In two years, the Indian Army could get their hands on indigenously-designed and developed 155mm Smart Artillery shells that offer 50 times more accuracy than existing ones. IIT-Madras and the Government-run Munitions India Limited (MIL) have partnered on developing this ammunition, which will be guided by the Indian constellation of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) satellites, formerly known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).&nbsp;

According to IIT Madras, Prof G. Rajesh, Faculty, Department of Aerospace Engineering, and his team of researchers will be developing the smart ammunition, which will later be manufactured by Munitions India Limited, a Government-run firm engaged in the Production, Testing Research and Development and Marketing of a comprehensive range of ammunition and explosives for the Army, Navy, Air force and Paramilitary Forces.&nbsp;

The team's objective is to increase the accuracy of 155 mm shell within a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 metres. At present, ammunitions developed in India have a CEP of 500 m. Another key goal is to increase the lethality at the terminal impact point.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-public-examinations-prevention-of-unfair-means-bill-2024-introduced-in-lower-house-of-parliament-687088">Also read |&nbsp;India: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 introduced in lower house of Parliament</a>

"We are confident that the might of MIL in conventional ammunition manufacturing and the brain of IIT Madras in developing a guidance system will pave the way for MIL’s foray into modern ammunition manufacturing with Niche Technologies," said Ravi Kant, IOFS, Chairman and Managing Director, Munitions India Limited.&nbsp;

Based on the specifications of this proposed artillery shell, it can be fired from 155mm artillery guns, without any changes in the gun system. Unlike conventional shells, it will have its control surfaces that will help in manoeuvrability-fin-stabilised, canard-controlled, guided shell. It is expected to have a minimum range of 8kms and a maximum range of 38km. This Smart shell also offers three modes of detonation, such as - point detonation, height of burst, delayed detonation.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian PM invited to speak at World Government Summit for second time

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-invited-to-speak-at-world-government-summit-for-second-time-687095/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Speaking about this project, Prof&nbsp;G. Rajesh, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “The Special Purpose Shell will house the guidance, navigation and control system along with roll isolation strategies, canard actuation system, fuze, shell body and warhead. The smart projectile will have complex technologies such as miniaturised electronics/sensors and mechanical structures."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In two years, the Indian Army could get their hands on indigenously-designed and developed 155mm Smart Artillery shells that offer 50 times more accuracy than existing ones.

In two years, the Indian Army could get their hands on indigenously-designed and developed 155mm Smart Artillery shells that offer 50 times more accuracy than existing ones. IIT-Madras and the Government-run Munitions India Limited (MIL) have partnered on developing this ammunition, which will be guided by the Indian constellation of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) satellites, formerly known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). According to IIT Madras, Prof G. Rajesh, Faculty, Department of Aerospace Engineering, and his team of researchers will be developing the smart ammunition, which will later be manufactured by Munitions India Limited, a Government-run firm engaged in the Production, Testing Research and Development and Marketing of a comprehensive range of ammunition and explosives for the Army, Navy, Air force and Paramilitary Forces. The team's objective is to increase the accuracy of 155 mm shell within a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 metres. At present, ammunitions developed in India have a CEP of 500 m. Another key goal is to increase the lethality at the terminal impact point. Also read | India: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 introduced in lower house of Parliament "We are confident that the might of MIL in conventional ammunition manufacturing and the brain of IIT Madras in developing a guidance system will pave the way for MIL’s foray into modern ammunition manufacturing with Niche Technologies," said Ravi Kant, IOFS, Chairman and Managing Director, Munitions India Limited. Based on the specifications of this proposed artillery shell, it can be fired from 155mm artillery guns, without any changes in the gun system. Unlike conventional shells, it will have its control surfaces that will help in manoeuvrability-fin-stabilised, canard-controlled, guided shell. It is expected to have a minimum range of 8kms and a maximum range of 38km. This Smart shell also offers three modes of detonation, such as - point detonation, height of burst, delayed detonation. Also watch | Indian PM invited to speak at World Government Summit for second time Speaking about this project, Prof G. Rajesh, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “The Special Purpose Shell will house the guidance, navigation and control system along with roll isolation strategies, canard actuation system, fuze, shell body and warhead. The smart projectile will have complex technologies such as miniaturised electronics/sensors and mechanical structures."

