Latest news with #UniversityofSouthampton
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India, UK set to ink free trade agreement during PM Modi's visit
New Delhi: Bolstering economic and security cooperation will be a common thread linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits to Britain and the Maldives beginning on Wednesday, with the formal signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) set to be the highlight of the trip to the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File Photo) Modi will first travel to the UK during July 23-24 for meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, and then to the Maldives during July 25-26 to be the guest of honour at the Indian Ocean archipelago's Independence Day celebrations. Both visits are opportunities to strengthen ties in a wide range of areas, especially trade, investment, defence and security, foreign secretary Vikram Misri told a media briefing on Tuesday. Starmer is expected to host Modi at Chequers, the country residence of the British prime minister located 50 km northwest of London, people familiar with the matter said. The commerce ministers of the two sides – Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds – are expected to sign the FTA that was finalised on May 6, the people said on condition of anonymity. The FTA is expected to increase two-way trade from the current level of almost $58 billion by $34 billion in the long run, according to a fact sheet from the UK. India will get tariff elimination on 99% of its tariff lines under the deal, covering nearly 100% of trade value. The UK will get reduced tariffs on 90% of British tariff lines, including the cutting of levies on whisky, automobiles, lamb and medical devices. Labour-intensive sectors such as Indian textiles and apparel will get a competitive advantage against countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. Under the Double Contribution Convention, there will be an exemption for employers of Indian workers from paying social security contributions in the UK for three years, making it significantly easier to send workers on posting to Britain. Misri said that since the FTA was announced by Modi and Starmer on May 6, the two sides have engaged in the legal scrubbing of the deal. 'Last-minute work on that is continuing,' he said. The UK is the sixth largest investor in India, with cumulative investments of $36 billion. India's investments in the UK are close to $20 billion, and some 1,000 Indian companies operating in Britain provide employment to almost 100,000 people and have cumulative revenues of $91 billion. Technology, research, innovation and education have emerged as other key pillars of India-UK cooperation and the prime ministers will review cooperation in these fields, Misri said. The India-UK Technology Security Initiative, finalised last year, has driven collaboration in telecom, critical minerals, AI, biotechnology, semiconductors and quantum computing. Following the University of Southampton opening a campus in Gurugram last week, thus becoming the first foreign varsity to set up a campus under India's new education policy, several other British institutions are considering establishing campuses in the country. The British side perceives the FTA, finalised three years after negotiations began in January 2022, as part of a wider political reset and building on the bilateral roadmap 2030. The British side also expects the trade deal to lead to a wider relationship of trust between the two sides and to drive collaboration in key areas such as defence, especially with India set to spend a significant amount on its armed forces in the coming years. The British side is understood to have put in place extensive security arrangements to avert any attempt by pro-Khalistan elements to disrupt the visit or organise protests, including the sensitisation of security agencies to Indian concerns. Both sides are keen to avoid a repeat of an incident in March, when a pro-Khalistan protester breached the security of external affairs minister S Jaishankar in London and got close to his vehicle. Misri told the briefing that the presence of Khalistani extremists in the UK should be a matter of concern to the British side as such elements impact 'social cohesion and social order' in that country. Modi will travel from the UK to the Maldives, where he will be the first foreign head of government to be hosted by President Mohamed Muizzu. Modi's presence as guest of honour at the Maldivian Independence Day celebrations will mark a significant turnaround in bilateral ties that turned frosty because of the policies of Muizzu, who came to power on the back of an 'India Out' campaign in late 2023. Misri attributed the turnaround in ties to India's working hard on the relationship. 'There will always be events that will impact or try to intrude on the relationship. But I think this is testimony to the kind of attention that has been paid to the relationship, including attention at the highest levels…We've continued to work at it, and I think the result is there for you to see,' he said. The Maldives is a 'very important partner' in India's Neighborhood First policy MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, Misri said. 