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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Drama unfolds over donation of late CPI(M) leader's body to govt hospital amid family dispute
Kochi (PTI): Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Ernakulam town hall, where the mortal remains of CPI(M) leader M M Lawrence were kept for public homage, as the late leader's daughter protested the decision to hand over his body to the Government Medical College Hospital here.
The unexpected events occurred after Asha moved the Kerala High Court, challenging the decision of her siblings to donate their father's body to the medical college for educational purposes.
The High Court, after considering the plea, directed the Kalamassery Medical College authorities to hear the objections and take a decision in accordance with the Kerala Anatomy Act.
The court also instructed the college to preserve the body for the time being at the mortuary.
In her petition, the daughter claimed that her father had been baptized and that all his children were baptized in the church.
She further alleged that her siblings along with the Communist party were attempting to project him as an atheist.
Two of Lawrence's children had previously given their consent to handing over the body to the medical college.
Lawrence died on September 21 at the age of 95.
Meanwhile, the ruling CPI(M) clarified that it has no role in the matter.
Whether to hand over the body to the medical college or bury it in a church is a decision for the family, the party said.
CPI(M) district secretary K A Salim said that the decision to hand over the body to the medical college was made by his son.
The court's decision came as the Medical College authorities reached the town hall to take possession of the body.
Asha, the complainant in the case, protested as the body was being handed over to the Medical College authorities amidst chanting of slogans by CPI(M) workers who had gathered to pay their last respects to the departed leader.
Lawrence's son said he decided to hand over the body for medical studies as per his father's last wish.
