Latest news with #IISc
New Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Science
- New Indian Express
Experts: Continuous monitoring needed to avert landslides in Karnataka
BENGALURU: While technological interventions and continuous relaying of information can help avert tragedies, experts point out that it is also imperative to have a dedicated team of people to continuously monitor and analyse data. Experts point out that there are multiple government and private agencies working, but there is a lack of coordination. There is also a major lack of scientific input across the country. Prof GL Sivakumar Babu, Geotechnical Engineering Division, Civil Engineering Department, IISc, said there is a need to create a group of people who will be dedicated to studying the same. Stability in data management and working is needed. Government officials are posted for a short duration, and they lack the expertise. The government should consider investing in such long-term interventions rather than focusing more on compensation and loss mitigation, he said. Experts pointed out that there is a growing need to invest more in technology. Prof Sajeev Krishnan from the Centre for Earth Sciences, IISc, said that landslides are more likely to occur in the Western Ghats because of the steep slopes. Thus, areas like Coorg, Mangaluru, Idukki and Goa are vulnerable. Similar is the case with the Himalayan regions in India, where the slopes are steeper. Another expert geologist, working with the government, said, 'One of the prime reasons for landslides to occur is the lack of creation of a small drainage system in the hills when they are cut for civil works. This is the basic mistake which is being consistently made, apart from the improper cutting of the slopes. It is common sense to understand that when a terrain is cut or drilled, you are making the region vulnerable to tragedies. Putting pipes to drain out water from the saturated soil during monsoon is one simple solution which has been suggested but not followed. Another crucial negligence is not undertaking regular carrying capacity studies. Each time a terrain is altered, the carrying capacity and environmental impact change. Thus, a dedicated team to study all this regularly is needed.' An official from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre said a simple method of averting tragedies is not to undertake any construction or repair works during monsoon. They should be completed and tested before monsoon, but how projects are approved, executed and how tenders are released, inadvertently works are undertaken during monsoon, making areas more vulnerable to tragedies.
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Tackling untouchables: IISc patents tech to deal with MLPs, textile waste
BENGALURU: In the global battle against waste, two streams stand out for their notorious resistance to recycling: multi-layered plastics (MLPs) and synthetic textiles. Dubbed 'untouchables' in the recycling world, these materials are complex, chemically diverse, and largely destined for landfills or incineration. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But a new technology developed at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) may offer a viable and scalable path forward. The breakthrough comes in the form of 'SaLSO', short for Solvent-Assisted Layer Selective Opening, a patented process created by Prof Suryasarathi Bose and his team at IISc's department of materials engineering. Used extensively in packaging (like potato chips) for their barrier properties and durability, MLPs are nearly impossible to recycle due to their mixed composition. At the same time, synthetic textile waste from polyester-based and nylon-based clothing continues to swell landfills and leach microplastics into ecosystems. 'Together, MLPs and synthetic textiles represent a mounting global challenge. MLPs alone form a market worth over $168 billion, while the textile industry generates more than 92 million tonnes of waste each year, a significant chunk of it synthetic. Recycling efforts have struggled to keep pace, hamstrung by technical and chemical limitations,' the researchers pointed out. The new patent builds on earlier work by the team — which has been reported — where SaLSO was tried on Polyurethane and Epoxy, and found to be efficient in transforming those difficult to recycle materials. In the current process that has been granted a patent, SaLSO separates the individual components of complex plastic and textile waste streams, allowing each material to be recovered and reused in high-value applications. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'It's a solution that's not just technically impressive but also environmentally sound. It is a game-changer. We've developed a process that works on materials considered unrecyclable — category-7 plastics, mixed polyester textiles —and turns them into usable, upcycled products,' Bose told TOI. His co-researchers, Indranil Dey, Ashish and Siddharth, echoed the sentiment, adding that SaLSO could play a catalytic role in scaling up circular economy solutions across sectors that currently have limited recycling pathways. What makes SaLSO remarkable is its simplicity and sustainability. The process uses only seawater and bio-acids — naturally occurring and even edible chemicals — to separate polymers like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from complex waste matrices. The result? A recovery yield of more than 99%, achieved without toxic solvents, high temperatures, or energy-intensive steps. In lab trials, the team processed a variety of real-world waste, including snack packets with aluminum linings and flour bags, using a reactor that currently handles about 500 grams of MLP per batch. While small-scale now, the system is designed for easy scale-up to industrial capacities. The extracted polymers are not just recycled, they are upcycled. '...The feedstock produced can enhance the performance of lower-quality plastics, creating stronger, more durable materials without adding virgin polymers or fillers. And the applications go far beyond theory,' Bose added. With industrial trials in the pipeline and conversations ongoing with potential partners, IISc hopes to bring SaLSO to market soon. If widely adopted, the technology could radically expand the boundaries of what's considered recyclable, bringing circular economy principles to industries that have long lacked them.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Beyond imagination: How Quantum Computing is reshaping the world of AI, blockchain, and India's digital destiny
