April 3, 2026

NEW DELHI: Two pilots were killed after sustaining fatal injuries following the crash of an IAF Su-30MKI jet in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission. “IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the Indian Air Force said. Earlier, the IAF had stated that the Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the Karbi Anglong area, approximately 60 km from Jorhat. Officials added that the aircraft had lost radar contact after taking off from Jorhat. The Su-30MKI is a two-seater, multirole, long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi and is now built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: ‘Indian navy’s guest struck without warning’: Iran slams US after torpedo sinks warship IRIS Dena’Will bitterly regret’: Iran warns US after IRIS Dena, ‘Indian Navy’s guest’, sunk by torpedo’Could be targeted’: Second Iranian warship heads towards Sri Lanka a day after US submarine attackThe force operates a fleet of over 260 Su-30MKIs. According to news agency ANI, locals reported hearing a loud explosion and were seen using torches and lights to aid in the search. The crash site is roughly 60 km from Jorhat. A local resident told ANI, “We heard a loud noise and an explosion. The police from Chowki Wala police station are here, and they are searching from the helicopter. There is no trace of the pilot yet; nothing has been found so far.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Condoles Khameini’s Death, Jaishankar Speaks To Iranian FM; ‘Iran War God’s Plan’: US MilitaryNitish Kumar Files RS Nomination, Vows Support to New State GovernmentCV Ananda Bose Resigns As Bengal Governor, TN Guv RN Ravi To Replace Him; Mamata Attacks Amit Shah’Undeniable’: US Deputy Secretary Landau Hails India’s Rise As Key To The 21st CenturyJaishankar Dials Iran FM Araghchi After India Condoles Khamenei’s Death In US-Israeli StrikesIran Conflict Presents ‘Huge Opportunity’ For India To Become Clean Energy Exporter: Amitabh KantIndian YouTuber Nancy Grewal Killed In Canada Stabbing, Questions Rise Over Motive Behind Attack’Conflict In Backyard’: Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi On Iran Warship, Govt Denies Responsibility’India Deserves UN Security Council Seat’, Says Finland President Alexander Stubb In Strong Support‘Maha Strategy Repeated’: Opposition Hits Out at BJP After Nitish RS Move123PhotostoriesBaby names for boys born on Friday6 oat and egg dishes for breakfast for complete nutrition7 low-maintenance plants you can grow in waterBrad Pitt’s most iconic on-screen looks that continue to lend fashion goalsCould you be low on magnesium? Common warning signs to know, according to doctorsJanhvi Kapoor birthday special: From ‘Homebound’, ‘Mili’ to ‘Gunjan Saxena’, best performances to watch on OTTHow to make Kolhapuri Egg Curry for lunch at home5 common mistakes to avoid while making restaurant-style Naan at homeMark Zuckerberg buys $170 million mansion in Miami: A look into a tech billionaire’s ultra-luxury abodeIce Apple: One of India’s summer favourite fruits and 5 must-try refreshing ‘tadgola’ recipes for scorching heat123Hot PicksChina Military BudgetIran Mobile Missile LauncersMiddle East CrisisNitish KumarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingAP SSC Hall TicketsBreanna StewartFortnite v39 51 Update Release timeDak Prescotts ContractBengaluru Flight CancellationsNepal ElectionsMiddle East CrisisTelangana High CourtUS SubmarineTrump assassination plot

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
NEW DELHI: Two pilots were killed after sustaining fatal injuries following the crash of an IAF Su-30MKI jet in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission. “IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the Indian Air Force said. Earlier, the IAF had stated that the Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the Karbi Anglong area, approximately 60 km from Jorhat. Officials added that the aircraft had lost radar contact after taking off from Jorhat. The Su-30MKI is a two-seater, multirole, long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi and is now built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: ‘Indian navy’s guest struck without warning’: Iran slams US after torpedo sinks warship IRIS Dena’Will bitterly regret’: Iran warns US after IRIS Dena, ‘Indian Navy’s guest’, sunk by torpedo’Could be targeted’: Second Iranian warship heads towards Sri Lanka a day after US submarine attackThe force operates a fleet of over 260 Su-30MKIs. According to news agency ANI, locals reported hearing a loud explosion and were seen using torches and lights to aid in the search. The crash site is roughly 60 km from Jorhat. A local resident told ANI, “We heard a loud noise and an explosion. The police from Chowki Wala police station are here, and they are searching from the helicopter. There is no trace of the pilot yet; nothing has been found so far.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Condoles Khameini’s Death, Jaishankar Speaks To Iranian FM; ‘Iran War God’s Plan’: US MilitaryNitish Kumar Files RS Nomination, Vows Support to New State GovernmentCV Ananda Bose Resigns As Bengal Governor, TN Guv RN Ravi To Replace Him; Mamata Attacks Amit Shah’Undeniable’: US Deputy Secretary Landau Hails India’s Rise As Key To The 21st CenturyJaishankar Dials Iran FM Araghchi After India Condoles Khamenei’s Death In US-Israeli StrikesIran Conflict Presents ‘Huge Opportunity’ For India To Become Clean Energy Exporter: Amitabh KantIndian YouTuber Nancy Grewal Killed In Canada Stabbing, Questions Rise Over Motive Behind Attack’Conflict In Backyard’: Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi On Iran Warship, Govt Denies Responsibility’India Deserves UN Security Council Seat’, Says Finland President Alexander Stubb In Strong Support‘Maha Strategy Repeated’: Opposition Hits Out at BJP After Nitish RS Move123PhotostoriesBaby names for boys born on Friday6 oat and egg dishes for breakfast for complete nutrition7 low-maintenance plants you can grow in waterBrad Pitt’s most iconic on-screen looks that continue to lend fashion goalsCould you be low on magnesium? Common warning signs to know, according to doctorsJanhvi Kapoor birthday special: From ‘Homebound’, ‘Mili’ to ‘Gunjan Saxena’, best performances to watch on OTTHow to make Kolhapuri Egg Curry for lunch at home5 common mistakes to avoid while making restaurant-style Naan at homeMark Zuckerberg buys 0 million mansion in Miami: A look into a tech billionaire’s ultra-luxury abodeIce Apple: One of India’s summer favourite fruits and 5 must-try refreshing ‘tadgola’ recipes for scorching heat123Hot PicksChina Military BudgetIran Mobile Missile LauncersMiddle East CrisisNitish KumarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingAP SSC Hall TicketsBreanna StewartFortnite v39 51 Update Release timeDak Prescotts ContractBengaluru Flight CancellationsNepal ElectionsMiddle East CrisisTelangana High CourtUS SubmarineTrump assassination plot


Two pilots killed after IAF Sukhoi Su-30 crashes in Assam’s Karbi Anglong

NEW DELHI: Two pilots were killed after sustaining fatal injuries following the crash of an IAF Su-30MKI jet in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission. “IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the Indian Air Force said. Earlier, the IAF had stated that the Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the Karbi Anglong area, approximately 60 km from Jorhat. Officials added that the aircraft had lost radar contact after taking off from Jorhat. The Su-30MKI is a two-seater, multirole, long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi and is now built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF. The force operates a fleet of over 260 Su-30MKIs. According to news agency ANI, locals reported hearing a loud explosion and were seen using torches and lights to aid in the search. The crash site is roughly 60 km from Jorhat. A local resident told ANI, “We heard a loud noise and an explosion. The police from Chowki Wala police station are here, and they are searching from the helicopter. There is no trace of the pilot yet; nothing has been found so far.”