IIT-M and Munitions India to develop smart ammo for 155mm artillery guns

In what is said to be among the highest individual contributions by an alumnus to Indian academia, US-based tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani donated Rs.110 crore or $13.75 million to his alma mater, IIT-Madras. A student of the 1984 batch, the entrepreneur donated the sum of money to establish a Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, at the campus where he had studied. The MoU for establishing the Centre was exchanged between Wadhawani, IIT-Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti and other officials from the institute.&nbsp;

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Tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani (right)donates ₹110cr($13.75mn) to his Alma Mater <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IITMadras?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IITMadras</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> ,for establishing Wadhwani School of Data <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Science</a> &amp; AI 
 
Course in <a href="https://t.co/j14Zunu1Ho">https://t.co/j14Zunu1Ho</a> AI &amp; Data analytics at <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a> from July 2024<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/academia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#academia</a>… <a href="https://t.co/FQz1Gt8tvM">pic.twitter.com/FQz1Gt8tvM</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1752227008309039581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Elaborating on his choice of donating towards the field of AI, he said, that Artificial Intelligence has been around for more than five decades, but it is during the last 10 years that rapid progress has taken place, owing to the increase in computing power and the immense data that is available due to social media.

"Today, AI is growing at a much faster pace and the power of AI is doubling every 6 months and in about ten years, it could surpass human intelligence," he opined.&nbsp;

According to him, there are tremendous benefits and challenges posed by AI and India must be a leader in research, teaching, skills training and development of AI apps.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-a-look-at-pm-modis-personal-diary-featuring-mahatma-gandhis-quotes-685185">Have a look at PM Modi’s personal diary featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s quotes</a>

"I see a strong need for a dedicated Data Science and AI school focusing on foundational and applied research in these areas. With the advancements in science and technology, India holds immense potential and can be a world leader in AI and allied sciences," he said.&nbsp;

Queried about how these funds would be used, Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean, Alumni and Corporate Relations, IIT-M, told WION that a portion of the fund would be used immediately for setting up facilities and for attracting the best talent - faculty, researchers etc. He added that the 30,000 square feet facility was being prepared for hosting the facility and that a large part of the fund would continue to support the department for a long time.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-satnam-singh-sandhu-founder-chancellor-of-chandigarh-university-nominated-as-rajya-sabha-mp-685125">Who is Satnam Singh Sandhu? Founder, chancellor of Chandigarh University nominated as Rajya Sabha MP</a>

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT-Madras, said that the institute is working towards launching a B.Tech course in AI and Data Analytics by July 2024 and gradually expanding the intake from the initial 30 students.

Under its School of Data Science and AI, IIT Madras has three centres - Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI, Centre for Responsible AI and the upcoming Wadhwani School.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-rescues-two-hijacked-vessels-in-less-than-36-hours-685151">Indian Navy rescues two hijacked vessels in less than 36 hours</a>

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Outlining the vision for the Wadhwani school, Prof. B. Ravindran, its Founding Head, said that Data Science and AI are inherrently interdisciplinary fields. The Wadhwani school will enable close collaboration between domain experts and AI researchers to develop solutions that integrate AI with existing approaches. Healthcare, Agriculture, Smart cities and transportation, Financial Analytics, Manufacturing, Defence, Education etc. are among the domains in which the facility would carry out Applied Research.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In what is said to be among the highest individual contributions by an alumnus to Indian academia, US-based tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani donated Rs.110 crore or $13.

