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India Today
2 days ago
- Science
- India Today
Beneath the hill, a lost world: 4000-year-old settlement found in Karnataka's Maski
Ancient artefacts believed to be around 4000 years old have been discovered during an excavation near Mallikarjuna Hill and the Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Maski town, Raichur district. The region, already known for the discovery of a famous Ashokan inscription, has once again found itself in the archaeological spotlight.A team of archaeologists currently researching in Maski has traced human activity in the area back 4000 years, uncovering signs of an early and thriving than 20 researchers from India, the United States, and Canada are involved in the excavation. Their findings suggest that a human settlement dating back to between the 11th and 14th centuries BCE once existed such as clay pots, artistic pieces, tools, and cooking utensils have been recovered, indicating a developed community with evolving cultural practices. The excavation is being led by Professor Dr. Andrew M. Bauer from Stanford University (USA), Dr. Peter G. Johansen from McGill University (Canada), and scholars from Shiv Nadar University (India). The team has been working in Maski for the past three months, conducting intensive fieldwork after receiving permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).Prior to the excavation, researchers had identified 271 potential sites of interest. The current work around Mallikarjuna Hill and the nearby temple has confirmed long-term human one of the lead researchers, confirmed that the artefacts provide strong evidence of continuous human presence in Maski around 4000 years ago, further cementing the town's significance in South Indian archaeology.- Ends advertisement
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Shiv Nadar University Chennai hosts first convocation; confers degrees to 404 graduates across disciplines
Shiv Nadar University Chennai, a pioneering institution in higher education, marked a historic milestone as it hosted its first convocation ceremony at the Justice Pratap Singh Auditorium. The event celebrated the achievements of 404 graduates from across 11 Indian states and one union territory, reflecting the university's growing national footprint. Renuka Ramnath, founder and CEO of Multiples Asset Management Ltd., Mumbai, graced the occasion as the chief guest and delivered the convocation address. She was joined by Shikhar Malhotra, trustee, Shiv Nadar Foundation; R Srinivasan, chancellor, Shiv Nadar University Chennai; and Dr Sriman Kumar Bhattacharya, vice-chancellor. The ceremony was also attended by members of the University's Governing Council, distinguished faculty, proud families, and esteemed guests from academia and industry. The proceedings began with a ceremonial academic procession and invocation, followed by the formal declaration of the Convocation by Chancellor R Srinivasan. Degrees were conferred across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering, commerce, and economics. The graduating batch included: Addressing the Class of 2025, Malhotra said: "This isn't just a graduation — it's a moment of creation. The Class of 2025 didn't just study here; they built something extraordinary from the ground up. As the very first graduating class, they have shaped the spirit, culture, and direction of Shiv Nadar University Chennai in ways that will echo for decades. They placed their trust in a new institution and, in doing so, became the architects of its legacy. Today, they don't just leave with degrees — they leave as pioneers, changemakers, and ambassadors of the Shiv Nadar vision." Ramnath shared her own story of trailblazing leadership and said: "Success does not come from joining a big name — it comes from having the courage to think originally and act fearlessly. When I chose to pioneer private capital investment in India, there were doubts and whispers that I was stepping back in my career. But I believed in the opportunity, even when it was invisible to others. Today, private capital flows into India have grown from a few hundred million dollars to over $60 billion annually. That's the power of conviction. My message to every graduate is this: question assumptions, don't be afraid of failure, and define success on your own terms. Above all, stay balanced, stay grounded, and never forget to lift others as you rise." R Srinivasan added: "This convocation is not only a celebration of academic achievement but a reaffirmation of our belief that education is the most powerful force for transformation. The graduates here today will carry forward the legacy of excellence envisioned by Shiv Nadar and shape a future where knowledge, innovation, and ethics lead the way." Dr Bhattacharya lauded the graduates for their resilience, particularly in navigating the challenges of a post-pandemic world. He reiterated the university's commitment to research-led education, interdisciplinary learning, and preparing global-ready professionals. The ceremony also recognised academic excellence and leadership, with gold and silver medals awarded to outstanding students. The event concluded on an emotional note with the symbolic hat toss, as graduates pledged to uphold the values of their alma mater and contribute meaningfully to society as professionals, changemakers, and responsible citizens. The event witnessed participation from nearly 1,200 attendees, marking the culmination of years of academic pursuit and reaffirming the University's mission to empower the next generation of innovators, ethical leaders, and changemakers.