'We have always been the first on hand to respond to the needs of Maldives in times whenever it has faced has been a robust political relationship…bolstered by regular visits at high levels,' he said. The joint vision for a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership adopted during Muizzu's visit to India last October 2024 has become the 'guiding framework' for ties, and India is one of the largest trade partners of the Maldives, with two-way trade worth almost $500 million. Both sides are engaged in discussions for an FTA and an investment treaty and new areas of cooperation include renewable energy and fisheries. India is executing several development projects in the Maldives through a mix of concessional lines of credit and buyer's credit facilities, with the flagship project being the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, which will connect four islands. Misri said the Maldives has almost completely drawn a currency swap arrangement for $400 million provided as emergency financial assistance and is set to draw upon another currency swap arrangement of ₹30 billion. The State Bank of India has also continued to re-subscribe to Maldives treasury bills. The two sides also have robust defense and security cooperation, including naval exercises, and India continues to assist the Maldives by training its defence personnel. 'We've been helping the Maldives enhance its capacity for EEZ surveillance and maritime domain awareness through the provision of ships and assets,' he said.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi-NCR students now have a front-row seat to global education. Here's how
In the evolving landscape of Indian higher education, Delhi-NCR has quietly positioned itself as a first-row seat to global academic ecosystems. In 2025, a series of landmark developments involving international universities and strategic collaborations have turned the region into a gateway for students seeking world-class education without leaving Indian soil. From hosting the country's first operational foreign university campus to facilitating fully open-access research networks and creating academic bridges with top institutions, Delhi-NCR is emerging as a dynamic intersection where global ambitions and local opportunities meet. University of Southampton sets foot in Gurugram The most defining moment in this shift came in July 2025, when the University of Southampton inaugurated its Indian campus in Gurugram. Under the University Grants Commission's updated regulations, the British institution became the first foreign university to operationalise a full-fledged campus in India. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini presided over the launch, calling it a "milestone towards the internationalisation of education at home. " The Gurugram campus, built within a year of receiving its Letter of Intent, will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes beginning in 2025. Courses include BSc degrees in Computer Science, Economics, Accounting and Finance, and Business Management, along with MSc degrees in Finance and International Management. All programmes align with UK academic standards and offer students the option to spend up to one year at Southampton's UK or Malaysia campuses. For Delhi-NCR students, this means the potential to earn a globally recognised degree while staying connected to India's growing industries and ecosystems. The university is also recruiting over 75 full-time faculty with international teaching credentials, creating exposure to diverse teaching styles and research perspectives. A handshake across continents: UH and DTU In March 2025, Delhi Technological University (DTU) and the University of Houston (UH) signed a five-year academic partnership designed to promote exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and dual-degree opportunities. The agreement supports faculty exchanges and twinning academic structures, allowing DTU students to experience global learning through structured pathways that align with their curriculum. As part of this collaboration, students will gain access to paid internships and co-op programmes facilitated by the host university. This is especially relevant for engineering and management students aiming to strengthen their career development through international exposure. This partnership also aligns closely with India's National Education Policy (NEP 2020), which promotes the internationalisation of higher education and cross-border institutional networks. As UH's Dean of Engineering, Pradeep Sharma, noted, such collaborations encourage students to pursue PhDs and advanced research by connecting them to a wider academic network. Delhi University and University of Leeds Delhi University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Leeds, UK, to promote collaborative research and student exchange. As part of the agreement, DU will launch a twinning programme under the NEP framework. This initiative will allow students from both institutions to spend a semester at the partner university, gaining valuable international exposure. Plans for adjunct faculty exchanges are also underway to enhance the academic experience on both sides. Prof. Shearer West, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, highlighted a growing interest among Leeds' postgraduate and doctoral students to study in India, describing the partnership as a pathway to deepen bilateral student mobility and knowledge exchange. Research without borders at Shiv Nadar University In a parallel development, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR entered a Fully Open Access (FOA) agreement with global academic publisher Springer Nature. Announced during the India Sustainability Conclave 2025, the partnership includes the Cureus journal series and aims to make Shiv Nadar University's research in engineering, computer science, business, and economics globally accessible. This means that students and researchers can now publish, collaborate, and reference work that has international reach without being restricted by institutional paywalls. Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ananya Mukherjee emphasised the university's goal of contributing to 'a more open, accessible research landscape' that empowers students and scholars to drive real-world innovation. For student researchers in Delhi-NCR, this open-access model offers a chance to position their work alongside that of international peers and be part of a growing global knowledge exchange on sustainability and development. Delhi-NCR as a global education launchpad Together, these academic milestones represent more than institutional advancement. They reflect a broader transformation in how higher education is conceptualised and delivered across India. For students in Delhi-NCR, accessing global education no longer necessitates international relocation. Instead, it is being seamlessly integrated into their academic journeys through transnational partnerships, internationally trained faculty, and expansive research ecosystems. As India gradually redefines its role within the global education landscape, Delhi-NCR is emerging as a strategic hub where opportunity converges with ambition, preparing students not merely for examinations but for globally relevant careers. (With PTI and ANI inputs) TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Insomnia may be an overlooked factor in poor quality of life among adults with ADHD, says new study
A new study has found that insomnia and poor sleep quality may be key contributors to the reduced quality of life experienced by adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research, published in BMJ Mental Health, was led by experts from the University of Southampton in the UK and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. ADHD and insomnia in adults: What's the link? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. It is marked by symptoms such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. However, growing evidence indicates that these symptoms persist into adulthood for many individuals, often accompanied by sleep problems. According to the study , adults with ADHD traits, particularly inattention and hyperactivity, were more likely to suffer from insomnia, poor sleep quality, and delayed sleep-wake cycles. These disruptions, in turn, were linked to a lower overall quality of life. Study shows how insomnia worsens quality of life in adults with ADHD Researchers analysed data from 1,364 middle-aged and older adults who were part of the Netherlands Sleep Registry. Participants answered detailed questionnaires about their sleep habits, ADHD symptoms, circadian rhythms (body clock), depression levels, and overall life satisfaction. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo The results revealed several striking patterns: Adults with ADHD symptoms reported more severe insomnia. These individuals were more likely to be 'night owls,' preferring to go to bed and wake up late. Poor sleep quality and insomnia were closely tied to a reduced sense of well-being and satisfaction with life. The researchers concluded that insomnia severity plays a major role in mediating the link between ADHD symptoms and lower quality of life. How ADHD and insomnia create a vicious cycle Dr. Sarah L. Chellappa, associate professor of psychology at the University of Southampton and senior author of the study, emphasised the two-way relationship between ADHD and sleep disturbance. 'Sleep disruption can impair attention and emotional regulation. At the same time, impulsivity and hyperactivity in ADHD may worsen sleep problems,' she explained. This feedback loop creates a reinforcing cycle, where ADHD worsens insomnia, and poor sleep exacerbates ADHD symptoms. The study further highlighted that adults with ADHD are nearly eight times more likely to be diagnosed with a sleep disorder compared to the general population. Common sleep-related symptoms in ADHD include Difficulty falling asleep Increased movement during sleep Shorter sleep durations Daytime sleepiness Why people with ADHD are more prone to insomnia The study also explored why adults with ADHD are more vulnerable to sleep problems. Researchers believe several biological and behavioural mechanisms may be involved. These include: Differences in cognitive processing Genetic variations affecting circadian rhythms and sleep cycles These factors may make it harder for people with ADHD to get restorative, high-quality sleep, affecting mood, concentration, and resilience. Treating insomnia to improve life quality in adults with ADHD Dr. Samuele Cortese, co-author of the study, stressed the importance of treating insomnia as part of ADHD management. 'Adults with ADHD traits often report poor sleep, low mood, and reduced well-being. These need to be addressed holistically,' he said. The research suggests that targeting insomnia in adults with ADHD may significantly improve their overall quality of life. Treatments may include: Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia Circadian rhythm regulation strategies ADHD medication adjustments Mindfulness or behavioural interventions This study adds to growing evidence that ADHD is not just about focus or hyperactivity, it has major implications for sleep health and emotional well-being. Recognising insomnia as a core issue may lead to more comprehensive and effective treatment strategies for adults living with ADHD. In the meantime, professionals recommend that healthcare providers routinely screen for sleep disturbances in adults diagnosed with ADHD and tailor treatment plans accordingly. Addressing sleep may be the missing key to unlocking better life outcomes for many. Also Read: 9 health benefits of asparagus you should know
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
University of Southampton India campus to offer UK-quality degrees at half the cost: VC Professor Mark E Smith
