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India Today
3 days ago
- Climate
- India Today
The turn that wasn't: How a tampered riverbed turned flood into catastrophe
Two days after a massive mudflow inundated the Dharali village in Uttarkashi, experts are still looking for an answer to pinpoint the exact reason behind the tragedy that has led to at least five deaths and over 60 the verdict is out on the cause of the tragedy, experts are cautioning on why it led to such extensive damage, with hundreds of buildings struck, buried under the debris of mud and loss of life and property could have been exacerbated by encroachment in the riverbed of the Bhagirathi River, according to Prof. K Seshagiri Rao, a renowned geology expert and Emeritus Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Prof. Rao, who was travelling through Rudraprayag, explained that the region experienced heavy rainfall continuously for three to four days, which likely triggered a massive mudflow that struck Dharali. Efforts are being intensified to airlift advanced equipment to Dharali village. (Photo: PTI) RIVEBED ALTEREDWhile mountainous regions often face natural hazards such as cloudbursts, glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and monsoonal mudflows, he emphasised that the scale of destruction seen in Dharali was amplified due to human intervention in the river's natural encroachments and constructions within the riverbed altered the flow dynamics, and when the powerful mudflow struck the built-up areas, it collided with buildings with immense thrust and force, causing catastrophic loss of life and property. The width needed for the mudflow to pass was missing due to construction in and around it, which worsened the disaster. The professor posed critical questions about why constructions in such vulnerable riverbed zones were allowed, highlighting the consequences of unchecked urbanisation driven largely by tourism development in the region. This unplanned expansion into ecologically sensitive and disaster-prone zones has increased the risk exposure of local communities. SATELLITE DATA REVEALS EXTENT OF DAMAGESupporting these observations, recent satellite analyses performed by Suhora Technologies, using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and high-resolution optical imagery, revealed the extensive impact of the Uttarkashi data, captured at 11:01 PM on August 5, showed approximately 148 buildings damaged and an area of about 16 hectares affected. The imaging also highlighted damage to critical infrastructure, including one bridge and nearly 0.95 km of roadway, leading to significant disruptions in connectivity and emergency Uttarkashi tragedy highlights the urgent need to regulate and enforce land-use policies to prevent encroachment on riverbeds and other high-risk also calls for sustainable urbanisation practices that respect the natural dynamics of mountainous ecosystems to mitigate loss and enhance community resilience against future disasters. Flash flood damage assessment map. (Photo: Suhora Technologies) As rescue operations in flood-ravaged Uttarkashi entered the third day on Thursday, the Indian Army confirmed that 70 people have been rescued so far, while more than 50 remain are being intensified to airlift advanced equipment to Dharali village—one of the worst-affected areas—to aid in locating those still trapped under debris, officials Army, working in close coordination with local authorities, has scaled up Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts in Dharali and the nearby region of Harsil. Both areas remain largely cut off due to extensive landslides and multiple road breaches caused by the flash floods.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
01-08-2025
- Indian Express
Missed meals at IIT-Delhi student mess? University wants to know if you are okay
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) on Thursday said it has implemented QR code and biometric-based attendance systems across its student messes. Maintaining that the initiative aims to ensure greater transparency in meal consumption and monitor student well-being, Dean of Student Affairs B K Panigrahi told mediapersons, 'We have introduced a new QR code system to keep track of the students' attendance in the mess. This will help us track if a student has missed a meal for a day or consecutively.' The system replaces the traditional mess card method. 'Students now give their biometrics and then enter the mess,' a resident of Dronagiri hostel said. 'It's also to ensure that the student belonging to a particular hostel can eat only in that mess.' In another student-focused policy, the IIT announced that those unable to secure hostel accommodation will now be allowed to stay temporarily on campus for 10-15 days while searching for alternatives. 'This is to ensure that students have time and space to settle in,' Panigrahi said. The announcement came ahead of the IIT's 56th convocation ceremony, to be held on August 2. Dr Tessy Thomas, former Director General (Aeronautical Systems), DRDO – famously known as the 'Missile Woman of India' – will be the chief guest at the event. Prof Rangan Banerjee, IIT Delhi Director, told mediapersons, 'Over 2,750 students, including 530 PhD scholars – the highest ever – will be awarded degrees and diplomas this year.' The institute will also mark a milestone with several programmes witnessing the graduation of the first batches. 