Latest news with #IndianInstituteofTechnologyGandhinagar
News18
3 days ago
- Climate
- News18
Land features enable flash floods in Himalayas: IIT Gandhinagar study
New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) Flash floods in the Himalayas are primarily influenced by the region's land features, while those occurring along the west coast and in central India are driven by factors that affect water flow, a map of hotspots across the country developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar shows. Three-fourths of flash floods occurring across the country are triggered due to extreme rainfall and moist conditions of the ground caused by recent, prolonged rains, the study published in the journal 'npj Natural Hazards' found. The remaining one-fourth is solely driven by extreme rainfall, it said. The extreme weather event is highly local, in terms of area impacted, and spans a short duration between when rainfall starts and when flooding peaks, which is usually under six hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A key finding of the hotspot analysis, the team said, was that extreme rainfall is becoming more common and intense in several basins not prone to flash floods, 'highlighting that the warming climate can lead to newer flash flood hotspots in the future". The map, described in the study, also identifies the risk emerging in sub-basins that are currently less vulnerable to flash floods. 'Flash flood hotspots are mainly centred in the Himalayas, West Coast, and Central India, with geomorphological factors driving flash floods in the Himalayas and hydrological factors (flashiness) in the West Coast and Central India," the authors wrote. They added, 'The combination of extreme precipitation and wet antecedent conditions triggers most (nearly 3/4th) flash floods while the remaining (nearly 1/4th) are solely driven by extreme precipitation." The study analysed data of temperatures recorded by the IMD during 1981-2020, and that of flash floods from datasets, including the 'Emergency Events Database' (EM-DAT). The datasets are said to explicitly categorise flash floods, distinguishing them from other flood types and are therefore essential for analysing the occurrence of the events across the Indian sub-continent, the team said. The researchers noted that most flash floods in India result from extreme rainfall that occurs over the 18 hours leading up to when water flow peaks. However, only a fourth of the events are directly a result of extreme rainfall, the team said. This highlights that wet ground conditions and prolonged rainfall play a crucial role in the occurrence of flash floods, the authors said. The land surface features of the Indian Himalayas make the region particularly vulnerable to unusual and extreme weather events, such as cloudbursts, extreme precipitation, flash floods, and avalanches. The risk of these events has been increasing recently, which scientists attribute to human-caused climate change. On Tuesday, a cloudburst in Uttarkhand's Uttarkashi district triggered flash floods that claimed the lives of at least four people, severely impacting around half of the high-altitude villages in Dharali. Approximately 130 individuals have been evacuated to safety as rescue operations continue in the area, according to officials. PTI KRS KRS SHS MPL MPL view comments First Published: August 06, 2025, 15:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
IIT Gandhinagar signs pact with Ethiopian ministry to launch multidisciplinary doctoral degree programme
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) on Tuesday entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Education, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, to jointly launch a Multidisciplinary International Quality Improvement Doctoral Degree Program (MIQMDDP). This is being seen as a gateway for the institute to engage with the African continent. The initiative aims at academic collaboration between India and Ethiopia through joint doctoral research, academic exchange, and co-supervision. The programme offers Ethiopian scholars an opportunity to pursue a PhD with mentorship and resources from both institutions. The MoU was formally signed at IITGN by its Director, Prof Rajat Moona. The event was attended by senior IITGN faculty members and administrators, including Prof Surya Pratap Mehrotra, Faculty In-charge, External Relations. Prof Krishnaraj Ramaswamy, Joint PhD Coordinator (MoE, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) and Principal Scientific Advisor, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, was also present. Prof Moona said, 'We are looking forward to welcoming Ethiopian scholars under this programme and contributing to the academic and research landscape of both countries through collaborative efforts.' Meanwhile, Prof Mehrotra said, 'The MoU signed between IITGN and the Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, is a gateway for IITGN to engage with the African continent and will open avenues for similar collaborations with other African universities.' As part of this programme, up to 15 Ethiopian PhD scholars will be selected each year for the next five years. Selected candidates will be jointly supervised by faculty members from their home institute in Ethiopia and the IITGN. They will spend 12-18 months at IITGN, and institutional fellowship support will be provided as per the norms of the institute. The Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, will support international travel for the scholars. 'This partnership marks a new chapter in Ethiopia-India academic cooperation. The MIQMDDP will provide a platform for scholars to benefit from interdisciplinary mentorship, research infrastructure, and global exposure,' Prof Ramaswamy said.