In what is said to be among the highest individual contributions by an alumnus to Indian academia, US-based tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani donated Rs.110 crore or $13.75 million to his alma mater, IIT-Madras. A student of the 1984 batch, the entrepreneur donated the sum of money to establish a Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, at the campus where he had studied. The MoU for establishing the Centre was exchanged between Wadhawani, IIT-Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti and other officials from the institute. Tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani (right)donates ₹110cr($13.75mn) to his Alma Mater #IITMadras #Chennai ,for establishing Wadhwani School of Data #Science & AI Course in https://t.co/j14Zunu1Ho AI & Data analytics at @iitmadras from July 2024#india #tech #AI #academia… pic.twitter.com/FQz1Gt8tvM — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) January 30, 2024 × Elaborating on his choice of donating towards the field of AI, he said, that Artificial Intelligence has been around for more than five decades, but it is during the last 10 years that rapid progress has taken place, owing to the increase in computing power and the immense data that is available due to social media. "Today, AI is growing at a much faster pace and the power of AI is doubling every 6 months and in about ten years, it could surpass human intelligence," he opined. According to him, there are tremendous benefits and challenges posed by AI and India must be a leader in research, teaching, skills training and development of AI apps. Also Read | Have a look at PM Modi’s personal diary featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s quotes "I see a strong need for a dedicated Data Science and AI school focusing on foundational and applied research in these areas. With the advancements in science and technology, India holds immense potential and can be a world leader in AI and allied sciences," he said. Queried about how these funds would be used, Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean, Alumni and Corporate Relations, IIT-M, told WION that a portion of the fund would be used immediately for setting up facilities and for attracting the best talent - faculty, researchers etc. He added that the 30,000 square feet facility was being prepared for hosting the facility and that a large part of the fund would continue to support the department for a long time. Also Read | Who is Satnam Singh Sandhu? Founder, chancellor of Chandigarh University nominated as Rajya Sabha MP Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT-Madras, said that the institute is working towards launching a B.Tech course in AI and Data Analytics by July 2024 and gradually expanding the intake from the initial 30 students. Under its School of Data Science and AI, IIT Madras has three centres - Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI, Centre for Responsible AI and the upcoming Wadhwani School. Watch | Indian Navy rescues two hijacked vessels in less than 36 hours × Outlining the vision for the Wadhwani school, Prof. B. Ravindran, its Founding Head, said that Data Science and AI are inherrently interdisciplinary fields. The Wadhwani school will enable close collaboration between domain experts and AI researchers to develop solutions that integrate AI with existing approaches. Healthcare, Agriculture, Smart cities and transportation, Financial Analytics, Manufacturing, Defence, Education etc. are among the domains in which the facility would carry out Applied Research.

US-based tech entrepreneur donates $13.75 million to alma mater IIT-Madras

The campus of Indian Institute of Technology Madras has been placed under lockdown after seventy-one residents of the premier educational institution have tested positive for coronavirus.

This includes 66 students. Following this, the institute closed down its labs, library and departments.&nbsp;

The students allege the IIT-M's decision to run only one mess is the reason for the large scale spread of coronavirus. 
 
In the mess, one cannot be wearing a mask and a congregation of a good number of persons in the mess is ripe cause for disaster.

A total of 774 students are on the campus and most of those who were infected were residents of two hostels -- Krishna and Jamuna.

On its part, IIT-M has decided to shut down all its departments, centres and asked their staff to work from home and anyone with the symptoms like fever, dry cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of taste/smell, or any other symptoms have been requested to get in touch the hospital officials.

The postgraduate students, research scholars and others have been asked to be confined to their rooms with arrangements made to deliver food to their rooms.

On Sunday 32 fresh coronavirus infected cases were reported and the Tamil Nadu government has instructed that all the students be tested for the virus infection.

According to officials, the students who had returned to the campus were quarantined for two weeks, but the quarantining capacity is limited.

Those who have been infected with coronavirus are progressing well, officials said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The campus of Indian Institute of Technology Madras has been placed under lockdown after seventy-one residents of the premier educational institution have tested positive for coronavirus.

The campus of Indian Institute of Technology Madras has been placed under lockdown after seventy-one residents of the premier educational institution have tested positive for coronavirus. This includes 66 students. Following this, the institute closed down its labs, library and departments. The students allege the IIT-M's decision to run only one mess is the reason for the large scale spread of coronavirus. In the mess, one cannot be wearing a mask and a congregation of a good number of persons in the mess is ripe cause for disaster. A total of 774 students are on the campus and most of those who were infected were residents of two hostels -- Krishna and Jamuna. On its part, IIT-M has decided to shut down all its departments, centres and asked their staff to work from home and anyone with the symptoms like fever, dry cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of taste/smell, or any other symptoms have been requested to get in touch the hospital officials. The postgraduate students, research scholars and others have been asked to be confined to their rooms with arrangements made to deliver food to their rooms. On Sunday 32 fresh coronavirus infected cases were reported and the Tamil Nadu government has instructed that all the students be tested for the virus infection. According to officials, the students who had returned to the campus were quarantined for two weeks, but the quarantining capacity is limited. Those who have been infected with coronavirus are progressing well, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