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NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah has described the passage of the Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026, in Parliament as a “giant step” towards enhancing ease of living and ease of doing business in India. In a post on X late Thursday, the home minister said, “Cutting down on several legal provisions, it makes Modi Ji’s vision of New India a grand reality by making life easier and business simpler for all.” Parliament on Thursday passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, to amend 784 provisions in 79 central laws for decriminalising and rationalising minor offences to further improve the business environment and check harassment of people.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123Photostories10 home names inspired by sacred places and their meaningsHow to grow plums in containers on a balconyGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail terms123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah has described the passage of the Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026, in Parliament as a “giant step” towards enhancing ease of living and ease of doing business in India. In a post on X late Thursday, the home minister said, “Cutting down on several legal provisions, it makes Modi Ji’s vision of New India a grand reality by making life easier and business simpler for all.” Parliament on Thursday passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, to amend 784 provisions in 79 central laws for decriminalising and rationalising minor offences to further improve the business environment and check harassment of people.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123Photostories10 home names inspired by sacred places and their meaningsHow to grow plums in containers on a balconyGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail terms123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Vamsikrishna 0
Zahraa Ilyas, a Bachelor of Commerce student at Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, got placed with investment banker Goldman Sachs in July last year. Placements happen throughout the final year and she’s finishing her programme only this year. Zahraa’s is not a small feat if anxious conversations on vanishing entry-level jobs are to be taken seriously. While artificial intelligence has been around for a while, much has changed since the generative kind of intelligence dropped three years ago, overwhelming every topic with a “top line and bottom line”.It is not only changing how work gets done, but also shaping hiring decisions — especially for fresh recruits. What has changed is that the training runway for fresh graduates has reduced significantly, says Kamal Karanth, co-founder of Xpheno, a Bengaluru-based specialist staffing company.The net result is something too demanding. “Companies want ‘ready-to-eat’ graduates — hire today, deploy tomorrow,” says S Sadagopan, founder and former director of IIIT-Bangalore. Recruiters today ask extensively about projects, industry certifications, skill-based credentials and hands-on experience, says Lt Gen M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). “Students who have completed these programmes are generally more confident in interviews and handle technical and problem-solving questions better,” he says.A new kind of rat raceMany colleges in Karnataka, long a magnet for students from across the country and beyond, are quick to realise what they are up against — the traditional degree alone won’t cut it. “AI is now a key basic skill for most of the roles companies are asking for. Companies always look for some specific skills, but they do not mention as much. When there are two good candidates, they pick the one who is more fluent with AI tech and tools,” says Asghar Ahmed, dean for training and placement at Mount Carmel. Before the recruitment, Zahraa underwent 15 days of rigorous training that covered both aptitude and soft skills. “When I realised that Goldman Sachs was coming for campus recruitment, I reached out to the trainers to understand how to prepare,” she says. Mount Carmel’s training module includes algorithmic thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving, AI tools and Microsoft Excel.Skilling is now the last strawIf upskilling was merely fashionable and a resume add-on until the pandemic, it has now become the last straw. For example, after the pandemic, Christ Deemed-to-be University introduced a ‘digital policy’. Drawn up especially for the School of Commerce, it trains every student in AI baseline requirements, with a specific focus on agentic AI, and tools like Visual Basic code, Python, LLMs etc. “These extra courses are the ones which are going to define students’ prospects, not the regular conventional kind of programmes,” says Biju Toms, director of the School of Commerce. “Earlier, we used to say that classroom learning is the key and the faculty was considered sage on stage. All those things are gone. What is important today is how do you supplement it? Most universities make the mistake of giving just theoretical exposure. What students need is hands-on training,” he says. Biju says corporates have become highly demanding. “Earlier, they used to hire in large numbers. Now, many of them are cutting down on numbers. Though companies are not looking at a fully trained AI/ML candidate, when the hiring happens, students with tech exposure enjoy a clear advantage.”Anil P, placement officer at St. Joseph’s University in Bengaluru, says the industry is constantly giving a heads-up on what they expect from fresh grads. For example, companies now expect students of both pure sciences and humanities subjects to know MS Office and Excel. “It used to be that only commerce graduates were familiar with these tools. Now that has changed. So, we wove that into our skill-based training programme for all students,” he says.‘Nature of jobs change every 5 yrs’The National Institute of Technology-Karnataka (NITK) in Surathkal, Dakshina Kannada district, is in constant touch with industry partners and alumni to understand the nature of changes happening to technology at light-speed. “The nature of jobs will change significantly every 5 years, making even new curricula obsolete by the time students graduate,” says Prof B Ravi, director of NIT Karnataka, Surathkal, and Institute Chair Professor at IIT Bombay. Industry partners and alumni are regularly involved in evaluating curricula and individual courses, suggesting improvements, delivering lectures, offering project topics and participating in evaluations. “As far as engineering graduates are concerned, what truly matters is the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, a quality increasingly favoured by companies during placements,” says Ravi.NITK, over the past two years, has been conducting multiple rounds of consultations, surveys and reviews involving faculty, alumni and industry stakeholders. These exercises, Ravi says, led to several key insights, including the need to reduce the overall credit load, introduce greater flexibility through electives, develop new minor programmes, and enable multiple career pathways spanning academia, industry and entrepreneurship. “Students recognise that top jobs go to those who can demonstrate skills, not merely academic knowledge. As a result, many are investing significant time in online learning, vacation internships and weekend freelancing. All such activities contributing to professional development must be formally integrated into the curriculum, academic calendar and weekly timetable,” he says.The rise of ‘add-on’ modulesManipal Academy of Higher Education says it hedges against headwinds by regularly reviewing its curriculum with inputs from academia, industry, and by looking at emerging developments. “What these initiatives do is add an extra layer, more hands-on work, greater exposure to real-life requirements and early familiarity with how things function in industry and other workplaces,” says Venkatesh, VC of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).He notes that many recent additions are being introduced outside the formal university syllabus, primarily due to the need for speed and flexibility. “Formal syllabus revisions take time. Add-on modules allow us to respond much faster. If something new emerges, we can introduce it quickly, modify it, or even discontinue it without disturbing the core academic structure,” he says.Venkatesh also points to a significant shift in higher education towards skill-based micro-credentials, which industries increasingly expect from entry-level employees. On graduate-level entry jobs, he said the university does not see this as a decline but as an adjustment to change. “Entry-level roles are evolving. By exposing students to a wider range of