Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) have signed an MoU with an objective of sharing/enhancing of knowledge, skills relevant to the scientific, technological, and management aspects in the broad areas of Aviation, Aviation Engineering and Aviation Management. It was signed by DGCA Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai and Vice Chancellor of GSV Prof Manoj Choudhury in the presence of Minister of Civil Aviation Shi Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Minster of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. Secretary, Civil Aviation Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, Chairman Railway Board Shri Satish Kumar and other senior officials from DGCA, Railways and GSV were also present during the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Shi Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said, “On a very historic MoU that we have signed between Gati Shakti and DGCA, I would first like to congratulate both the units for being the foundation of one of the most important MoUs that is going to transform the overall aviation sector in terms of the workforce that we are trying to build for tomorrow,” adding, “Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we have witnessed tremendous success in the last 12 years. Especially what started as the mantra “hawai chappal se hawai jahaj ka safar”, where we wanted aviation to be not just an exclusive sector for travel but an inclusive sector for travel.”

The primary objective of this MoU is to promote quality manpower for the aviation and MRO sector through an undergraduate degree in Aviation Maintenance Engineering (AME) by enhanced industry-academia partnerships. The curriculum shall be implemented from the upcoming academic year 2026-27 (August 2026) onwards. In opening remark Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation addressed the gathering saying that signing of this MoU is a historic moment. Both GSV and DGCA will work together and collaboratively design a future-ready three-year B.Sc. (AME) curriculum that seamlessly integrates academic depth, regulatory compliance, and industry-aligned competencies to power India’s next-generation MRO. In the MoU, it has also been proposed that GSV shall also work with DGCA as its research / knowledge partner in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Aircraft Maintenance, Parts Manufacturing and its integration. GSV will also support in the capacity building and training of other DGCA officers.

Speaking about the future of aviation sector in the country, the Minister said, “The most important part in the aviation sector is how well we are able to create an aviation manufacturing ecosystem in the country, and this is something we have focused on. We have seen tremendous success in the last 5 years, especially in terms of MROs, which have increased from around 160 to more than 240.”

Shri Shi Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu further elaborated, “We always talk about the demand India is creating in aviation. It is a very huge figure—we have around 1700 aircraft on order, which itself gives you the picture of nearly 2X of the current fleet. These aircraft are going to take few years to come into our airspace. Once the whole ecosystem is built, we may have up to 3,000 aircraft in our airspace by, probably, 2036.” He said that by then, all these aircraft must be supported by the right workforce. The requirement for pilots in the next 10 years is going to be around 10,000 to 12,000. Currently, many pilots prefer to do their training outside and then come back to India.

Speaking about achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Minister said, “By 2047, we aim to become a developed country, and for that, we must be self-reliant. We want to see an Atmanirbhar Bharat—where we make in India and train in India. All these components, when combined together, are what this MoU is going to focus on.”

In closing remark Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterated that the GSV has already earned its worldwide reputation and entered in collaboration with sixty two industry partners to produce industry ready professionals. He also called upon to establish a centre of excellence for precision manufacturing engineering in GSV to support the initiative of Viksit Bharat.

This MoU will establish structured bridge between regulation, academia, and industry. While DGCA continues to set licensing standards under CAR-66 and CAR-147 frameworks, GSV shall function as a national academic anchor for curriculum innovation, instructor development, research integration, and industry-linked apprenticeship models. By embedding hands-on MRO training, simulation labs, OEM partnerships, and competency-based learning pathways into AME education, the GSV- DGCA collaboration shall create a future-ready workforce capable of supporting India’s expanding airline fleets and positioning the country as a competitive global MRO destination not only for aircraft maintenance but also for aircraft manufacturing.

New Delhi, Mar 30: India’s fisheries sector contributes significantly to the country’s food security, serving as the backbone of livelihoods across coastal, inland, and rural communities. This traditionally-driven sector is now attracting a start-up ecosystem while driven by innovation and entrepreneurial talent.

Since 2015, the authorities have invested INR 39,272 crore through various initiatives and schemes to promote sustainable growth in Fisheries and Aquaculture. This expansion has led to the emergence of over 300 fisheries start-ups leveraging technologies such as blockchain, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance productivity, ensure traceability, and improve value chain efficiencies.

To address sectoral challenges, key problem areas have been identified, including development of nutritious and affordable aquaculture feeds from sustainable sources, AI-powered precision farming, resilient and inclusive seafood supply chains, waste minimization, and integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology.

With the reliance of technology infusion, the fisheries start-up landscape is getting transformed. By increasing its efficiency, sustainability, and market access. Start-ups are integrating IoT solutions enabling water-quality monitoring, pond-health management, and real-time analytics, while AI and ML (machine learning) tools support disease prediction, biomass estimation, feed optimization, and decision-making.

Besides the other influx of innovations such as Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc technology, and sensor-based farm management systems are supporting high-density and resource-efficient farming.

Notably at the post-harvest stage, the government of India is making efforts to strengthen cold-chain logistics, solar-powered chilling units, smart ice production, and AI-based quality grading systems to reduce spoilage and maintain export standards. Emerging areas such as seaweed farming technologies, genetic improvement tools, low-impact fishing gear, and satellite-based advisory systems are further expanding the innovation landscape.

Not to mention the drone technology for how it is now gaining traction for pond mapping, water-quality assessment, biomass estimation, and early detection of environmental issues. A pilot project has been commissioned to develop drone-based live fish transport, with a specialised drone designed to carry up to 100 kg over short distances, improving efficiency in aquaculture logistics.