With the launch of its India campus in Gurugram, the University of Southampton promises to offer Indian students globally recognised UK degrees at nearly half the cost of studying abroad. In this exclusive interview with HT Digital, Professor Mark E. Smith, CBE, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, shares the university's vision for its India campus — from placements and faculty to infrastructure expansion and research ambitions. In this exclusive interview with HT Digital, Professor Mark E. Smith, CBE, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, shares the university's vision for its India campus. When a student joins the University of Southampton in India, what kind of outcome should they expect? We expect our students to be highly attractive in the employment market. Alongside academic excellence, they will develop broader life skills—many of which are innate but often need to be nurtured. Students will graduate with an internationally recognised, high-quality degree enriched with internships and placements, enhancing their employability. Those with an entrepreneurial spirit will be encouraged to innovate, ultimately contributing to India's growth story, especially as the country moves towards its 2047 goals. Do you have a benchmark for student placement outcomes in India? While I cannot quote exact numbers for India yet, in the UK, we would be disappointed if placement rates weren't in the high 80s percentage-wise. Graduate outcomes also include entrepreneurship, which doesn't always get reflected in job statistics but is a significant success indicator. We aim for strong traditional placement figures while also fostering entrepreneurial ambition. What kind of infrastructure can we expect the university to have in India over the next five years? We have a phased growth plan. The initial facilities are designed to support students for the first four to five years. By year five, we anticipate the need to expand to larger facilities as we aim to scale to around 5,000 students within seven to ten years. This could involve expanding in Gurugram or moving to a larger campus, given the area's growing high-tech ecosystem. Will the campus have residential facilities or will it cater to day scholars as well? It will be a combination. Some students will live in purpose-built accommodation nearby, others will commute from Delhi or nearby regions, and some from across India will choose to stay on campus. We want to provide flexibility to suit students' needs. Can you elaborate on the fee structure for students in India compared to your UK campus? Our fee structure ranges from ₹12 lakh to ₹19 lakh per year, depending on the course. For context, this is roughly half of what students would pay in the UK, where tuition averages around ₹24 lakh annually, excluding living and travel expenses. By establishing a campus here, we are making a world-class education more accessible to talented Indian students. What about faculty? How will you ensure high teaching standards in India? We've recruited faculty in three categories: 1. University of Southampton faculty members who have relocated to India, often with promotions. 2. High-quality academics already teaching in India who seek to be part of a globally ranked university. 3. Indian-origin academics currently overseas who wish to return home for the right opportunity. We are also relocating three senior leaders from Southampton, including the head of campus and the research director, ensuring direct alignment with our UK standards. How will assessments be conducted? Will they match the rigour of your UK campus? Absolutely. All assessments will go through our UK-based academic processes. Exams will be approved by our boards in Southampton, and any new course proposals will require approval from our university's Senate. This ensures complete consistency and protects the university's academic integrity and reputation. Do you plan to collaborate with Indian institutes like IITs or other universities? Yes, we have a long history of collaboration with India, including a dedicated India Centre for research in Southampton. We already partner with various Indian institutions and expect these partnerships to deepen. We see ourselves as a key contributor to the Indian research ecosystem. You are starting with business, accountancy, economics, and computer science. Are there plans to expand into other disciplines? Yes, in the next couple of years, we plan to introduce courses like law. Based on market demand, we are also considering psychology and other high-demand disciplines. Over the next seven to ten years, we expect to offer around 30 programs, expanding into areas such as environmental sciences and sustainability, provided there is demand and infrastructure support. Scholarships are very important in India. What are your plans to make education accessible through scholarships? We have announced up to two fully merit-based Presidential Scholarships each year. Additionally, we have need-based scholarships and bursaries to support living costs. We've set aside funding to ensure deserving students who cannot afford the fees still have the opportunity to study with us. There's also a hardship fund for students facing unforeseen financial difficulties during their course. How will the scholarship process work—before or after admission? Both. Students will be asked during the application if they wish to apply for scholarships. Merit scholarships will be awarded solely based on academic excellence, while need-based scholarships will consider financial background. The hardship fund will be accessible after enrollment for those encountering financial challenges mid-course. Research and innovation are key pillars of any top university. How do you plan to develop that in India? Research is at the heart of Southampton's global reputation. We are committed to replicating this at our India campus. Our focus on research will make us attractive to top-tier faculty and will also benefit students by providing a research-led teaching environment. Our goal is to create not just a teaching campus but a hub of innovation and research excellence in India.
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Education Minister Opens India Campus Of University Of Southampton In Gurugram
Last Updated: The Gurugram campus of University Of Southampton will allow students to spend up to one year at the University's campuses in the UK or Malaysia. Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated the India campus of the University of Southampton in Gurugram, Haryana, alongside Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Minister of Haryana, on Wednesday, as stated by the Ministry of Education, reported ANI. The University of Southampton, a QS Top 100 global institution and founding member of the UK's Russell Group, becomes the first foreign university to establish a campus in India under the University Grants Commission's regulations. The Gurugram campus will allow students to spend up to one year at the University's campuses in the UK or Malaysia. Programmes starting in 2025 include undergraduate (BSc) courses in Computer Science, Economics, Accounting & Finance, Business Management, and postgraduate (MSc) courses in Finance and International Management. Pradhan highlighted that this occasion marks a crucial step towards the internationalisation of education in India under NEP 2020 and strengthens the educational collaboration between India and the UK, as outlined in the India-UK Roadmap 2030. He lauded the University of Southampton for setting up the campus swiftly and expressed confidence that it will become a leading institution shaping future leaders with its advanced courses and academic excellence. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi views education as a vital bridge between India and the UK, and today's inauguration further solidifies this connection. The Gurugram campus will foster new synergies, a culture of curiosity and excellence, and provide students access to world-class education at a more affordable cost, closer to home and family. Pradhan encouraged the University of Southampton to introduce STEM courses at the Gurugram campus and aspire to become a hub for global solutions, the report added. Pradhan emphasised that education is central to India's development and, through the internationalisation of education at home, India is poised to become a global knowledge destination, reviving its historical intellectual heritage from Pushpagiri and Nalanda to Gurugram. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Higher Education and Chairman UGC, congratulated the University of Southampton and the UK Government on the opening of their campus in India, calling it a proud milestone in the India-UK education partnership. He noted that this is the first campus set up under the UGC's new regulations, enabling foreign universities to establish branch campuses in India, a key reform under NEP 2020 proposed by Prime Minister Modi. Joshi stated that NEP 2020 positions India as a global hub for education, research, and innovation, and emphasised that the UGC has streamlined the process to facilitate such initiatives. He praised the proactive support of the Haryana Government and expressed confidence that the University of Southampton will provide quality education in critical areas such as Computer Science, Economics, International Business, and Management, contributing to India's goals in digital innovation and global leadership. He hoped the new campus would foster collaboration between Indian and international academia, becoming a beacon of excellence and a bridge between nations. The University plans to hire over 75 full-time faculty members who meet UK academic standards and will undertake the University's Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, bringing experience from global academic centres in the UK, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Germany, Japan, and the United States. The University of Southampton boasts a global alumni network of over 290,000 graduates, including more than 1,700 from India. view comments 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.