skills, we are opening up more possibilities—across internships, early career roles, startups, research and interdisciplinary areas—rather than pushing everyone into a single narrow pathway,” he says.MAHE has a dedicated Centre for Micro-Credentials at the university that helps faculty actively design, guide and oversee these initiatives, rather than merely implementing externally driven ideas. “Faculty can develop micro-credentials independently, in partnership with industry or industry experts or partner universities. The Govt of India and regulators such as AICTE are actively promoting these initiatives.”Hands tied for affiliated collegesAnanth Prabhu G, cybersecurity expert and a professor, points out that many colleges are unable to make timely changes to syllabus because of structural differences in India’s higher education system. “Colleges in Karnataka fall into 3 categories: affiliated, autonomous and deemed-to-be universities. In affiliated colleges, he notes, the university controls the syllabus, question papers and degree, while teachers only award internal marks. The college has virtually no say in shaping the programme,” he points out. “Autonomous colleges, on the other hand, have the freedom to design their own syllabus, though the degree is awarded by parent university. In the case of deemed universities, curriculum design, evaluation and degree certification are all handled internally,” Prabhu says.An AI divide is emergingAnanth Prabhu G, a cybersecurity expert and professor at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Mangaluru, warns of a growing AI divide, similar to the digital divide of the past. “A few people know how to use AI effectively, while most do not understand how it works,” he says. AI education, he argues, must begin at the school level, especially since today’s students are digital natives. Parents, too, need awareness. Cybercrime, he says, became far more sophisticated, with criminals using AI to send flawless phishing emails. “Earlier, we told people to look for grammatical mistakes. Now you won’t find any,” he says. AI education should not be confined to computer science departments but integrated across commerce, law, humanities and management programmes. Despite widespread anxiety, Prabhu says placements have not yet seen a sharp decline. While minor fluctuations exist, companies continue to hire, largely because AI outputs are not 100% accurate, making human oversight essential. However, he cautions that a major shift is inevitable within the next 2 years, and that AI disruption will not be limited to engineering alone, but will affect commerce, management and all other disciplines.‘Fundamentals matter more than any tool’Whatever students study, they should study it well. That is the first and most important thing. They should not worry about tools. What AWS needs is not what Microsoft needs, and what an oil company needs is not what a hospital needs. Once they master their fundamentals, it takes only a few days or weeks to apply that knowledge to any specific domain. That is how they become productive and retain their jobs.Many students don’t have sufficient background. Machine learning and these AI tools come out of years of research in statistics, inference and neural networks. These are not new. They were developed in the 60s and 70s, but earlier we didn’t have the computational power. Today we do. That’s why students need time to build a solid foundation. Knowing a tool alone is never sufficient. If the tool becomes obsolete tomorrow and you know only the tool, then you also become obsolete. But if you know what is behind the tool, when the new one comes, you can still master it.Students must also learn the art of learning to learn because new tools will keep coming, and nobody will have the time to teach each one. They should always be open to new ideas. Something works in one domain, something else works in another, so they should not get attached to one tool. With strong fundamentals and the ability to learn continuously, they can handle any change. AI will not replace people — with the right grounding, people can actually do much better with AI in the loop.—S Sadagopan, founder-director, IIIT-BEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. 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Zahraa Ilyas, a Bachelor of Commerce student at Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, got placed with investment banker Goldman Sachs in July last year. Placements happen throughout the final year and she’s finishing her programme only this year. Zahraa’s is not a small feat if anxious conversations on vanishing entry-level jobs are to be taken seriously. While artificial intelligence has been around for a while, much has changed since the generative kind of intelligence dropped three years ago, overwhelming every topic with a “top line and bottom line”.It is not only changing how work gets done, but also shaping hiring decisions — especially for fresh recruits. What has changed is that the training runway for fresh graduates has reduced significantly, says Kamal Karanth, co-founder of Xpheno, a Bengaluru-based specialist staffing company.The net result is something too demanding. “Companies want ‘ready-to-eat’ graduates — hire today, deploy tomorrow,” says S Sadagopan, founder and former director of IIIT-Bangalore. Recruiters today ask extensively about projects, industry certifications, skill-based credentials and hands-on experience, says Lt Gen M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). “Students who have completed these programmes are generally more confident in interviews and handle technical and problem-solving questions better,” he says.A new kind of rat raceMany colleges in Karnataka, long a magnet for students from across the country and beyond, are quick to realise what they are up against — the traditional degree alone won’t cut it. “AI is now a key basic skill for most of the roles companies are asking for. Companies always look for some specific skills, but they do not mention as much. When there are two good candidates, they pick the one who is more fluent with AI tech and tools,” says Asghar Ahmed, dean for training and placement at Mount Carmel. Before the recruitment, Zahraa underwent 15 days of rigorous training that covered both aptitude and soft skills. “When I realised that Goldman Sachs was coming for campus recruitment, I reached out to the trainers to understand how to prepare,” she says. Mount Carmel’s training module includes algorithmic thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving, AI tools and Microsoft Excel.Skilling is now the last strawIf upskilling was merely fashionable and a resume add-on until the pandemic, it has now become the last straw. For example, after the pandemic, Christ Deemed-to-be University introduced a ‘digital policy’. Drawn up especially for the School of Commerce, it trains every student in AI baseline requirements, with a specific focus on agentic AI, and tools like Visual Basic code, Python, LLMs etc. “These extra courses are the ones which are going to define students’ prospects, not the regular conventional kind of programmes,” says Biju Toms, director of the School of Commerce. “Earlier, we used to say that classroom learning is the key and the faculty was considered sage on stage. All those things are gone. What is important today is how do you supplement it? Most universities make the mistake of giving just theoretical exposure. What students need is hands-on training,” he says. Biju says corporates have become highly demanding. “Earlier, they used to hire in large numbers. Now, many of them are cutting down on numbers. Though companies are not looking at a fully trained AI/ML candidate, when the hiring happens, students with tech exposure enjoy a clear advantage.”Anil P, placement officer at St. Joseph’s University in Bengaluru, says the industry is constantly giving a heads-up on what they expect from fresh grads. For example, companies now expect students of both pure sciences and humanities subjects to know MS Office and Excel. “It used to be that only commerce graduates were familiar with these tools. Now that has changed. So, we wove that into our skill-based training programme for all students,” he says.