In the heart of Bengaluru's tech corridor, a group of young quantum engineers recently gathered at a startup incubator. Their mission wasn't just another AI prototype or blockchain wallet; they were simulating molecular interactions using quantum processors to aid in personalised cancer treatment. Around the same time, in Hyderabad's Genome Valley, pharmaceutical companies were exploring quantum machine learning to predict how drugs interact with human DNA, dramatically cutting down trial-and-error cycles. And just down south in Amaravati, a new government-supported technology company, under the Chief Minister's innovation vision, announced its foray into quantum research for governance and secure citizen data frameworks. These aren't distant dreams from Silicon Valley, they're happening in India, now. A technological revolution is silently gathering momentum. But unlike anything we've seen before, this isn't just faster or smarter, it's fundamentally different. It's called quantum computing, and it's not here to break technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain. It's here to elevate, reshape, and revolutionise them. The myth: Quantum Computing will kill AI and Blockchain Headlines often frame quantum computing as a destroyer, especially of blockchain and traditional AI. The fear is that quantum algorithms like Shor's will break cryptography, rendering our current systems obsolete, and that classical AI will look laughable compared to quantum-enhanced models. But here's the truth: every great invention in history was feared before it was understood. The printing press, the telephone, and even electricity were met with scepticism. And just like those milestones, quantum computing isn't replacing, it's rewriting the rules of what's possible. Quantum Machine Learning – When algorithms dream deeper Classical AI learns from data in a linear, sequential fashion. It sifts through patterns, often needing hours or days to optimise deep learning models. Quantum Machine Learning (QML), on the other hand, uses superposition and entanglement to analyse multiple possibilities simultaneously. This means faster pattern discovery, real-time learning, and the ability to make decisions in incredibly complex environments. Take Hyderabad's fintech startups, for instance. Several are beginning to explore quantum-enhanced fraud detection systems that can detect subtle anomalies in transaction patterns, an area where classical systems often lag. And in Bengaluru, AI researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) are simulating neural networks on quantum architectures to optimise energy consumption and reduce training time by over 40%. With quantum machine learning, the future AI doesn't just learn faster; it learns deeper, adapting to contexts that are currently inaccessible to even the most advanced algorithms. The blockchain paradox – Threat and transformation Blockchain's strength lies in its encryption and immutability. But quantum computing poses a paradox. Algorithms like Shor's threaten to crack RSA and elliptic curve cryptography, jeopardising the very foundation of blockchain security. This sounds catastrophic until we look at how the blockchain world is responding. Enter post-quantum cryptography (PQC). It uses lattice-based, multivariate, and hash-based cryptographic methods that resist quantum attacks. Hyderabad's blockchain developer communities are already running test nets of quantum-resilient smart contracts, especially for health records and land registry systems. In Amaravati, the state government's e-Governance department is exploring quantum-secured digital identity systems for public services, where sensitive data like caste, land titles, and pension information is protected using quantum key distribution (QKD). By doing so, Amaravati is emerging not just as a smart city, but as a quantum-smart governance model. India's Quantum Leap – A tectonic shift in innovation In 2023, India launched the ₹6,000 crore National Quantum Mission. Its goal? To place India among the top global players in quantum science and technology. This initiative has already spurred research clusters across the IITs, IISc, and specialised innovation centers. In Bengaluru, companies like QpiAI and TCS are investing heavily in building quantum-classical hybrid solutions for logistics, telecom, and material design. Hyderabad, known for its prowess in pharma and health tech, is exploring quantum algorithms for genome sequencing and cancer modeling. In Amaravati, the vision goes a step further. The newly formed Andhra Quantum Solutions, a public-private initiative backed by the Chief Minister's Office, aims to build a quantum-secured digital governance infrastructure from birth certificates to municipal tax records. Their prototype model, being developed in partnership with academic institutions and international researchers, combines AI, blockchain, and quantum in a single-layered system. Real-World use cases—India at the forefront 1. Bengaluru: Quantum-AI for Urban Traffic Optimisation A pilot programme integrates quantum algorithms with AI-powered traffic prediction models. The result? Reduced congestion in major junctions like Silk Board and Whitefield during peak hours, achieving 22% faster rerouting compared to classical models. 2. Hyderabad: Drug Discovery and Genome Engineering Pharma giants and startups alike are using quantum computing for simulating molecular bonds and protein folding, dramatically reducing R&D time from 10 years to just 3–4. Genome Valley is quickly becoming India's 'Quantum Biotech Valley.' 