India 10-15 years behind in traditional technologies, says DRDO Chief Samir V Kamat
Bengaluru: DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat has highlighted that India is lagging behind by 10-15 years in traditional technologies compared to most countries. Speaking at the 15th Air Chief Marshal LM Khatre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, Kamat emphasised the need for academia, DRDO, and industry to work collaboratively rather than in isolation to tackle emerging challenges.
Kamat stressed the importance of capacity-building, particularly in engineering education. He pointed out that while India produces a large number of engineers, many lack the necessary skills for research and development (R&D) work. “We need to upgrade our infrastructure, provide hands-on experience, and pay professors more to equip students for cutting-edge research,” he stated.
Referring to India’s focus on disruptive technologies, Kamat expressed optimism that the country could leapfrog and close the technological gap. He also mentioned that the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a twin-engine combat aircraft, is expected to be delivered by 2028.
Kamat discussed the Ministry of Defence's approval of the Technology Development Fund (TDP), which aims to support high-risk projects similar to the US’ Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). He urged for an increase in India’s defence R&D budget, noting that India currently spends 0.65% of its GDP on the sector, far behind the US and China.
Regarding DRDO’s future projects, Kamat mentioned plans for high-end autonomous vehicles, robotic soldiers, and light tanks, the latter of which is in the prototype stage and expected to be delivered to the Indian Army by 2027.
Kamat also reflected on the challenges faced in the development of the Kaveri engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) - Tejas, calling it a “rookie mistake.” He explained that the engine did not deliver the required thrust, and the mistake was in designing the platform and engine simultaneously, rather than developing a platform around an available engine. To reduce risks in future engine development, DRDO is exploring collaboration with international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Safran, Rolls-Royce, and General Electric. Both Safran and Rolls-Royce have assured that intellectual property will remain with India during collaborative development, which will significantly enhance the country's capabilities.
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Karnataka Assembly clears 12 bills, including Karnataka Rent Amendment Bill
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): The state Assembly on Tuesday passed 12 bills, including the Karnataka Rent (Amendment) Bill.
The objects and reasons of the Rent Bill said that it has been introduced to achieve the principle of "Minimum Government Maximum Governance" by decriminalisation minor offences and rationalization of monetary penalties as envisaged in the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of provisions) Act, 2023.
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The amendment says that if any landlord or tenant fails to present copy of the lease agreement for registration as required under clauses (a) or (b) of sub-section (3) of Section 4 or fails to file the particulars as required under the proviso thereto, he shall on conviction be punishable with a fine up to Rs 2,000 or with simple imprisonment for a month or both. The same is applicable to middlemen involved in it.
The other bills that were cleared are the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Bill, The Greater Bengaluru Governance (Second Amendment) Bill, Sri Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Kshethra Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, The Chandraguthi Shree Renukamba Kshetra Development Authority Bill and Shree Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority and Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Bill.
The Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) (Amendment) Bill, Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment (Amendment) Bill, Karnataka State Universities (Second Amendment) Bill, Bayaluseeme Development Board (Amendment) Bill and Malnad Area Development Board (Amendment) Bill were also cleared.