‘Nature of jobs change every 5 yrs’The National Institute of Technology-Karnataka (NITK) in Surathkal, Dakshina Kannada district, is in constant touch with industry partners and alumni to understand the nature of changes happening to technology at light-speed. “The nature of jobs will change significantly every 5 years, making even new curricula obsolete by the time students graduate,” says Prof B Ravi, director of NIT Karnataka, Surathkal, and Institute Chair Professor at IIT Bombay. Industry partners and alumni are regularly involved in evaluating curricula and individual courses, suggesting improvements, delivering lectures, offering project topics and participating in evaluations. “As far as engineering graduates are concerned, what truly matters is the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, a quality increasingly favoured by companies during placements,” says Ravi.NITK, over the past two years, has been conducting multiple rounds of consultations, surveys and reviews involving faculty, alumni and industry stakeholders. These exercises, Ravi says, led to several key insights, including the need to reduce the overall credit load, introduce greater flexibility through electives, develop new minor programmes, and enable multiple career pathways spanning academia, industry and entrepreneurship. “Students recognise that top jobs go to those who can demonstrate skills, not merely academic knowledge. As a result, many are investing significant time in online learning, vacation internships and weekend freelancing. All such activities contributing to professional development must be formally integrated into the curriculum, academic calendar and weekly timetable,” he says.The rise of ‘add-on’ modulesManipal Academy of Higher Education says it hedges against headwinds by regularly reviewing its curriculum with inputs from academia, industry, and by looking at emerging developments. “What these initiatives do is add an extra layer, more hands-on work, greater exposure to real-life requirements and early familiarity with how things function in industry and other workplaces,” says Venkatesh, VC of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).He notes that many recent additions are being introduced outside the formal university syllabus, primarily due to the need for speed and flexibility. “Formal syllabus revisions take time. Add-on modules allow us to respond much faster. If something new emerges, we can introduce it quickly, modify it, or even discontinue it without disturbing the core academic structure,” he says.Venkatesh also points to a significant shift in higher education towards skill-based micro-credentials, which industries increasingly expect from entry-level employees. On graduate-level entry jobs, he said the university does not see this as a decline but as an adjustment to change. “Entry-level roles are evolving. By exposing students to a wider range of skills, we are opening up more possibilities—across internships, early career roles, startups, research and interdisciplinary areas—rather than pushing everyone into a single narrow pathway,” he says.MAHE has a dedicated Centre for Micro-Credentials at the university that helps faculty actively design, guide and oversee these initiatives, rather than merely implementing externally driven ideas. “Faculty can develop micro-credentials independently, in partnership with industry or industry experts or partner universities. The Govt of India and regulators such as AICTE are actively promoting these initiatives.”Hands tied for affiliated collegesAnanth Prabhu G, cybersecurity expert and a professor, points out that many colleges are unable to make timely changes to syllabus because of structural differences in India’s higher education system. “Colleges in Karnataka fall into 3 categories: affiliated, autonomous and deemed-to-be universities. In affiliated colleges, he notes, the university controls the syllabus, question papers and degree, while teachers only award internal marks. The college has virtually no say in shaping the programme,” he points out. “Autonomous colleges, on the other hand, have the freedom to design their own syllabus, though the degree is awarded by parent university. In the case of deemed universities, curriculum design, evaluation and degree certification are all handled internally,” Prabhu says.An AI divide is emergingAnanth Prabhu G, a cybersecurity expert and professor at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Mangaluru, warns of a growing AI divide, similar to the digital divide of the past. “A few people know how to use AI effectively, while most do not understand how it works,” he says. AI education, he argues, must begin at the school level, especially since today’s students are digital natives. Parents, too, need awareness. Cybercrime, he says, became far more sophisticated, with criminals using AI to send flawless phishing emails. “Earlier, we told people to look for grammatical mistakes. Now you won’t find any,” he says. AI education should not be confined to computer science departments but integrated across commerce, law, humanities and management programmes. Despite widespread anxiety, Prabhu says placements have not yet seen a sharp decline. While minor fluctuations exist, companies continue to hire, largely because AI outputs are not 100% accurate, making human oversight essential. However, he cautions that a major shift is inevitable within the next 2 years, and that AI disruption will not be limited to engineering alone, but will affect commerce, management and all other disciplines.‘Fundamentals matter more than any tool’Whatever students study, they should study it well. That is the first and most important thing. They should not worry about tools. What AWS needs is not what Microsoft needs, and what an oil company needs is not what a hospital needs. Once they master their fundamentals, it takes only a few days or weeks to apply that knowledge to any specific domain. That is how they become productive and retain their jobs.Many students don’t have sufficient background. Machine learning and these AI tools come out of years of research in statistics, inference and neural networks. These are not new. They were developed in the 60s and 70s, but earlier we didn’t have the computational power. Today we do. That’s why students need time to build a solid foundation. Knowing a tool alone is never sufficient. If the tool becomes obsolete tomorrow and you know only the tool, then you also become obsolete. But if you know what is behind the tool, when the new one comes, you can still master it.Students must also learn the art of learning to learn because new tools will keep coming, and nobody will have the time to teach each one. They should always be open to new ideas. Something works in one domain, something else works in another, so they should not get attached to one tool. With strong fundamentals and the ability to learn continuously, they can handle any change. AI will not replace people — with the right grounding, people can actually do much better with AI in the loop.—S Sadagopan, founder-director, IIIT-BEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Vamsikrishna 0
On a weekday afternoon at a govt college in central Karnataka, the student notice board is crowded with circulars on examinations, scholarships and cultural events. What’s missing, however, are printed campaign posters, and hand-written appeals for votes or calls for debates that once defined campus life in the state. It has been nearly four decades now since college corridors in Karnataka have fallen quiet, and stopped reverberating with passionate chants from the student community either protesting or rallying over a myriad causes. Student union elections have remained banned across colleges and universities in Karnataka, which, some would argue, has left campuses politically subdued compared to earlier decades.The ban & a ‘talent crunch’That long silence may now be nearing an end — after nearly 37 years, the Congress govt in Karnataka has announced its plans to revive student union elections across the state’s colleges and universities, reopening a chapter that was abruptly closed in 1989. Faced with concerns over violence, politicisation and academic disruption, it was also a Congress govt led by chief minister Veerendra Patil that put an end to campus politics. When CM Patil announced the ban, it was meant to be a temporary measure, but it continued. Soon, nominated or advisory student councils replaced ‘politically’ elected unions. Though students could still raise issues related to fees, hostels and examination delays, formal representation weakened over time.But the ban and its aftermath have kept alive a debate touching on democracy, discipline and the role of educational institutions in shaping future political leadership. They have also kept the spotlight on the state’s once-vibrant student movements, their decline, and the political calculations surrounding a possible revival.The current Congress govt’s announcement to revive campus politics, which came as a surprise to many, was made at the behest of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. “We need to tap young political talent. It is possible with campus elections,” says deputy CM D K Shivakumar.An EVM for campus pollsFor many in Karnataka, the govt’s attempts at reviving campus politics have stirred memories of a period when campuses were lively spaces of democratic practice. In 1982, students