IIT-Madras emerges as coronavirus hotspot with 71 positive cases, campus under lockdown

The department of aerospace engineering at IIT Madras is working on developing a next-generation artillery shell that can be used by the Indian Army to hit targets that are nearly twice as far the existing distances, with greater precision. While this is an existing technology, it has to be noted that no country has implemented in artillery shells.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION spoke to Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), Professor of Practice at IIT Madras, whose team had exhibited the theoretical possibilities of the project at the recently concluded Defense Expo in Uttar Pradesh. Lt Gen P R Shankar is a retired Director General of Artillery. He gave great impetus to the modernization of artillery through indigenization. He has deep knowledge, understanding and experience in successful defence planning and acquisition, spanning over a decade. Major 155mm Gun projects like the Dhanush, M777 ULH and K9 Vajra, rocket and missile projects related to Pinaka, Brahmos and Grad BM21, surveillance projects like Swati WLR and few ammunition projects came to fructification due to his relentless efforts. He has been a Professor of Practice at IIT Madras’ aerospace engineering department and is actively involved in applied research.

Here are the excerpts of an exclusive interview with him.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: What necessitates the development of such a new generation artillery shell, over and above the existing ammunition? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: We are working on an artillery shell that is based on the ramjet technology, this will enable it to travel unto a range of 60kms and above. Most shells that are in use travel around 30kms or so. Extending the range of a shell would be highly useful in non-contact warfare scenario, like the situations on the western border. Some of the current shells can travel up to 24kms. We could extend the range unto 30kms by traditional methods, but doubling it to 60kms is going to be a game-changer. Changing the gun would mean a tedious process, instead, we could change the ammunition and improve the performance.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: How compatible is this artillery shell going to be with current artillery guns used by the Indian Army? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Although we are developing a new kind of shell, we would not be building it from scratch. We are planning to re-design the existing shells using ramjet propulsion technology. The new shells are compatible with all the existing artillery guns such as Bofors, Dhanush, Vajra and ATAGS. It is a fact that each gun has its own characteristics, but the shell we are developing is of a 155mm calibre. Hence, it would be usable on all Indian or foreign platforms that utilize the 155mm shell.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: How is your method different from the standard range-extension methods for artillery shells? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Traditionally, we would utilize a method called ‘base bleed’ where a chemical at the base of the shell burns emits gas to fill the vacuum behind the shell to reduce the base drag force. Base bleed enables an increase of range by 10 to 20 per cent. We are aiming to double the range by using ramjet propulsion technology through indigenously developed fuel and air intake at the front that helps the shell travel faster, thus enabling it to reach double the range.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: What are the challenges pertaining to maintaining accuracy when you aim to extend a shell’s range? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: When a shell travels for around 30kms, the normal methods of correction are applicable. However, when a shell travels 60kms, it would be affected by wind and weather conditions far more. So, we would incorporate some kind of system to keep it on the intended track. It is called a Precision Guided Kit. We will be developing the precision-guided kits, especially for such extended ranges. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Would Indian ordnance factories and facilities be able to mass manufacture such shells for the Army’s requirements? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Most of the shells that we need are made here. When we do resort to importing, it is only restricted to smart ammunitions and precision-guided munitions (PGMs). Our ramjet based shell is like any other shell and we would be ensuring that OFB (Ordnance factory board) can manufacture it. The ability to manufacture it is there, but we are working on design and technology. That's where IIT Madras comes in, along with IIT Kanpur, Armament Research and Development Establishment(ARDE) Pune and Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: Would there be a significant reduction in unit cost due to the indigenous manufacture? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Primarily this technology is a first for artillery shells. Being a new product and new technology, they tend to be very costly. But it is certainly less expensive when compared to missiles and other weapons that have a range of over 60kms. There is also scope for exporting this type of shell to friendly foreign countries.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: How long before we have a working prototype? Any major engineering challenges that we are faced with? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: We expect to develop a working prototype within three to five years. Development of this shell would require a synergy between different types of engineering. We’ll have to combine expertise in Fundamental engineering of propulsion (solid propellants), structural design, a lot of design capability in geo-referencing and guidance with a lot of engineering capability and principles of rocket technology. In the case of a missile, we can design from scratch, but here we are taking an existing ramjet technology and fusing it with an existing shell to get something that doesn't exist. But if we manage to fit a ramjet into an artillery shell, it would pole vault us into the next generation.&nbsp;