Promoting innovation and accepting modernity, the Department of Fisheries has organised Fisheries Startup Conclaves, providing a platform for collaboration and showcasing solutions. The Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge was launched to identify and support start-ups addressing productivity, sustainability, and market access. Selected start-ups receive grants, mentorship, and incubation support, along with pilot implementation opportunities and industry linkages. A second edition has been introduced to further strengthen the ecosystem.

Furthermore, a knowledge-building lecture series was also undertaken by the Department of Fisheries titled Matsya Manthan, which has successfully initiated a dialogue among experts, researchers, and practitioners on emerging technologies and sustainable practices. At least eleven sessions reportedly have been conducted to support evidence-based policy and innovation. Five fisheries business incubation centres have also been established to provide mentorship and training for start-ups, supporting the development of viable business models.

These initiatives are collectively bringing a dynamic and future-ready fisheries start-up ecosystem, with innovation, technology, and policy support working together to drive sustainable growth in the sector.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that crop waste converted to bio-butamen can save around Rs 40,000 cr import annually for India. This has been made possible using indigenous bio-bitumen technology developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) New Delhi and CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, he added.

The Minister said that even partial substitution of conventional bitumen with bio-bitumen will significantly cut import dependence, strengthen economic resilience, and ensure that infrastructure development remains insulated from global supply disruptions.

Dr Jitendra Singh was addressing a Technology Transfer event organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for large-scale industry adoption of the indigenously developed “Bio-Bitumen from Lignocellulosic Biomass” technology. The event was also graced by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, senior officials, scientists, industry representatives, and stakeholders.

Dr. Jitendra Singh described the initiative as a transformative step that converts a major environmental challenge into a national economic opportunity. He said that India produces nearly 600 million tonnes of crop residue annually, much of which is burnt, leading to severe air pollution. At the same time, India consumes about 88 lakh tonnes of bitumen every year, nearly 50–58% of which is imported at a cost of ₹25,000–30,000 crore. He said this technology bridges both challenges simultaneously by converting agricultural waste into a valuable resource for road construction.

Calling it a true example of “Waste to Wealth”, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the concept of waste is rapidly becoming irrelevant in a modern, innovation-driven economy. “There is no such thing as waste, every resource has value if harnessed through science and technology,” he said, adding that agricultural residue like paddy straw can now become a source of income for farmers instead of a cause of pollution.

The Minister said the initiative reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had emphasised self-reliance and reduction in import dependence as early as 2014. He said India’s preparedness during the COVID pandemic, including indigenous vaccine development and seamless Direct Benefit Transfer systems, demonstrated how early policy direction translates into national strength during crises. He added that similar foresight is now driving India’s transition towards sustainable, low-carbon infrastructure.

Highlighting the multi-dimensional impact of the technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh said it delivers on multiple national priorities simultaneously, reducing pollution from stubble burning, lowering import bills, supporting farmers with additional income, promoting circular economy, and advancing India’s Net Zero commitments. He also pointed out that the success of this initiative reflects strong convergence between ministries, institutions, and industry, demonstrating the government’s approach of breaking silos and fostering public-private partnerships.

Referring to parallel innovations, the Minister cited examples such as conversion of used cooking oil into biofuel and utilisation of industrial waste like steel slag in road construction, noting that these efforts are creating a new economic ecosystem where waste materials are monetised. He added that incentivising farmers to supply crop residue instead of burning it could be a game-changing step in tackling air pollution.

Emphasising the importance of outreach, Dr. Jitendra Singh said scientific innovations must be communicated to stakeholders in formats they easily understand, particularly through digital platforms. He noted that initiatives like “One Week One Lab” have played a key role in connecting scientific institutions with industry, farmers, and the public.

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the initiative as a historic convergence of agriculture, science, and industry. He said the technology provides a practical and scalable solution to stubble burning while increasing farmers’ income and reducing environmental damage. He added that in the current global scenario, self-reliance in critical sectors like infrastructure is essential, and innovations like bio-bitumen will play a crucial role in achieving that goal.

Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR Dr. N. Kalaiselvi highlighted the rapid pace of adoption of the technology, stating that within a short span, multiple industries have already taken it up, with production and field implementation underway. She said the technology marks a paradigm shift from petro-based binders to sustainable bio-based alternatives. She further noted that the same agricultural biomass can also be utilised for applications such as pest management, advanced carbon materials, and energy storage, demonstrating its wide industrial potential.

The bio-bitumen technology utilises agricultural biomass such as rice straw, wheat straw, and other crop residues as feedstock through a thermochemical (pyrolysis) process to produce a renewable binder. It can replace up to 30% of conventional bitumen without compromising performance and has demonstrated enhanced durability along with significantly lower carbon emissions. The technology has already seen successful trial applications, including construction of road stretches, and is now moving towards large-scale deployment.

CSIR officials said the organisation will continue to work closely with industry partners, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and other stakeholders for standardisation, field validation, and capacity building to enable nationwide adoption.

Positioning India at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure innovation, the initiative is expected to transform road construction practices by making them greener, more cost-effective, and future-ready, while contributing to the larger vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: The President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Bihar and Karnataka from March 31 to April 1, 2026.

On March 31, the President will grace the convocation ceremony of Nalanda University at Rajgir, Bihar.

On April 1, the President will grace the 119^th birthday and Guruvandana of Dr Sree Sree Sivakumara Mahaswamiji at Sree Siddaganga Math, Tumakuru, Karnataka.