of MES College in Bengaluru queued up to vote in a student union election that would later enter the state’s electoral lore — electronic voting machines, then a novelty, were tested in the college election on a pilot basis. A year later, EVMs were introduced in assembly elections.At the time, universities were more than places for lectures and examinations. Institutions such as Mysore University, Karnatak University in Dharwad and Bangalore University were known for intense debates on land reforms, linguistic identity, social justice and reservation policies. Student unions functioned as representative bodies elected through regular polls, negotiating with the administration on hostels, scholarships, transport facilities and examination reforms.”Campus elections were our first lessons in democracy,” says MLC and govt chief whip in the Legislative Council Saleem Ahmed, a former student leader who later entered mainstream politics. “We learnt how to campaign without money, how to speak to people and how to accept defeat.”The 1970s and 1980sStudent politics in Karnataka during the 1960s and 1970s often mirrored broader social movements. While political parties maintained informal links with student groups, campuses also saw independent collectives focused on academic and welfare issues. For students from marginalised communities, unions provided an institutional platform to articulate concerns that might otherwise have gone unheard.By the late 1970s and early 1980s, however, the nature of campus politics began to shift. Student organisations affiliated with mainstream political parties grew stronger, and elections increasingly reflected state-level rivalries. Allegations of money power, external interference and the involvement of non-students became common. Ideological and caste-based divisions sharpened, occasionally erupting into violence.Rising through the ranksFor some big names in contemporary politics, campuses were the launchpad. Long before D K Shivakumar became deputy CM and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, his political education began not in party offices or election war rooms, but in college corridors. At Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College in the early 1980s, Shivakumar emerged as a visible student leader affiliated with the National Students Union of India (NSUI), at a time when campuses were active arenas of debate, mobilisation and electoral competition. That exposure, he has repeatedly said, gave him his first lessons in leadership, organisation and public engagement.A few kilometres away, and a decade earlier, B K Hariprasad, now a former AICC general secretary and MLC, began his political journey as a student activist at MES College, Bengaluru, in 1972. Rising through the ranks of student and youth organisations, Hariprasad went on to serve as vice-president of the All India Youth Congress, AICC general secretary and a four-term Rajya Sabha member. His work among backward classes and grassroots networks earned him recognition from senior Congress leaders, including Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, an eight-time MLA, also rose from student activism as the secretary of the students’ union at Govt Science College in Bengaluru. He was also a member of the student council at Bangalore University. In 1977, he became the student union president at the university.Their trajectories — from student politics to the highest levels of party and govt — are now at the centre of a renewed policy debate in Karnataka. “I myself came up through campus politics. Being a student leader helped me in my political career,” Shivakumar says. “Student elections are essential to nurture young political talent.”Feasibility & other questionsTo examine the framework, feasibility and implications of reintroducing campus polls, the govt has constituted a high-level 11-member committee. Medical education minister Sharanprakash Patil has been appointed convener. The panel includes higher education minister Dr M C Sudhakar, MLAs Rizwan Arshad and B Shivanna, MLCs Saleem Ahmed, Basanagouda Badarli and Puttanna, Karnataka Youth Congress president H S Manjunath and NSUI president Keerthi Ganesh.The committee has been asked to submit its report within 15 days, Shivakumar said in a letter dated Dec 27. Among the questions before it are whether student elections should be conducted under political party banners or in a non-political format, and whether reservations should be extended to women, OBCs, SC/STs and students with disabilities.Retired academic Bandu Upadhya, who worked as college principal during some of the tumultuous years of campus politics, recalls the atmosphere then vividly. “Candidates were openly sponsored by political parties. There were sharp divisions among students, frequent arguments and sometimes clashes. Anti-social elements also entered campuses,” he says.Academic calendars used to be frequently disrupted, police presence during campus elections became routine, and administrators struggled to maintain order. In 1989, under the Congress govt headed by the then CM Veerendra Patil, student union elections were banned across Karnataka.Arguing for & against the banWhat was initially described as a temporary measure became an entrenched policy. Elected student bodies were dismantled and replaced with nominated or advisory councils. Over time, student participation in institutional governance became largely symbolic. Generations of students passed through colleges without ever voting for a class representative, let alone a union president.Supporters of the ban argue that it brought in stability. “After the ban, there were fewer disruptions, and academic schedules became predictable,” says a former university administrator.Critics counter that the silence came at a cost. “Banning student elections reflects a lack of trust in our youth,” says Ravindra Reshme, political commentator and former president of the Federation of Karnataka University and College Teachers’ Association. “It denies students practical democratic training.”Despite the ban, political engagement did not disappear from campuses. Students continued to organise protests around issues such as fee hikes, delays in examinations, hostel facilities and reservation policies. Political parties maintained informal networks among students, particularly during state and national elections. But these activities lacked the structure, accountability and continuity of elected unions.In some private and autonomous institutions, limited forms of student councils were permitted, largely restricted to cultural activities and kept formally non-political.Student organisations remain divided on the issue. “Campus elections are the first exposure many students get to democracy,” says Adarsh M, an NSUI office-bearer from Bangalore University. “Elections help identify leaders early and train them in accountability, debate and organisation.”AISF activist Srinath Rao says elected unions provided students from marginalised backgrounds with a legitimate platform. “Without elections, representation becomes symbolic and dominated by nominations,” he said.Campus Front member Mohammed Sajid argues that student polls are about participation beyond party politics. “Even non-party students benefit when administrations are forced to listen to elected representatives,” he says.The ABVP expresses some reservations. “Campuses exist primarily for academics,” points out Mahendra K, an ABVP functionary. “We have already seen that in the past, elections often led to disruptions, violence and outside interference. Reviving them without strict safeguards will harm students’ academic interests.”SFI leader Bharath Krishna raises concerns about political influence. “There is a danger that campus elections will become extensions of ruling party politics,” he warns, calling for strict enforcement of expenditure limits and prevention of external interference.Political observers say the Congress govt’s move is also driven by organisational considerations. “Unlike the BJP, which has the RSS as a pipeline, the Congress lacks institutional channels to groom grassroots leadership,” says political strategist Vishwas Shetty. “Campus elections offer one such route.”Political analyst M N Patil points to a brighter side of campus politics. “Student leaders learn how to organise, strategise and question authority. In their absence, democracy becomes transactional,” he says.Opposition parties have reacted cautiously. BJP leaders have warned against politicising educational institutions. “Colleges should focus on academics,” senior BJP MLA and deputy opposition leader in the legislative assembly Aravind Bellad has said. “If elections are revived, there must be strict safeguards.” The JD(S), meanwhile, has taken a more nuanced position. “Student movements have shaped leaders across parties, but campuses should not become battlegrounds,” a party functionary has said when contacted. About the AuthorManuAiyappa KanathandaManu Aiyappa has been with The Times of India for over two decades, currently serving as the Political Editor. His reporting focuses on politics, public policy, and in-depth features that aim to inform and engage a broad readership. Over the years, his work has been recognised by both the Press Club of Bangalore and the Karnataka Media Academy for its clarity, credibility, and relevance to public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