WION: Funding and facilities are major components that drive defence research. How are we placed? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Lot of things have been proven. The design is ready and we are waiting for validation and prototyping. All the theory is ready and certain lab tests are done. We are waiting for funding as well because with new testing facilities we need to do more lab tests and start the prototype test. Test facilities that are to be set up can only be done with government support. Some of the facilities that we would need would be India’s first such facilities. There are a few, but they are with the missile development programme, and those are of a different kind. Once we go commercial, we need many such facilities to do fundamental testing for the long-term. For the ramjet to start working, it has to be taken to speeds of Mach 1 (speed of sound) so that we can test it. So we’d require a high-end wind tunnel that would be able to generate such speeds. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Are there any other defence firms that are working on the same technology? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: At the recently concluded DefExpo, we saw the Norwegian firm 'Nammo' display a shell of ramjet projectile. Their projectile and our projectile are technology-wise very different. While the theory is the same, the application is different. Ours is a simple system. We also know that various others are working on it as this is very futuristic defence technology.&nbsp;

The department of aerospace engineering at IIT Madras is working on developing a next-generation artillery shell that can be used by the Indian Army to hit targets that are nearly twice as far the existing distances, with greater precision.

The department of aerospace engineering at IIT Madras is working on developing a next-generation artillery shell that can be used by the Indian Army to hit targets that are nearly twice as far the existing distances, with greater precision. While this is an existing technology, it has to be noted that no country has implemented in artillery shells. WION spoke to Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), Professor of Practice at IIT Madras, whose team had exhibited the theoretical possibilities of the project at the recently concluded Defense Expo in Uttar Pradesh. Lt Gen P R Shankar is a retired Director General of Artillery. He gave great impetus to the modernization of artillery through indigenization. He has deep knowledge, understanding and experience in successful defence planning and acquisition, spanning over a decade. Major 155mm Gun projects like the Dhanush, M777 ULH and K9 Vajra, rocket and missile projects related to Pinaka, Brahmos and Grad BM21, surveillance projects like Swati WLR and few ammunition projects came to fructification due to his relentless efforts. He has been a Professor of Practice at IIT Madras’ aerospace engineering department and is actively involved in applied research. Here are the excerpts of an exclusive interview with him. WION: What necessitates the development of such a new generation artillery shell, over and above the existing ammunition? Prof Shankar: We are working on an artillery shell that is based on the ramjet technology, this will enable it to travel unto a range of 60kms and above. Most shells that are in use travel around 30kms or so. Extending the range of a shell would be highly useful in non-contact warfare scenario, like the situations on the western border. Some of the current shells can travel up to 24kms. We could extend the range unto 30kms by traditional methods, but doubling it to 60kms is going to be a game-changer. Changing the gun would mean a tedious process, instead, we could change the ammunition and improve the performance. WION: How compatible is this artillery shell going to be with current artillery guns used by the Indian Army? Prof Shankar: Although we are developing a new kind of shell, we would not be building it from scratch. We are planning to re-design the existing shells using ramjet propulsion technology. The new shells are compatible with all the existing artillery guns such as Bofors, Dhanush, Vajra and ATAGS. It is a fact that each gun has its own characteristics, but the shell we are developing is of a 155mm calibre. Hence, it would be usable on all Indian or foreign platforms that utilize the 155mm shell. WION: How is your method different from the standard range-extension methods for artillery shells? Prof Shankar: Traditionally, we would utilize a method called ‘base bleed’ where a chemical at the base of the shell burns emits gas to fill the vacuum behind the shell to reduce the base drag force. Base bleed enables an increase of range by 10 to 20 per cent. We are aiming to double the range by using ramjet propulsion technology through indigenously developed fuel and air intake at the front that helps the shell travel faster, thus enabling it to reach double the range. WION: What are the challenges