'We will see our first graduates in the UG BTech course in Energy Engineering and three PG courses – Interdisciplinary MTech in Robotics, MSc by Research in VLSI Design, Tools and Technology, and MSc by Research in Artificial Intelligence,' said Banerjee. This year also saw the launch of two new undergraduate programmes – BSc in Chemistry and BTech in Design – and two PG courses in Optics and Photonics. 'The revised undergraduate curriculum launched from 2025-26 emphasises flexibility, experiential learning, and alignment with contemporary global needs. Key themes include environment and sustainability, creative expression, ethical reasoning, and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning,' said Banerjee. Meanwhile, in line with improving student support, IIT Delhi has significantly ramped up mental health and wellness services, said officials. 'The strength of the counselling team has increased to 14. We now offer immediate psychiatric support and have tied up with several hospitals for quick access,' Panigrahi told mediapersons. Initiatives also include a new 'Buddy Programme', academic mentorship through the Academic Progress Group, and wellness workshops – all part of what Panigrahi described as 'a culture of care and accountability'. In a statement, the institute on Thursday said that the IIT's Quantum Materials & Devices (QMD) Technology Hub, funded with Rs 312 crore from the Union Government, is shaping up as a national centre of excellence. A Centre of Excellence in Future Mobility Technology has been launched in partnership with Hyundai Motor Group. Further, IIT Delhi's Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer continues to drive the start-up ecosystem with 34 new ventures incubated this year alone. 'The total start-up portfolio valuation has now crossed Rs 10,000 crore,' the statement said. International engagement is also on the rise, it added. The institute signed 23 MoUs in the past year, hosted 220 international visitors, and launched the international campus IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi, offering five academic programmes, including BTech in Chemical Engineering. Amid global accolades, IIT Delhi now ranks 123 in QS World University Rankings 2026 and 1 in India, with a subject rank of 26 globally in Engineering & Technology, said Banerjee. 'These rankings reflect our growing stature as a global institute of excellence,' the statement further said.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Delhi Fails To Walk The Talk, Feel Its Foot Soldiers
New Delhi: Crossing a fenced median, jumping over a divider, and stepping aside for a two-wheeler zooming down the footpath – these are some of the daily challenges for pedestrians in Delhi, a study conducted by Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and University College London has revealed. "The study paints a stark picture of the city's walking environment. Titled Perceptions of Pedestrian Safety in Delhi: A Rasch Analysis Approach, the research used a psychometric technique — Rasch analysis — to evaluate how pedestrians perceive safety," said co-author Prof Geetam Tewari from IIT-Delhi. The findings, based on interviews with 426 pedestrians across eight wards in south Delhi, revealed that 12 out of 15 pedestrian conditions were perceived as "unsafe", she added. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The study broke down pedestrian experiences into three broad categories -- crossing safety, footpath or walking safety, and personal security. Each category included real-world situations that pedestrians commonly face. The most dangerous environments, according to the respondents, included situations involving fast-moving and high-volume traffic, absence of crossing facilities near bus stops, and visibility blocked by parked vehicles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read More Undo While medians were seen as helpful refuges while crossing, many are fenced or too high, making them inaccessible or even dangerous. The presence of parked vehicles near crossings was another recurring concern that gained attention. The study challenged previous assumptions about parked vehicles acting as protective buffers. Instead, it found that such obstructions block visibility, reduce walking speed, and lead to confusion and delays — raising the risk of accidents. As far as footpaths were concerned, the study flagged serious concerns around encroachments by parked vehicles, motorised two-wheelers driving on sidewalks, and the absence of guardrails — all of which force pedestrians into traffic lanes. Particularly alarming was the routine use of footpaths by two-wheelers during peak traffic hours. "These motorised intrusions turn sidewalks into road extensions, robbing pedestrians of their space," the report observed. In contrast, raised footpaths were perceived as safer since they act as a physical barrier against vehicles. Surprisingly, crowded footpaths were also viewed positively — largely because the presence of other pedestrians, especially in isolated