On a weekday afternoon at a govt college in central Karnataka, the student notice board is crowded with circulars on examinations, scholarships and cultural events. What’s missing, however, are printed campaign posters, and hand-written appeals for votes or calls for debates that once defined campus life in the state. It has been nearly four decades now since college corridors in Karnataka have fallen quiet, and stopped reverberating with passionate chants from the student community either protesting or rallying over a myriad causes. Student union elections have remained banned across colleges and universities in Karnataka, which, some would argue, has left campuses politically subdued compared to earlier decades.The ban & a ‘talent crunch’That long silence may now be nearing an end — after nearly 37 years, the Congress govt in Karnataka has announced its plans to revive student union elections across the state’s colleges and universities, reopening a chapter that was abruptly closed in 1989. Faced with concerns over violence, politicisation and academic disruption, it was also a Congress govt led by chief minister Veerendra Patil that put an end to campus politics. When CM Patil announced the ban, it was meant to be a temporary measure, but it continued. Soon, nominated or advisory student councils replaced ‘politically’ elected unions. Though students could still raise issues related to fees, hostels and examination delays, formal representation weakened over time.But the ban and its aftermath have kept alive a debate touching on democracy, discipline and the role of educational institutions in shaping future political leadership. They have also kept the spotlight on the state’s once-vibrant student movements, their decline, and the political calculations surrounding a possible revival.The current Congress govt’s announcement to revive campus politics, which came as a surprise to many, was made at the behest of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. “We need to tap young political talent. It is possible with campus elections,” says deputy CM D K Shivakumar.An EVM for campus pollsFor many in Karnataka, the govt’s attempts at reviving campus politics have stirred memories of a period when campuses were lively spaces of democratic practice. In 1982, students of MES College in Bengaluru queued up to vote in a student union election that would later enter the state’s electoral lore — electronic voting machines, then a novelty, were tested in the college election on a pilot basis. A year later, EVMs were introduced in assembly elections.At the time, universities were more than places for lectures and examinations. Institutions such as Mysore University, Karnatak University in Dharwad and Bangalore University were known for intense debates on land reforms, linguistic identity, social justice and reservation policies. Student unions functioned as representative bodies elected through regular polls, negotiating with the administration on hostels, scholarships, transport facilities and examination reforms.”Campus elections were our first lessons in democracy,” says MLC and govt chief whip in the Legislative Council Saleem Ahmed, a former student leader who later entered mainstream politics. “We learnt how to campaign without money, how to speak to people and how to accept defeat.”The 1970s and 1980sStudent politics in Karnataka during the 1960s and 1970s often mirrored broader social movements. While political parties maintained informal links with student groups, campuses also saw independent collectives focused on academic and welfare issues. For students from marginalised communities, unions provided an institutional platform to articulate concerns that might otherwise have gone unheard.By the late 1970s and early 1980s, however, the nature of campus politics began to shift. Student organisations affiliated with mainstream political parties grew stronger, and elections increasingly reflected state-level rivalries. Allegations of money power, external interference and the involvement of non-students became common. Ideological and caste-based divisions sharpened, occasionally erupting into violence.Rising through the ranksFor some big names in contemporary politics, campuses were the launchpad. Long before D K Shivakumar became deputy CM and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, his political education began not in party offices or election war rooms, but in college corridors. At Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College in the early 1980s, Shivakumar emerged as a visible student leader affiliated with the National Students Union of India (NSUI), at a time when campuses were active arenas of debate, mobilisation and electoral competition. That exposure, he has repeatedly said, gave him his first lessons in leadership, organisation and public engagement.A few kilometres away, and a decade earlier, B K Hariprasad, now a former AICC general secretary and MLC, began his political journey as a student activist at MES College, Bengaluru, in 1972. Rising through the ranks of student and youth organisations, Hariprasad went on to serve as vice-president of the All India Youth Congress, AICC general secretary and a four-term Rajya Sabha member. His work among backward classes and grassroots networks earned him recognition from senior Congress leaders, including Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, an eight-time MLA, also rose from student activism as the secretary of the students’ union at Govt Science College in Bengaluru. He was also a member of the student council at Bangalore University. In 1977, he became the student union president at the university.Their trajectories — from student politics to the highest levels of party and govt — are now at the centre of a renewed policy debate in Karnataka. “I myself came up through campus politics. Being a student leader helped me in my political career,” Shivakumar says. “Student elections are essential to nurture young political talent.”Feasibility & other questionsTo examine the framework, feasibility and implications of reintroducing campus polls, the govt has constituted a high-level 11-member committee. Medical education minister Sharanprakash Patil has been appointed convener. The panel includes higher education minister Dr M C Sudhakar, MLAs Rizwan Arshad and B Shivanna, MLCs Saleem Ahmed, Basanagouda Badarli and Puttanna, Karnataka Youth Congress president H S Manjunath and NSUI president Keerthi Ganesh.The committee has been asked to submit its report within 15 days, Shivakumar said in a letter dated Dec 27. Among the questions before it are whether student elections should be conducted under political party banners or in a non-political format, and whether reservations should be extended to women, OBCs, SC/STs and students with disabilities.Retired academic Bandu Upadhya, who worked as college principal during some of the tumultuous years of campus politics, recalls the atmosphere then vividly. “Candidates were openly sponsored by political parties. There were sharp divisions among students, frequent arguments and sometimes clashes. Anti-social elements also entered campuses,” he says.Academic calendars used to be frequently disrupted, police presence during campus elections became routine, and administrators struggled to maintain order. In 1989, under the Congress govt headed by the then CM Veerendra Patil, student union elections were banned across Karnataka.Arguing for & against the banWhat was initially described as a temporary measure became an entrenched policy. Elected student bodies were dismantled and replaced with nominated or advisory councils. Over time, student participation in institutional governance became largely symbolic. Generations of students passed through colleges without ever voting for a class representative, let alone a union president.Supporters of the ban argue that it brought in stability. “After the ban, there were fewer disruptions, and academic schedules became predictable,” says a former university administrator.Critics counter that the silence came at a cost. “Banning student elections reflects a lack of trust in our youth,” says Ravindra Reshme, political commentator and former president of the Federation of Karnataka University and College Teachers’ Association. “It