pertaining to maintaining accuracy when you aim to extend a shell’s range? Prof Shankar: When a shell travels for around 30kms, the normal methods of correction are applicable. However, when a shell travels 60kms, it would be affected by wind and weather conditions far more. So, we would incorporate some kind of system to keep it on the intended track. It is called a Precision Guided Kit. We will be developing the precision-guided kits, especially for such extended ranges. WION: Would Indian ordnance factories and facilities be able to mass manufacture such shells for the Army’s requirements? Prof Shankar: Most of the shells that we need are made here. When we do resort to importing, it is only restricted to smart ammunitions and precision-guided munitions (PGMs). Our ramjet based shell is like any other shell and we would be ensuring that OFB (Ordnance factory board) can manufacture it. The ability to manufacture it is there, but we are working on design and technology. That's where IIT Madras comes in, along with IIT Kanpur, Armament Research and Development Establishment(ARDE) Pune and Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad. WION: Would there be a significant reduction in unit cost due to the indigenous manufacture? Prof Shankar: Primarily this technology is a first for artillery shells. Being a new product and new technology, they tend to be very costly. But it is certainly less expensive when compared to missiles and other weapons that have a range of over 60kms. There is also scope for exporting this type of shell to friendly foreign countries. WION: How long before we have a working prototype? Any major engineering challenges that we are faced with? Prof Shankar: We expect to develop a working prototype within three to five years. Development of this shell would require a synergy between different types of engineering. We’ll have to combine expertise in Fundamental engineering of propulsion (solid propellants), structural design, a lot of design capability in geo-referencing and guidance with a lot of engineering capability and principles of rocket technology. In the case of a missile, we can design from scratch, but here we are taking an existing ramjet technology and fusing it with an existing shell to get something that doesn't exist. But if we manage to fit a ramjet into an artillery shell, it would pole vault us into the next generation. WION: Funding and facilities are major components that drive defence research. How are we placed? Prof Shankar: Lot of things have been proven. The design is ready and we are waiting for validation and prototyping. All the theory is ready and certain lab tests are done. We are waiting for funding as well because with new testing facilities we need to do more lab tests and start the prototype test. Test facilities that are to be set up can only be done with government support. Some of the facilities that we would need would be India’s first such facilities. There are a few, but they are with the missile development programme, and those are of a different kind. Once we go commercial, we need many such facilities to do fundamental testing for the long-term. For the ramjet to start working, it has to be taken to speeds of Mach 1 (speed of sound) so that we can test it. So we’d require a high-end wind tunnel that would be able to generate such speeds. WION: Are there any other defence firms that are working on the same technology? Prof Shankar: At the recently concluded DefExpo, we saw the Norwegian firm 'Nammo' display a shell of ramjet projectile. Their projectile and our projectile are technology-wise very different. While the theory is the same, the application is different. Ours is a simple system. We also know that various others are working on it as this is very futuristic defence technology.

IIT-M working on next-gen Ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells for Indian Army 

Posters earmarking separate entry and exit points and wash basins for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students have been allegedly pasted at a mess of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, kicking up a row with a section of students alleging discrimination.

While pictures of the posters bearing the name of a local caterer and pasted near the doors of the mess were circulated by some students on the social media, an official pleaded ignorance about them and said if found to be true the handbills will be removed.

A student said the posters had been put up near two entrances of the north Indian mess located on the second floor of Himalaya Mess Complex, specifying separate entry points and wash basins for non-vegetarian and vegetarian students.

One of the pictures of the poster circulated on social media read "Hand Wash Vegetarian Students" while another said "Winter vacation mess - food arrangements. Entry/exit non-vegetarian food students."

When contacted, an official in the mess monitoring and control committee of IIT-M told PTI that he was unaware of the posters.