News18
6 days ago
- Health
- News18
Can Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Treat Cancer? Indian Scientists Begin Tests After Positive Mice Data
Last Updated: Anecdotal and epidemiological evidence has also suggested that people taking statins regularly may have a lower risk of developing solid tumours such as colorectal or breast cancer Cholesterol-lowering statins, long trusted to protect hearts, may soon find a new role in cancer care — this time, as a potential ally in shrinking tumours. A team led by Dr Sanjeev Galande, dean of the School of Natural Sciences at Shiv Nadar University and one of India's leading cell biologists and epigeneticists, is repurposing statins to treat colorectal, breast and other solid cancers. In collaboration with the Tata Memorial Centre, a multi-phase clinical trial involving 350 patients is underway to evaluate the drug's cancer-fighting potential. The ongoing trial, which bypassed early-stage studies due to strong pre-clinical evidence, is comparing two groups: one receiving standard therapy (chemotherapy plus radiation), and another receiving statins as part of the regimen. Patient recruitment began in 2022, with results expected to be submitted for publication in the next few months. 'Our pre-clinical studies in animal models were promising. We induced tumour formation in mice and treated them with statins. Not only did the visible tumour lumps begin regressing, but molecular and cellular studies confirmed that statins reversed the tumorigenic process," Galande told News18. 'These drugs altered the molecular signature of cancer cells—switching off proteins that drive tumour growth and pushing cells back toward a normal state." The findings in mice, published in Oncotarget medical journal on Tuesday, showed how statins affected gene and protein expression in tumours, with data derived from dissected tissues and molecular assays. The samples were collected from patients via colonoscopy and flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen before undergoing analysis. 'Importantly, anecdotal and epidemiological evidence has also suggested that people taking statins regularly may have a lower risk of developing solid tumours such as colorectal or breast cancer — though the effect does not appear to extend to blood cancers like leukemia, which follow different biological pathways," explained Galande, who is among India's most-decorated molecular biologists and a key 'torch-bearer of Indian bioscience". According to the trial protocol published on Clinical Trials Registry (CTRI), the success of the study would bring a low-cost, low-risk intervention in the form of statins that could 'potentially lead to the refinement of strategies, such as 'watch and wait', in a select subgroup of patients". Clinical Trial On Humans Likely To Conclude Soon Currently, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women worldwide. In India, it is the third most common cancer. In India, the annual incidence rates for colon cancer and rectal cancer in men are 4.4 and 4.1 per 100,000, respectively. The standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer is chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by surgery. Galande's team, backed by funding from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), believes the implications of this research could extend to cancer prevention. 'Once the study on humans is peer-reviewed and published, statins could be explored as a precautionary treatment for individuals with a hereditary risk of cancer, given their well-established safety profile," he said. Under the trial, patients are given 20mg rosuvastatin—a popular statin—orally. The team also plans to investigate whether statins can help prevent metastasis in advanced cancers, particularly in secondary sites like the liver. If successful, this could open new avenues for affordable cancer therapy using an existing, widely available drug. 'The project began in 2019 but was temporarily stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic," Galande said, adding: 'However, the accelerated translation from lab to clinic has put it back on track — and statins may soon graduate from cholesterol management to tumour management." view comments First Published: 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.