denies students practical democratic training.”Despite the ban, political engagement did not disappear from campuses. Students continued to organise protests around issues such as fee hikes, delays in examinations, hostel facilities and reservation policies. Political parties maintained informal networks among students, particularly during state and national elections. But these activities lacked the structure, accountability and continuity of elected unions.In some private and autonomous institutions, limited forms of student councils were permitted, largely restricted to cultural activities and kept formally non-political.Student organisations remain divided on the issue. “Campus elections are the first exposure many students get to democracy,” says Adarsh M, an NSUI office-bearer from Bangalore University. “Elections help identify leaders early and train them in accountability, debate and organisation.”AISF activist Srinath Rao says elected unions provided students from marginalised backgrounds with a legitimate platform. “Without elections, representation becomes symbolic and dominated by nominations,” he said.Campus Front member Mohammed Sajid argues that student polls are about participation beyond party politics. “Even non-party students benefit when administrations are forced to listen to elected representatives,” he says.The ABVP expresses some reservations. “Campuses exist primarily for academics,” points out Mahendra K, an ABVP functionary. “We have already seen that in the past, elections often led to disruptions, violence and outside interference. Reviving them without strict safeguards will harm students’ academic interests.”SFI leader Bharath Krishna raises concerns about political influence. “There is a danger that campus elections will become extensions of ruling party politics,” he warns, calling for strict enforcement of expenditure limits and prevention of external interference.Political observers say the Congress govt’s move is also driven by organisational considerations. “Unlike the BJP, which has the RSS as a pipeline, the Congress lacks institutional channels to groom grassroots leadership,” says political strategist Vishwas Shetty. “Campus elections offer one such route.”Political analyst M N Patil points to a brighter side of campus politics. “Student leaders learn how to organise, strategise and question authority. In their absence, democracy becomes transactional,” he says.Opposition parties have reacted cautiously. BJP leaders have warned against politicising educational institutions. “Colleges should focus on academics,” senior BJP MLA and deputy opposition leader in the legislative assembly Aravind Bellad has said. “If elections are revived, there must be strict safeguards.” The JD(S), meanwhile, has taken a more nuanced position. “Student movements have shaped leaders across parties, but campuses should not become battlegrounds,” a party functionary has said when contacted. About the AuthorManuAiyappa KanathandaManu Aiyappa has been with The Times of India for over two decades, currently serving as the Political Editor. His reporting focuses on politics, public policy, and in-depth features that aim to inform and engage a broad readership. Over the years, his work has been recognised by both the Press Club of Bangalore and the Karnataka Media Academy for its clarity, credibility, and relevance to public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Vamsikrishna 0
Bengaluru’s pollution isn’t dramatic; it’s daily: no smog alerts, no panic buying of masks — just traffic, dust and air that feels normal. The city does not shut down schools for smog, nor does it disappear under a grey blanket each winter. If you ask experts at ‘Air Quality Sector’ of Bengaluru-based research think tank CSTEP to explain this in numbers, they would say for the period between 2019 and 2024, Bengaluru’s annual average PM2.5 levels (particulate matter in the air with a diameter of 2.5 or less) have largely remained in the range of 30-35 μg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre). In simple terms, it would mean Bengaluru’s air has a ‘moderate but constant’ level of fine pollution throughout the year. The WHO’s air quality guidelines recommend that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³.What does it mean?While the PM2.5 concentrations have decreased in some cities, such as Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, its exposure remains high across cities, exceeding the annual limit of 40 μg/m3 for PM2.5, set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for India. Seasonal patterns offer some relief, but only temporarily. In Bengaluru, the seasonal mean PM2.5 concentration is highest during winter (Dec–Feb) where it averages at 43 μg/m3, exceeding the limits set by NAAQS. It is lowest during monsoon (June–Sept), at 19.8 μg/m3. Particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 or less penetrates deep into the body, damages lungs and the cardiovascular system, and raises risks of major chronic diseases, making it a critical public health concern.”Except for Chennai, which has slightly lower PM2.5 concentrations than Bengaluru, the other metros exhibit relatively higher concentrations than Bengaluru,” says Prakash Doraiswamy, sector head, air quality, at Center for Study of Science, Technology & Policy (CSTEP). Preliminary analysis for 2025 has shown unusually lower concentrations compared to previous years. “Analysis is under way to determine the reasons,” he adds.When measured against global health benchmarks, the gap widens sharply. The World Health Organization’s guideline for annual PM2.5 exposure is 5 µg/m³, a level that none of India’s major cities currently meet. “Bengaluru, like other metros, exceeds the WHO guideline several times over,” notes Nirav Lekinwala, a senior associate at CSTEP, describing the guideline as a long-term public health goal rather than a standard Indian cities are close to achieving. “Bengaluru’s relatively benign reputation is also shaped by how pollution is officially measured. Using data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s continuous monitoring stations, experts point out that Bengaluru crossed the Indian daily PM2.5 standard of 60 µg/m³ on roughly 27% of days in recent years,” he adds. WHO recommends that daily (24-hour) PM2.5 shouldn’t exceed approximately 15 µg/m³. “Comparisons with WHO daily limits are difficult, because India’s AQI framework is based on national standards,” he explains, adding that by WHO measures, exceedances are common across the country.Understanding the sourceWhen it comes to what actually dirties Bengaluru’s air, transport dominates. The most recent source-apportionment study shows that vehicles contribute about 40% of PM2.5 concentrations in the city, says Doraiswamy. Resuspended road dust and windblown soil together account for roughly 25%, reflecting the impact of traffic movement on poorly maintained roads. Secondary particles — sulphates and nitrates formed in the atmosphere from precursor gases — contribute another 16%, pointing to emissions from coal-based sources beyond city limits.Other contributors are smaller but still present. “Wood burning contributes around 4% of PM2.5,” says Nirav. Construction activity, often blamed by residents, appears to play a limited role in fine particulates. “Construction contributes less than 1% of PM2.5 concentrations, though it accounts for around 6% of PM10,” he noted, emphasising that these figures are based on pollution measured at monitoring locations after pollutants have mixed in the atmosphere.Emission-based estimates (focusing on the sources of pollutants rather than their concentration in the atmosphere) tell a similar story. Transport remains the largest source of PM2.5 emissions, followed by diesel generator sets and waste burning. Construction activity contributes an estimated 3% of PM2.5 emissions and about 11% of PM10 emissions, based on 2019 data, excluding large infrastructure projects such as metro construction.When the data walks into the clinicDr Ravindra Mehta, founder of Vaayu Chest and Sleep Speciality Clinic in Bengaluru and an innovator in interventional pulmonology, raises concerns over the accuracy of the city’s air-quality measurements, calling it a “fallacy” to assume that Bengaluru’s air is acceptable. “While Bengaluru benefits from moving air, which prevents conditions from becoming as severe as Delhi’s, the AQI has been steadily increasing over the last two years due to a significant rise in traffic intensity. This upward trend, or ‘uptick’, in pollution is worrying and should trigger immediate action from all sections of society — civil society, politicians, planners and policymakers — instead of waiting for a catastrophe,” he warns.Dr Mehta says he has observed clear patterns in respiratory illnesses in the city over the years. “Respiratory