3. Amaravati: Quantum-Secured Public Record Chain The Andhra government is developing a blockchain-based land and birth registry backed by post-quantum cryptography. By embedding QKD in Aadhaar-linked services, Amaravati hopes to become a pioneer in secure, corruption-free public data governance. The Human Element – Ethics, Education, and Equity As AI becomes more powerful with quantum computing, the black-box problem deepens. If a quantum-AI model makes an unethical or inexplicable decision, who's responsible? Explainability becomes murky. That's why India needs not just tech talent, but quantum ethicists, digital philosophers, and policy-makers who understand these systems. Moreover, quantum computing should not widen the digital divide. As with AI, if quantum knowledge and infrastructure remain limited to elite cities and corporations, rural India could be left behind. Amaravati's inclusive model, training local students and rural engineers in quantum fundamentals through university outreach, offers a hopeful counterexample. Toward a converged future The most powerful vision isn't in AI, blockchain, or quantum alone, but in their convergence. Imagine a world where: AI doctors diagnose illnesses based on quantum-modelled proteins. Blockchain secures the identity of every Indian citizen through quantum-encrypted credentials. Smart cities optimise water, electricity, and traffic using quantum-enhanced neural networks. In such a world, India isn't a late adopter. It's a lead innovator. Quantum is not an end, it's a beginning We often talk of revolutions in the past tense. The Industrial Revolution. The computing revolution. But quantum computing is not history, it's now. It's happening in Amaravati's governance labs, Bengaluru's tech parks, and Hyderabad's biotech corridors. This isn't just a story of qubits and algorithms, it's a story of imagination, ambition, and the audacity to reinvent. In the coming years, India will not just witness the quantum era; it will define it. So, let's not ask whether quantum computing will 'break' AI or blockchain. Instead, let's ask: 'What new worlds will it build?' Contributed by: Dr. Naga Sravanthi Puppala, Asst. Professor, Dept of CSE, SRM University-AP. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
Hans India
7 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Bengaluru will soon be the 'Quantum Capital': DKS
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said that Bengaluru would soon become the 'Quantum Capital' as the government is setting up a dedicated cluster for quantum technology. a Speaking at the opening ceremony of the inaugural edition of Quantum India Bengaluru 2025, he said, 'I am delighted to be here at the event which is heralding the frontier of technology. Karnataka has rich human resource. Our state is not competing with other states of the country, but we are competing at a global level.' 'We have laid a strong foundation for Bengaluru to become a global leader in technology. Our government is committed to provide all the support for it to become a leader in quantum technology too. When I was the Minister in S M Krishna government, we brought the IT policy and it led Bengaluru's growth that we are witnessing today,' he recalled. 'Tier two and tier three cities of Karnataka too offer excellent talent and infrastructure. Tech industry must look at those cities too for setting their offices. Our state has over 300 colleges. Our tech education legacy goes back a century when IISc was set up. Jawaharlal Nehru's public sector industrialisation also helped Bengaluru grow in a big way,' he added. 'Quantum technology is a frontier technology, let's move towards it boldy. Hope the quantum technology will also contribute to greater good of the society. Our government will provide all possible support for the quantum technology revolution. Let's create another revolution in Bengaluru and Karnataka,' he concluded.
Economic Times
31-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Karnataka announces Rs 1,000 crore Quantum Mission, VC fund for startups
Agencies The Karnataka government on Wednesday launched a Rs 1,000 crore Quantum Mission with a vision to build a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035. Chief minister Siddaramaiah said a Quantum Technology Task Force will guide policy, while dedicated quantum parks, manufacturing zones, and Q-City will foster innovation in the state. The state will also launch a Quantum Venture Capital Fund to back over 100 startups and help generate 100 patents to create two lakh jobs in the sector. Siddarmaiah said with a vision to be the 'Quantum Capital of Asia,' Karnataka's roadmap is built on the five pillars of talent development, research and development (R&D) pilots, infrastructure, industry support, and global partnerships. He was speaking during the two-day Quantum India Bengaluru 2025 summit, co-organised by the Department of Science & Technology and IISc. In its Quantum roadmap, Karnataka also announced the establishment of India's first Quantum Hardware Park, four innovation zones, and a dedicated fabrication facility to boost domestic manufacturing of quantum components.'By 2035, we aim to create 10,000 high-skilled jobs and establish Karnataka as the Quantum Capital of Asia,' the CM emphasised. To foster a holistic ecosystem, the state government will also introduce quantum skilling programmes in 20 colleges and 150 PhD state government aims to develop 1,000-qubit quantum processors and pilot applications in healthcare, cybersecurity, and defence, with active applications in governance. The state's science and technology minister, NS Boseraju, said a quantum chip fabrication capability will be operational by the initiative comes at a time when 2025 is being observed globally as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. CM Siddarmaiah stressed that quantum tech will not only drive economic growth but also improve governance, secure communication, smarter agriculture, and early disease added that the state government has already demonstrated its commitment to this technology by establishing a Quantum Research Park at IISc, Bengaluru. This facility has supported over 55 R&D projects and 13 startups while training more than 1,000 quantum experts annually. "To sustain this momentum, our government has sanctioned an additional grant of Rs 48 crore," he added. Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. US tariff hike to hit Indian exports, may push RBI towards rate cuts Zomato delivered, but did the other listed unicorns? Tata Motors' INR38k crore Iveco buy: Factors that can make investors nervous Trump tariffs: End of road or a new journey ending Russia reliance? As rates slide, who will grab the savings pie? MFs, insurers? Is it time for Tim Cook to bid bye to Apple? Regulators promote exchanges; can they stifle one? Watch IEX Stock Radar: Down over 20% from highs! Varun Beverages stock showing signs of trend reversal – time to buy?