He also said arrangements were made for preparing Jain food (without onion or garlic) and he was unaware of any discriminatory arrangements based on vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

A research scholar alleged that what started as a demand for a mess catering to 'pure' vegetarians last year had now become full-fledged untouchability'.

"This is the first time a mess has two separate entrances for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Not just that, even separate wash basins and separate utensils as well," the student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

According to some students, there has been demand from a section of students for a separate vegetarian mess ever since the 'beef festival' incident in May last year.

A research scholar was allegedly thrashed for taking part in the 'beef festival' by some students claimed to be Sangh Parivar supporters.&nbsp;

Posters earmarking separate entry and exit points and wash basins for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students have been allegedly pasted at a mess of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, kicking up a row with a section of students alleging discrimination.

Posters earmarking separate entry and exit points and wash basins for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students have been allegedly pasted at a mess of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, kicking up a row with a section of students alleging discrimination. While pictures of the posters bearing the name of a local caterer and pasted near the doors of the mess were circulated by some students on the social media, an official pleaded ignorance about them and said if found to be true the handbills will be removed. A student said the posters had been put up near two entrances of the north Indian mess located on the second floor of Himalaya Mess Complex, specifying separate entry points and wash basins for non-vegetarian and vegetarian students. One of the pictures of the poster circulated on social media read "Hand Wash Vegetarian Students" while another said "Winter vacation mess - food arrangements. Entry/exit non-vegetarian food students." When contacted, an official in the mess monitoring and control committee of IIT-M told PTI that he was unaware of the posters. He also said arrangements were made for preparing Jain food (without onion or garlic) and he was unaware of any discriminatory arrangements based on vegetarian and non-vegetarian. A research scholar alleged that what started as a demand for a mess catering to 'pure' vegetarians last year had now become full-fledged untouchability'. "This is the first time a mess has two separate entrances for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Not just that, even separate wash basins and separate utensils as well," the student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. According to some students, there has been demand from a section of students for a separate vegetarian mess ever since the 'beef festival' incident in May last year. A research scholar was allegedly thrashed for taking part in the 'beef festival' by some students claimed to be Sangh Parivar supporters.

Posters for separate entry for veg, non-veg IIT-Madras students kick up row

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru was adjudged the overall best institution in the country by the HRD ministry's national ranking framework.

Announcing the rankings at an event at the Vigyan Bhavan here on Tuesday, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar said the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) has been adjudged the best engineering college and the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) the best management institution.

According to the national institutional ranking framework (NIRF), Delhi University's Miranda House was the best college, premier healthcare institute AIIMS the best medical college and NLSIU-Bengaluru the best law school in the country.

In the university category, IISc stood first, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

The Indian Institute of Science was established in 1909 by a visionary partnership of industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Maharaja of Mysore and the government of India, according to its official website.

Since its inception, the institute has laid a balanced emphasis on the pursuit of basic knowledge in science and engineering, as well as on the application of its research findings for the industrial and social benefit.

In the words of its founder, J N Tata, the objectives of the institute are "to provide for advanced instruction and to conduct original investigations in all branches of knowledge as are likely to promote the material and industrial welfare of India."

The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras was adjudged the best engineering college and the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad the best management institution.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru was adjudged the overall best institution in the country by the HRD ministry's national ranking framework. Announcing the rankings at an event at the Vigyan Bhavan here on Tuesday, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar said the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) has been adjudged the best engineering college and the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) the best management institution. According to the national institutional ranking framework (NIRF), Delhi University's Miranda House was the best college, premier healthcare institute AIIMS the best medical college and NLSIU-Bengaluru the best law school in the country. In the university category, IISc stood first, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The Indian Institute of Science was established in 1909 by a visionary partnership of industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Maharaja of Mysore and the government of India, according to its official website. Since its inception, the institute has laid a balanced emphasis on the pursuit of basic knowledge in science and engineering, as well as on the application of its research findings for the industrial and social benefit. In the words of its founder, J N Tata, the objectives of the institute are "to provide for advanced instruction and to conduct original investigations in all branches of knowledge as are likely to promote the material and industrial welfare of India."

Indian Institute of Science India's best higher education institution: HRD Ministry

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