stretches, created a sense of community and vigilance. More respondents reported a sense of insecurity after sunset. The study found that poor street lighting, absence of CCTV cameras and a lack of police visibility contributed to heightened anxiety while walking in the dark. Streetlights in many parts of Delhi are positioned in road medians or only on one side, leaving footpaths poorly illuminated. This lighting gap makes pedestrians vulnerable to harassment, theft, or worse, the report noted. Interestingly, the presence of street vendors was one of the few factors that enhanced a sense of safety. Their continuous presence, even late into the evening, made pedestrians feel less alone and more protected. The researchers describe vendors as acting like "eyes and ears" on the street. The study also uncovered gender-based differences in safety perception. Compared to men, women showed greater reliance on medians while crossing and expressed more concern about parked vehicles and the absence of guardrails. The findings of the study have underlined the need to factor in pedestrians in urban planning. Its authors called for urgent interventions, including improved lighting and surveillance systems, designated crossings near bus stops, and strict enforcement against footpath encroachment.
Hans India
15-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
IIT Delhi launches MRI research facility to foster innovation in medical imaging
New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) announced the launch of a cutting-edge Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) research facility to boost innovations in medical imaging. Established under the Institute of Eminence (IoE) initiative, the facility is equipped with a 1.5 Tesla clinical-grade MRI scanner. It is the first of its kind among leading engineering and technology institutions in India, dedicated exclusively to research and teaching. Unlike conventional MRI setups embedded within hospital ecosystems, this facility is designed to foster unrestricted innovation in medical imaging, particularly in the field of MRI. This facility will enable cutting-edge research in various areas across applications in MR imaging, including the development of new contrast agents, acquisition sequences, optimisation of imaging protocols, development of MR-compatible devices, and integration of artificial intelligence in image processing. 'This new research MRI facility will enable research and innovation in imaging and support IIT Delhi's efforts to create new knowledge at the interface of science, engineering, and medicine to make an impact in healthcare,' said Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi. Located within the Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBME) at IIT Delhi, the facility will initially support research using phantoms and, with appropriate regulatory approvals, will extend to clinical studies involving volunteers. It will also serve as a hands-on training platform for students enrolled in IIT Delhi medical imaging courses, enhancing their practical exposure to advanced imaging technologies. According to CBME's Prof. Anup Singh and Prof. Amit Mehndiratta, who led this visionary initiative, the dream to establish such a facility 'was visualised five years ago'. The facility will offer a new dimension to teaching and learning in medical imaging at the varsity. It was initiated on July 9 and the first MRI safety session was conducted by the B-MEC Imaging Pvt. Ltd., who installed the MRI scanner. 'This advanced imaging facility will help several researchers from different disciplines at IIT Delhi. This will also open up several opportunities for research collaborations with medical institutes in NCR and across India,' said Prof. Vivek Buwa, Dean of Planning, IIT Delhi.
India Today
14-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
IIT Delhi launches six-month executive course in generative AI for professionals
To cater to the surging demand for skilled professionals in the evolving field of artificial intelligence, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has rolled out the second edition of its Certificate Programme in Generative AI. Offered under its Continuing Education Programme (CEP), the six-month online course is crafted for working professionals seeking cutting-edge expertise in Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and ethical AI sector-agnostic programme is tailored for individuals across domains including software engineering, data science, machine learning, digital product management, and applied research. It also welcomes educators and tech-savvy professionals aspiring to pivot into advanced AI are trained in key AI tools such as Python, NumPy, TensorFlow, PyTorch, spaCy, and Hugging Face. The curriculum includes hands-on tutorials and industry-inspired capstone projects designed to simulate real-world AI applications across verticals like healthcare, education, finance, and autonomous systems. 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 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 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 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 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
