, keeping pace with modern-day requirements. "
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Time of India
1823 tea bushes come alive at Botanic Garden after 4-month revival efforts
1 2 3 Howrah: A full-fledged tea garden that had been established by the British at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah, in 1823 but subsequently declined due to neglect has been revived once again. The new tea garden, spanning one and a half bighas, demonstrates that tea cultivation is feasible on flat land. Located opposite the Great Banyan Tree, this sloped garden replicates the style of Darjeeling tea estates and has been opened to visitors on Friday afternoon. The garden also offers 70 species of plants for purchase at reasonable prices, with plans for expansion. The experimental project at Botanic Garden employs scientific methods to ensure the tea plants' survival in challenging weather conditions. Saplings sourced from Darjeeling's foothills are showing promising growth. Senior officials from the Botanical Survey of India attended the public inauguration, and authorities anticipate increased visitor interest once tea production commences. The garden's historical significance dates to 1823 when the British initiated tea production here, distributing saplings across India. The garden played significant role in the development of tea cultivation in India, particularly Assam and Darjeeling. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo The garden, founded in 1786, was instrumental in introducing and acclimatizing tea plants, including tea bushes smuggled from China. The recent revival effort began with planting 500 saplings from Darjeeling foothills and Dooars in Feb. Though 25% saplings did not survive, scientists at the garden took multiple measures to ensure the rest not only survived but flourished. Due to the different climate and soil, the authorities focused on preparing suitable soil for tea cultivation from the start. One and a half bighas of land were sloped to prevent waterlogging, and the soil's acidity was reduced. An auto-sprinkler system was installed to water the tea plants at specific times daily. A separate department has been created for the garden's maintenance. Botanic Garden joint director Devendra Singh reported that 75% of plants have adapted successfully. Joint secretary Namita Prasad of the Central Ministry of Environment noted that tea production would enhance the garden's appeal. The facility now offers 70 plant species for sale, with QR codes for tracking rare specimens' distribution.
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First Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
YouTuber, student and more: Who are the ‘Pakistani spies' arrested in India?
At least eight people from three Indian states have been arrested for allegedly sharing information with Pakistan. Among them are YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, known for travel videos, and 25-year-old student Devendra Singh from Haryana. The arrests come as authorities intensify efforts to curb espionage, days after the Pahalgam terror attack and the launch of Operation Sindoor read more At least eight people from three different states in India have been taken into custody for allegedly passing information to Pakistan. The arrests come at a time when authorities are stepping up efforts to track and stop espionage activities, just days after the terror attack in Pahalgam and the launch of Operation Sindoor. ALSO READ | Shashi Tharoor, Supriya Sule, Owaisi and more… The Indian leaders tasked with exposing Pakistan's terrorism globally Among those held is travel vlogger . Her videos are now under investigation after one of them reportedly showed her in contact with a Pakistani official at the High Commission in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, who are these eight people? In this explainer, we look at who they are, what they've been accused of, and what officials have said so far. Here's a look: 1. Jyoti Malhotra Jyoti Malhotra , also known as Jyoti Rani, is a graduate and the daughter of a retired official from the Haryana power discom. She ran a travel YouTube channel called 'Travel with Joe', which had over 3.2 lakh subscribers. She also has a notable following on social media, with 1.37 lakh followers on Instagram (travelwithjo1), and has a presence on Facebook and Snapchat. Malhotra travelled to Pakistan twice. Her first visit took place in 2023, with her visa arranged through agents. She returned there two months ago and posted several videos and reels from the trip. Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra travelled to Pakistan several times and documented her visits. Image courtesy: Instagram These visits drew the attention of Indian authorities. According to the police, the 33-year-old had been in contact with a Pakistani official at the High Commission and had visited Pakistan at least two times. According to PTI, Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan said that Pakistani intelligence had been trying to recruit Jyoti Malhotra as a long-term asset. She was arrested by Civil Lines police in Haryana and charged under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A local court sent her to five days of police custody. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Police claim that Malhotra had regular contact with Pakistani intelligence agents and sent them sensitive information using WhatsApp, Telegram and Snapchat. Her handlers also reportedly asked her to show Pakistan in a positive light on her social media accounts. 2. Devendra Singh Devendra Singh, a 25-year-old student from Haryana, was arrested for allegedly spying and passing sensitive details to Pakistan. He is a student of political science at Khalsa College in Patiala and was detained after posting photos of guns and pistols on his Facebook account. During questioning, it was revealed that he had travelled to Pakistan in November last year through the Kartarpur corridor. He is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). VIDEO | Haryana: On the arrest of an alleged Pakistani spy, Kaithal SP Astha Modi said, 'A 25-year-old suspected spy, Devendra Singh, a resident of Mastgarh village, has been found to have links with Pakistani intelligence officers. An FIR has been registered against him. He had… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 16, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'He used to provide information about the dispute going on between India and Pakistan to that agency, as well as information about Operation Sindoor to the Pakistani army and the ISI from time to time,' Kaithal DSP Veerbhan said in a statement. 3. Arman Arman, a 23-year-old from Nuh in Haryana, was taken into custody for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistan at a time when tensions between the two countries were high. Police said they have gathered evidence to support their claims, and the investigation is ongoing. According to officers, Arman had been in contact with Pakistani agents since 2023. ALSO READ | Dummy aircraft in Op Sindoor: How India spooked Pakistan and why it didn't cross border 4. Nauman Ilahi Nauman Ilahi, a 24-year-old man, was recently arrested in Panipat district, Haryana, on suspicion of supplying sensitive details to people in Pakistan. Reports indicate that he was in communication with a handler from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. A resident of Uttar Pradesh, Ilahi allegedly received money from Pakistan, which was deposited into the account of his brother-in-law. This was reportedly in exchange for sharing information with contacts in Islamabad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, he worked as a security guard at a factory. 5. Shahzad Shahzad , a businessman based in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) in Moradabad on Sunday. According to the STF, he had passed on important information related to national security to his handlers. He is also suspected of smuggling goods such as cosmetics, clothing, spices, and other items across the India-Pakistan border. 6. Mohammad Murtaza Ali Mohammad Murtaza Ali was arrested by police during a raid in Jalandhar after receiving intelligence that he was spying for Pakistan's ISI. He allegedly used a mobile app, which he had developed himself, to send information. Police recovered four mobile phones and three SIM cards from him at the time of the arrest. 7. Guzala and Yamin Mohammad Punjab Police arrested two people from Malerkotla district in Punjab for suspected spying activities linked to a Pakistani official posted at the High Commission. The two were identified as Guzala and Yamin Mohammad, both residents of Malerkotla, as reported by the Hindustan Times. Guzala is a 32-year-old widow, according to the reports. 8. Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih On 4 May, Punjab Police arrested two individuals for allegedly leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army cantonment areas and air bases in Amritsar to Pakistani intelligence agents. The two accused were identified as Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih. Rural Amritsar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh confirmed their arrest while speaking to news agency ANI. They are accused of sharing visuals and details related to military sites with handlers in Pakistan. Who is Priyanka Senapati? Odisha-based YouTuber Priyanka Senapati, known for her travel videos, is currently under investigation in connection with the case involving Jyoti Malhotra. According to Hindustan Times, she had travelled to Kartarpur in Pakistan three to four months ago and had formed a friendship with Jyoti. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinit Agrawal said that Priyanka is being examined from all angles. Authorities are looking into her ties with Jyoti and her travel through the Kartarpur corridor. 'After getting information about this incident, our verification is going on in this regard. After the verification is complete, we will put forward all the facts. Along with this, we are in touch with different agencies of different states, central agency, Haryana Police and we will provide whatever information they need from us,' SP Agrawal stated. With inputs from agencies
News18
17-05-2025
- News18
Haryana Student Arrested For Allegedly Providing Information To Pakistani Army, ISS
Last Updated: Singh, who came in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives last year in November, also passed information about Operation Sindoor to the Pakistani Army and the ISI. A local from Haryana's Mastgarh Cheeka village has been arrested for allegedly providing information to the Pakistan Army and ISU during the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The youth, identified as Devendra Singh, is a 25-year-old PG Diploma student. He revealed during questioning that he was in contact with the Pakistan intelligence agency, ISI. He also said that he would give information about the tensions between India and Pakistan to that agency, according to an official. Devendra Singh also passed information about Operation Sindoor to the Pakistani Army and the ISI from time to time, said DSP Kaithal Veerbhan. 'Intelligence information was received by the district police of Kaithal; on that basis, our special detective staff arrested Devendra, son of Narwal Singh, resident of village Mastgarh Cheeka," said the official. 'Our staff at the cyber police station is conducting a thorough investigation into the devices found with him. Whatever truth may come out, the law will be followed accordingly," he added. According to a report by HT, Singh was an MA political science student at a college in Punjab. In November last year, he went on a pilgrimage to the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, where he allegedly came into contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Since then, he has been in touch with them. Earlier, the Punjab Police arrested two men for allegedly giving sensitive information about Indian military installations in Amritsar to Pakistan's ISI. The accused were identified as Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih. First Published: May 17, 2025, 07:23 IST
Time of India
21-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Spring migration from U'khand hills disrupted as avalanches, landslides cut off vital routes
Pithoragarh: Avalanches and landslides have disrupted the seasonal migration of residents from 14 villages in Uttarakhand's Malla Johar valley , blocking roads and trails that connect their winter homes in the lower valleys to their summer villages in the high mountains. The transhumant communities were unable to return home in April as planned, causing economic distress and threatening the short agricultural season. Villagers from Milam, Burfu, Relkot, Ganghar, Lwa, Bugdiyar, Panchu, Martoli, Laspa, Bilju, Mapa, Lilam and Kailanch, who traditionally migrate every spring with their livestock to grow cash crops such as mustard, potatoes and herbs, remained stranded. Devendra Singh, one of the villagers waiting to return, said, "We are very late this time." Sriram Singh, president of Malla Joshar Vikas Samiti, said the delay could result in substantial crop losses. "Each family earns about 1 lakh from farming during the six-month period they spend in their villages," he said. "If we do not reach in time, this income will be lost." Munsyari SDM Khusbu Pande said the road is currently open till Railkot and that ground staff will begin clearing operations as soon as the weather improves. "The road will be cleared within a week," she added. Public works department, which is responsible for maintaining the bridle paths, had deployed 20 labourers to the region, but they returned to Munsyari due to inclement weather, Pande said. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation, which has constructed new roads in the area, has inadvertently damaged some of the old bridle paths that villagers previously used for their annual migration. The Shauka Bhotiya communities of Malla Johar have followed this transhumant lifestyle for centuries, traditionally migrating with their flocks between high-altitude villages in summer and lower valleys in winter. Their way of life was once tied closely to cross-border trade with Tibet, which ended abruptly after the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Since then, most families have shifted focus to agriculture, livestock rearing and herb collection for income. Despite these changes, a small number still practise the seasonal migration — mainly for farming during the brief alpine growing season. Their numbers have declined drastically, from 1,475 households in 1961 to only a few dozen today.