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
IIT Gandhinagar kicks off foundation programme for new BTech cohort
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) commenced its flagship Foundation Programme (FP) on Monday for the newly admitted BTech students of the 2025 batch. IITGN Director Prof Rajat Moona welcomed over 900 freshers across degrees and disciplines. The number of freshers welcomed this year stood among the highest in the institute's history. Addressing the new entrants, he said, 'Don't let your rank define you. What matters now is how much you evolve as a person over the next few years. Stay curious, stay open, and remember — learning never stops.' The four-week immersive programme, to run from July 21 to August 15, is aimed at shaping not only the academic journey, but also the personal growth of the students. This year, the programme was inaugurated by Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group, India. 'For me, this is not just the foundation programme for the next four years — it is the foundation for a Viksit Bharat. It is the foundation for building the future of our nation. You are entering a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world. In India, you are at the right place, with the right people. You are growing up at a time when India is on the rise. Make sure that you continuously learn,' he said. He encouraged students to embrace collaboration, as, he said, the leaders of tomorrow will be those who work together to solve complex challenges. Structured around five core pillars — values and ethics, creativity, teamwork, social awareness, and physical activities and sports — the programme offers a refreshing break from the rigorous academic preparation students undergo for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). During these four weeks, students will participate in a wide array of engaging activities, including music, dance, sports, art, community outreach, and hands-on creative workshops. 'Through these experiences, IITGN aims to cultivate open-mindedness, empathy, leadership, and a spirit of inquiry among its students. The programme also features motivational talks by thought leaders, industry experts, and innovators, giving students the opportunity to interact with and learn from eminent personalities across various domains,' IITGN stated in a release.
India Today
06-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
IIT Gandhinagar introduces online data science course for students and professionals
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) has introduced a new certificate course titled Foundations of Data Science for Engineers, designed to offer structured training in data science principles for students and professionals with technical backgrounds. Applications are now open on the official website and will be accepted until 15 four-month programme will be delivered through live online sessions, making it accessible to final-year undergraduates and working professionals across course is open to those who either hold or are pursuing degrees in engineering, mathematics, statistics, science, economics, computer science, or commerce. Applicants must have scored a minimum of 60% marks or a 6.0 CPI, and must have studied mathematics at the Class 12 programme offers 18 academic credits and adopts a pass/fail grading structure. It aims to combine three key areas -- foundational data science concepts, advanced tools and applications, and communication skills needed for professional DETAILS:Course duration: Four monthsMode: Online (live interactive sessions)Eligibility: Final-year undergraduates or degree holders in approved disciplinesSelection: Based on eligibility; no entrance testFEE STRUCTUREApplication fee: Rs 500Registration fee: Rs 20,000Tuition fee: Rs 1,80,000Total: Rs 2,00,000The course will include regular evaluations and hands-on exposure to real-world datasets and to the institute, the course has been designed to meet current industry expectations and encourage interdisciplinary learning.A spokesperson noted that the initiative reflects IITGN's broader effort to 'democratise access to high-quality knowledge' and build bridges across academic and professional will engage in exercises that focus on developing critical thinking and analytical abilities, aimed at preparing them for roles in data-driven move comes as demand for skilled data professionals continues to grow across flexible scheduling and no geographical restrictions, IITGN's programme is likely to attract a diverse pool of candidates from academic and corporate backgrounds.- Ends
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
IIT Gandhinagar launches Certificate Program in Foundations of Data Science
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) has launched a new programme – Certificate Program in Foundations of Data Science for Engineers. The applications for the newly launched programme is open and interested candidates can register at the IIT Gandhinagar website – by August 15. The new certificate programme is aimed at equipping engineering students and professionals with a robust grounding in data science principles. The programme is open to individuals holding or pursuing a graduate degree in fields including engineering, statistics, mathematics, computer science, science, economics, or commerce, provided they have at least 60 per cent marks or a 6.0/10 CPI. Final-year undergraduate students and working professionals looking to upskill are also encouraged to apply. A mandatory requirement is prior study of mathematics at Class 12. Designed as a high-engagement, four-month-long program, it offers 18 credits and covers a strategic blend of foundational knowledge, core topics, and communication skills essential for navigating today's data-driven industries. All sessions will be conducted live online, offering flexibility to both students and working professionals. 'This initiative is part of IITGN's broader mission to democratize access to high-quality knowledge and promote interdisciplinary learning across sectors,'** a spokesperson from the institute said. – Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning foundational, core, and communication-based learning – Live interactive sessions with flexible schedules to suit diverse participants – Continuous evaluation through a pass/ fail system – Real-world exposure, fostering critical thinking and hands-on data skills Applicants will have to pay Rs 500 application fee at the time of submission. Selected candidates will then need to pay a registration fee of Rs 20,000 and a tuition fee of Rs 1,80,000, totaling Rs 2,00,000 for the full programme.