India Today
03-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Dalai Lama's succession decision challenges China, raises stakes for India
In a pivotal move ahead of his 90th birthday, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has officially announced that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his personal trust, will solely oversee the recognition and selection of his reincarnation. This announcement, while reaffirming the traditional Tibetan Buddhist process of identifying the next Dalai Lama, directly challenges China's long-standing claim that the succession must be approved by the Chinese government. The decision carries profound geopolitical implications, especially for India, where the Dalai Lama has lived in exile since 1959, and which hosts the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala. In an exclusive interview with India Today Global's Geeta Mohan, Dr. Jabin Jacob, an expert on China at Shiv Nadar University, offered a detailed perspective on the evolving dynamics. Dr. Jacob highlighted that this announcement is in line with what the Dalai Lama had long promised—making a clear decision about his succession upon turning 90. While the move signals a return to tradition, it also represents a strategic pivot. 'He has moved away from earlier suggestions such as naming his successor in his lifetime or being reincarnated outside of Tibet. Instead, he has opted for the conventional path, involving consultations with high lamas, the Tibetan Parliament in exile, and even indirect requests from inside Tibet,' Jacob said. However, Dr. Jacob cautioned that this traditional approach does not necessarily reduce Beijing's influence. 'China continues to assert its authority over Tibetan religious matters, including succession. By reverting to a traditional selection process, the door is not shut on Chinese interference. China could still attempt to control or recognise a parallel Dalai Lama,' he warned. The issue also brings into sharp focus India's delicate balancing act. For decades, India has hosted the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan diaspora, offering sanctuary while attempting to avoid antagonising China. Asked whether India has strategically used the Dalai Lama issue in its foreign policy toolkit, Dr. Jacob rejected the simplistic notion of a 'Tibet card.' 'Our decisions have largely been guided by national interest and a degree of morality. India's actions—hosting the Dalai Lama and supporting the Tibetan community—have not been transactional. To exploit the Tibetan cause would make us no different from the Chinese,' he said. However, he added that the Dalai Lama's succession will inevitably have direct implications for India, and Delhi must be prepared to assert its stake in the process. Geeta Mohan also recalled the inconsistency in India's stance over the years—how during periods of engagement with China, New Delhi had issued advisories discouraging official participation in the Dalai Lama's birthday celebrations. In contrast, during times of tension, such as after the Galwan clash, senior Indian officials have prominently attended Tibetan events. Dr. Jacob criticised this unpredictability. 'If the Indian government believes ambiguity brings strategic advantage, it must articulate what those advantages are. Otherwise, this inconsistency only makes us vulnerable to pressure, diminishes credibility, and creates confusion both domestically and internationally,' he asserted. He added that a clear, principled stand would also signal to the Tibetan community that their interests remain a priority for India. Addressing the controversial 2003 decision by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to recognise the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China, Dr. Jacob clarified that this was not a blanket historical endorsement. 'India acknowledged the TAR as a political reality, not as a historical validation of China's claims. In return, China recognised Sikkim as Indian territory. That was the quid pro quo,' he explained. While some question why Kashmir was not included in the bargain, Dr. Jacob pointed out that China has consistently maintained a technically neutral position on the issue. Though it supports Pakistan practically, its official stance—based on a 1963 agreement with Pakistan—leaves room for future negotiation depending on the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Ultimately, the Dalai Lama's succession will not just be a religious matter—it's a geopolitical flashpoint. With China, India, and the Tibetan people all having a stake in the outcome, the coming years will test New Delhi's diplomatic clarity, resolve, and moral compass.- EndsTune In advertisement
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India as the world's fourth largest economy: What the numbers tell us
According to the latest projections by the IMF, India is now the world's fourth-largest economy. Government officials, including the CEO of NITI Aayog B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, have expressed confidence that India could soon overtake Germany to claim the third spot. Adding to the optimism, the World Bank recently reported that extreme poverty in the country fell to 5.3% in 2022–2023. A recent report by SBI noted that the poverty rate in India could now be in the range of 4%. But what do these numbers mean for the broader population? Guest: Partha Chatterjee, Dean of Academics at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, and Professor, Department of Economics, Shiv Nadar University. Host: Nivedita V Edited by Jude Francis Weston For more episodes of In Focus:
