Category Archives: Science & Technology

IIT Bombay’s Prof Juzer Vasi Receives Padma Shri for Lifetime Work in Engineering

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

IIT Bombay has marked a proud moment with the conferment of the Padma Shri on Prof Juzer M. Vasi, former Deputy Director and senior academic of the institute. The national honour recognises his lifelong contribution to science and engineering, with a strong focus on semiconductors, microelectronics, and solar energy research.

Prof Vasi has served Indian academia for over four decades. He remains associated with IIT Bombay as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Electrical Engineering. His work spans nanoelectronics, solar photovoltaic deployment in India, global solar PV systems, nanocrystal-based solar cells, and the reliability of solar modules. These areas hold strong relevance for sustainable development and energy access.

An alumnus of IIT Bombay, Prof Vasi completed his B.Tech in 1969. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University in 1973. His academic journey reflects deep commitment to knowledge and public service, values strongly rooted in the Islamic tradition of ilm and community benefit.

Prof Vasi joined IIT Bombay as an Assistant Professor in 1981. He rose through the ranks to serve as Professor, Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, and later as Deputy Director from 2006 to 2009. He also taught at IIT Delhi and served as Visiting Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University.

Students and colleagues regard him as a dedicated teacher and institution builder. His leadership strengthened academic standards and research culture at IIT Bombay.

The Padma Shri recognises sustained excellence and service to the nation. For the Muslim community, Prof Vasi’s achievement stands as a reminder of the impact of scholarship, discipline, and ethical pursuit of knowledge in public life.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News > Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2026

Global summit will focus on democratising AI, says Safirulla

INDIA :

At the India AI Impact Summit, which will be hosted by New Delhi in Feb. 2026, global tech leaders will also address issues surrounding the fear of job losses and equipping job-seekers to meet the needs of the changing job market, says the director, IndiaAI Mission.

The India AI Impact Summit to be held in New Delhi in February 2026 will witness deliberations between world leaders and top global tech leaders, leading to a formal declaration on ways to balance innovation and safety and the areas to be focussed for artificial intelligence innovation, Mohammed Y. Safirulla K., Director, IndiaAI Mission under the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has said.

In an interview to The Hindu on the sidelines of a pre-summit conference here on Thursday, Mr. Safirulla said India can take pride in that it is the first country in the Global South to host the summit. New Delhi is hosting the fourth edition of the summit.

Objectives of summit

The objectives of the AI Impact Summit include democratisation of AI and bridging the AI divide, development of indigenous and local AI, aligning global standards and models for AI governance and innovation to needs of the developing world, harnessing AI for social good and development, and positioning India as a leading voice of the Global South on AI. The deliberations will take place across seven working groups, in which experts from over hundred countries will participate.

“We can see that there is a concentration of AI resources in certain countries in the Global North, especially when it comes to high-end data centres. There are biases which are coming out of algorithms because it is developed only from situations focussing on certain countries. We can also notice a language-wise divide since much of it is in English. One of our focusses will be on democratising AI so that no country in the Global South is left behind,” says Mr. Safirulla.

The summit will also address issues surrounding the fear of job losses and equipping job-seekers to meet the needs of the changing job market.

Training for youth

“We will look at how to train the youth coming into the job markets to be ready for AI-related jobs. Also, we need to see how we can use AI to increase the efficiency of the people who are already in the job markets working in various domains or how do we reposition them. We also have to nurture this intentionally in society so that we achieve economic growth,” he says.

Earlier this year, the IndiaAI Mission had opened up the MyGov platform to collect innovative ideas across sectors from researchers, startups, and students. Some of the innovation will be focussed on developing tools to authenticate AI-generated content, ensuring it’s traceable, secure, and free of harmful materials. Deepfake detection tools will also be developed to enable real-time identification and mitigation of deepfakes.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by S R Praveen / November 20th, 2025

Dr. Riaz Ahmad of AMU gets Young Scientist Award

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

pix source: amu.ac.in

Aligarh:

The Council of Science and Technology, Uttar Pradesh honoured Dr. Riaz Ahmad, Lecturer at Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), with ‘Young Scientist Award’ yesterday. The award has been given to Dr. Ahmad in recognition of his contributions in the area of Biochemical and Molecular Genetics. Besides cash prize of Rs. 25,000/, award carries a certificate, memento and a shawl.

The award was presented to Dr. Riaz Ahmad by Mr. Abdul Mannan, the State Minister for Science and Technology at the Vigyan Samaroh at Sir C.V. Raman Auditorium in Lucknow.

Dr. Ahmad is also a recipient of prestigious Dr. D. S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowship from UGC, Young Scientist Project of DST and Scientist of the Year Award-2009 given by the National Environmental Science Academy.

He has a number of research papers to his name published in various scientific journals of national and international repute.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by TCN News / March 30th, 2010

Kashmir university creates history with India’s first gene-edited sheep

Kashmir, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

A team from SKUAST-Kashmir with country’s first gene-edited sheep.

In a landmark achievement in the field of animal biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir, has successfully produced India’s first gene-edited sheep. University officials are calling it a “historic milestone” in genetic research and livestock development.

“This is a major breakthrough at the national level. It is the first of its kind in India, and everyone at the university is thrilled,” said Dr Riyaz Ahmad Shah, Professor of Animal Biotechnology, who led the expert team behind the project.

Dr Shah revealed that a female gene-edited lamb was born four months ago. The team specifically targeted the myostatin gene, which regulates muscle growth, making changes at the embryonic level. “The gene editing was carried out using CRISPR-Cas9 technology,” Shah explained. This revolutionary tool has broad applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Importantly, he noted, “The edited sheep contains no foreign DNA,” distinguishing it from transgenic organisms and easing its path under India’s evolving biotech regulatory framework.

“All international biosafety protocols were strictly followed throughout the process,” he added.

The university views this achievement as a major step in placing India on the global map of advanced genome editing technologies. It also positions SKUAST-Kashmir at the forefront of reproductive biotechnology research.

Experts say the lamb’s muscle growth is expected to be enhanced due to the gene editing, although a few years of observation will be required to fully understand the differences between the edited lamb and a normal one.

Notably, Dr Shah and his team were also behind the creation of “Noori,” India’s first cloned Pashmina goat, in 2012. Noori lived for 11 years before passing away in 2023.

Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, recently briefed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha about the development. “This is not just the birth of a lamb, but the birth of a new era in livestock genetics in India,” Prof Ganai remarked.

University officials said the Lieutenant Governor praised the team’s efforts and their contribution to advancing scientific research in the region.

Looking ahead, the university plans to produce more gene-edited sheep. “We’re exploring possibilities in other areas like twin births and disease resistance,” said Shah. “For now, we are closely monitoring the lamb for safety and other parameters. Everything is normal so far.”

The team is also in the process of selecting a name for the pioneering lamb. “We’ll announce it soon,” Shah said.

source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Jammu & Kashmir / by Adil Akhzer / May 27th, 2025

AMU Professor Presents AI-Based Medical Education Research at International Conference

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Prof Saira Mehnaz with other participants during the AI-Based Medical Education Research at International Conference

Aligarh:

Prof Saira Mehnaz, Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), presented an innovative research paper at the International Conference on Advancements in Data, Information, and Systems (ICADIS) 2025, hosted by Noida International University.

Dr. Mehnaz’s paper, titled “AI-Augmented Assessment of a Medical Foundation Course: A Mixed-Method Study,” attracted widespread attention for its pioneering application of AI in medical education. The study evaluated a week-long foundation course for 150 first-year MBBS students at JNMC, aimed at strengthening communication, teamwork, ethics, and academic preparedness among new medical learners.

Using a mixed-method approach, the research combined quantitative student feedback with qualitative reflections, analysed through Rolfe’s reflective model and NVivo software. The integration of AI tools enabled adaptive feedback, more precise evaluation of learning outcomes, and data-driven improvements in curriculum design.

The presentation stimulated engaging discussions among international delegates about the growing role of AI in competency-based and reflective medical education.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / October 27th, 2025

AMU PhD Scholar Adiba Receives Prestigious American Physical Society (APS) Distinguished Student Award

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Adiba receiving the Prestigious APS Distinguished Student Award

Aligarh:

Adiba, a PhD student in Physics at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been honoured with the Distinguished Student Award by the American Physical Society (APS) at the APS March Meeting 2025 in Anaheim, California.

Instituted in 2015, the award recognises exceptional early-career researchers from outside the U.S. and supports their participation in APS’s flagship meetings.

Adiba, working under the supervision of Prof Tufail Ahmad, is conducting cutting-edge research on Resistive Random Access Memory (ReRAM) devices for neuromorphic computing – an emerging frontier in physics and artificial intelligence. Her work earned her the prestigious award for outstanding contributions to the field.

Beyond research, she leads as President of the International Centre for Muslim Women in Sciences (ICMWS), championing science education among young women.

Expressing her gratitude to AMU for its role in her success, Adiba said, “Receiving this recognition from APS makes me feel incredibly proud and motivates me to strive even harder.”

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Research> Science & Technology / by Radiance News Bureau / April 08th, 2025

Meet Tamkeen Fatima: AMU Alumna Selected by DRDO as Scientist

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Tamkeen Fatima, a past student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected as Scientist ‘B’ by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Aligarh Muslim University: 

Tamkeen Fatima, a past student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected as Scientist ‘B’ by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Tamkeen Fatima is a recent M.Tech. graduate from the Department of Computer Engineering. Her selection came through a highly competitive process comprising academic performance, GATE score and interview.

Tamkeen completed her M.Tech. (Computer Science & Engineering) in 2025 with an outstanding CPI of 9.944, securing the top rank in her class.

She also completed her B.Tech. from AMU in 2023 and qualified UG-NET (JRF) 2024 in Computer Science with an All-India Rank 2 (99.9933 percentile) in her very first attempt.

“A Consistent Performer”

Tamkeen is a Second Year student pursuing M. Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering at the Department of Computer Engineering, Z.H. College of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University.

She completed her B Tech from AMU in 2023 with 9.703 CPI. She has been a consistent recipient of Merit Scholarships from class X onwards, including UP STSE, University Merit Financial Award (AMU), and GATE scholarship.

During her B Tech, Fatima participated in research internship programmes at ISRO, McMaster University, Toronto, Canada (Mitacs GRI), and The Fields Institute, Toronto, Canada (Fields Undergraduate Summer Research Programme). She has also published a research paper in ACM Conference Proceedings.

Recognising her academic excellence and research potential, she was selected as Assistant Professor (Contractual) through the Local Selection Committee and joined the Department of Computer Engineering, AMU in August 2025.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Career / by Ummid.com news network / November 01st, 2025

AMU Alumnus Dr. Waliur Rahman Named for Rashtriya Vigyan Yuva Puraskar 2025

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh :

Dr. Waliur Rahman, an alumnus of the Department of Geology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been named for the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar 2025, announced by the Government of India on October 26, 2025.

Currently serving as Scientist-E at the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, Dr. Rahman has been recognised for his outstanding contributions in the field of isotope geochemistry and Antarctic climate research.

A distinguished earth scientist, Dr. Rahman’s research spans a wide range of topics, including Antarctic climate variability through ice core records, trace element and isotope studies in oceans, paleo-oceanography using radiogenic and stable isotopes, and Himalayan weathering and erosion processes. His pioneering work in developing non-traditional isotope measurements has contributed significantly to understanding global climatic and oceanic processes.

Dr. Rahman earned his B.Sc. (Geology Hons.) and M.Sc. (Applied Geology) degrees from Aligarh Muslim University in 2002 and 2004 respectively, and later obtained his Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.

His illustrious career includes research fellowships and international recognition such as the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowships (Germany), the Certificate of Merit in Polar Science and Technology (2019), the Young Researcher Award (2021) from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the National Geoscience Award (2023) from the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

Dr. Rahman has authored over 50 peer-reviewed research papers in leading international journals including Nature CommunicationsGeophysical Research LettersMarine Chemistry, and Science of the Total Environment. His contributions have enhanced India’s global standing in the fields of Antarctic and oceanic research.

Congratulating Dr. Rahman on his achievement, AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon said that the university takes pride in its alumni who continue to bring laurels to their alma mater through excellence in research and national service, and Dr Rahman’s achievement will work as an impetus for young students who wish to make a career in the field of earth sciences.

source: http://www.amu.ac.in / Aligarh Muslim University / Home> AMU News / by Public Relations Office / October 07th, 2025

Sajid Jamal Leads BranchX’s AI-Driven Retail Revolution in India

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

New Delhi : 

Sajid Jamal, Founder and Chief Business Architect of BranchX, is redefining India’s retail landscape through advanced artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions. His company aims to empower small and medium retailers by bridging the digital divide that separates local stores from organized retail and e-commerce giants.

BranchX, established in Mumbai, provides AI-powered tools that assist shop owners in managing inventory, predicting customer demand, and enabling seamless digital payments. The platform also supports hyperlocal delivery networks, offering small businesses a competitive edge in fast-changing markets.

Under Jamal’s leadership, BranchX plans to onboard over one million retailers across 500 cities by 2027. The company’s growth roadmap includes a public listing in 2027, signaling strong investor confidence and a clear vision for nationwide expansion. Jamal’s background in finance and technology, with professional experience in the UAE and India, has shaped BranchX into a model of sustainable retail innovation.

Jamal’s vision is rooted in inclusive growth. By offering AI and digital solutions once limited to large corporations, he seeks to democratize retail technology and strengthen the backbone of India’s economy—the kirana stores. His approach combines financial inclusion with smart technology, opening new opportunities for millions of small traders.

BranchX’s rapid rise highlights a broader transformation underway in India’s retail sector, driven by homegrown innovation and a renewed focus on empowering local entrepreneurs.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship> Features / by Radiance News Bureau / October 07th, 2025

TS Sports Minister welcomes ‘Shooting Star’ Abid Ali Khan

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad: 

Abid Ali Khan, the Shooting Star of Telangana, was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Shamshabad, on Thursday.

Sports Minister V. Srinivas Goud and offcials of Sports Authority of Telangana were waiting at airport to welcome the shooting star.

After a brief ceremony, a smiling Abid Ali Khan, accompanied by his grand parents Dr. Shahed Ali Khan, Director of Cure Well Hospital and father Dr. Sabir Ali Khan, himself a national rifle shooter, Amer Ali Khan, News Editor of The Siasat Urdu Daily and Wahab Qadri received Abid Ali Khan.

A group of students from NASR School from where Abid Ali Khan has completed his matriculation received him with complete honour.

Abid Ali Khan has bagged Gold Medal in 50 meter rifle prone, men junior, and Bronze Medal in individual contest at the14th Asian Shooting Championship held in Doha, Qatar from November 3-13.

source: http://www.archive.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home / by Mohammed Hussain / November 14th, 2019