illnesses are much more common now. India already carries the unfortunate tag of being the asthma capital of the world. Asthma affects around 5–10% of the general population, and severe asthma accounts for around 10% of that. We are seeing much more allergy, asthma, lung function issues and related conditions.””This season in particular — with a combination of weather changes, increasing traffic, pollution, and high levels of travel and social mixing — our numbers have been the highest seen in years. What has also changed is that people don’t recognise symptoms early, they postpone treatment, cough for longer durations, and require more investigations and more treatment than earlier,” he explains. Data collected through screening programmes conducted by the Vaayu Chest and Sleep Speciality Clinic among traffic police, bus workers and construction workers reflects this trend. “We now have data from around 9,000 to 10,000 individuals, and nearly 29% of them show lung capacity issues. All of this reflects a progressive increase in pollution in the city,” he says.On the main sources of pollution, Dr Mehta says the problem lies in a mix of factors, with traffic playing a central role. “From a medical point of view, it’s a mix — all the problems lie in that mix. It starts with traffic, and there are multiple issues there. It’s not just the volume of traffic, but slow-moving traffic. When vehicles are idling or barely moving, pollutants concentrate in the air because engines continue to emit, leading to greater exposure and impact.”When pollution becomes routineThe Garden City doesn’t wake up to smog alerts or gas masks. Its air problem is quieter — steady, familiar, and easy to ignore. Its pollution story may lack the visual drama of northern Indian cities, but experts warn against equating visibility with risk. The damage here is cumulative, shaped by everyday exposure and gradual health impacts — the kind that rarely make headlines, but linger long after the traffic clears.About the AuthorGokul MGGokul MG is a senior digital content producer with the Times of India, Bengaluru desk. He is a writer with a soft spot for sports, Sunday leagues, urban legends, and the smell of popcorn at a matinee.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. 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Bengaluru’s pollution isn’t dramatic; it’s daily: no smog alerts, no panic buying of masks — just traffic, dust and air that feels normal. The city does not shut down schools for smog, nor does it disappear under a grey blanket each winter. If you ask experts at ‘Air Quality Sector’ of Bengaluru-based research think tank CSTEP to explain this in numbers, they would say for the period between 2019 and 2024, Bengaluru’s annual average PM2.5 levels (particulate matter in the air with a diameter of 2.5 or less) have largely remained in the range of 30-35 μg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre). In simple terms, it would mean Bengaluru’s air has a ‘moderate but constant’ level of fine pollution throughout the year. The WHO’s air quality guidelines recommend that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³.What does it mean?While the PM2.5 concentrations have decreased in some cities, such as Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, its exposure remains high across cities, exceeding the annual limit of 40 μg/m3 for PM2.5, set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for India. Seasonal patterns offer some relief, but only temporarily. In Bengaluru, the seasonal mean PM2.5 concentration is highest during winter (Dec–Feb) where it averages at 43 μg/m3, exceeding the limits set by NAAQS. It is lowest during monsoon (June–Sept), at 19.8 μg/m3. Particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 or less penetrates deep into the body, damages lungs and the cardiovascular system, and raises risks of major chronic diseases, making it a critical public health concern.”Except for Chennai, which has slightly lower PM2.5 concentrations than Bengaluru, the other metros exhibit relatively higher concentrations than Bengaluru,” says Prakash Doraiswamy, sector head, air quality, at Center for Study of Science, Technology & Policy (CSTEP). Preliminary analysis for 2025 has shown unusually lower concentrations compared to previous years. “Analysis is under way to determine the reasons,” he adds.When measured against global health benchmarks, the gap widens sharply. The World Health Organization’s guideline for annual PM2.5 exposure is 5 µg/m³, a level that none of India’s major cities currently meet. “Bengaluru, like other metros, exceeds the WHO guideline several times over,” notes Nirav Lekinwala, a senior associate at CSTEP, describing the guideline as a long-term public health goal rather than a standard Indian cities are close to achieving. “Bengaluru’s relatively benign reputation is also shaped by how pollution is officially measured. Using data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s continuous monitoring stations, experts point out that Bengaluru crossed the Indian daily PM2.5 standard of 60 µg/m³ on roughly 27% of days in recent years,” he adds. WHO recommends that daily (24-hour) PM2.5 shouldn’t exceed approximately 15 µg/m³. “Comparisons with WHO daily limits are difficult, because India’s AQI framework is based on national standards,” he explains, adding that by WHO measures, exceedances are common across the country.Understanding the sourceWhen it comes to what actually dirties Bengaluru’s air, transport dominates. The most recent source-apportionment study shows that vehicles contribute about 40% of PM2.5 concentrations in the city, says Doraiswamy. Resuspended road dust and windblown soil together account for roughly 25%, reflecting the impact of traffic movement on poorly maintained roads. Secondary particles — sulphates and nitrates formed in the atmosphere from precursor gases — contribute another 16%, pointing to emissions from coal-based sources beyond city limits.Other contributors are smaller but still present. “Wood burning contributes around 4% of PM2.5,” says Nirav. Construction activity, often blamed by residents, appears to play a limited role in fine particulates. “Construction contributes less than 1% of PM2.5 concentrations, though it accounts for around 6% of PM10,” he noted, emphasising that these figures are based on pollution measured at monitoring locations after pollutants have mixed in the atmosphere.Emission-based estimates (focusing on the sources of pollutants rather than their concentration in the atmosphere) tell a similar story. Transport remains the largest source of PM2.5 emissions, followed by diesel generator sets and waste burning. Construction activity contributes an estimated 3% of PM2.5 emissions and about 11% of PM10 emissions, based on 2019 data, excluding large infrastructure projects such as metro construction.When the data walks into the clinicDr Ravindra Mehta, founder of Vaayu Chest and Sleep Speciality Clinic in Bengaluru and an innovator in interventional pulmonology, raises concerns over the accuracy of the city’s air-quality measurements, calling it a “fallacy” to assume that Bengaluru’s air is acceptable. “While Bengaluru benefits from moving air, which prevents conditions from becoming as severe as Delhi’s, the AQI has been steadily increasing over the last two years due to a significant rise in traffic intensity. This upward trend, or ‘uptick’, in pollution is worrying and should trigger immediate action from all sections of society — civil society, politicians, planners and policymakers — instead of waiting for a catastrophe,” he warns.Dr Mehta says he has observed clear patterns in respiratory illnesses in the city over the years. “Respiratory illnesses are much more common now. India already carries the unfortunate tag of being the asthma capital of the world. Asthma affects around 5–10% of the general population, and severe asthma accounts for around 10% of that. We are seeing much more allergy, asthma, lung function issues and related conditions.””This season in particular — with a combination of weather changes, increasing traffic, pollution, and high levels of travel and social mixing — our numbers have been the highest seen in years. What has also changed is that people don’t recognise symptoms early, they postpone treatment, cough for longer durations, and require more investigations and more treatment than earlier,” he explains. Data collected through screening programmes conducted by the Vaayu Chest and Sleep Speciality Clinic among traffic police, bus workers and construction workers reflects this trend. “We now have data from around 9,000 to 10,000 individuals, and nearly 29% of them show lung capacity issues. All of this reflects a progressive increase in pollution in the city,” he says.On the main sources of pollution, Dr Mehta says the problem lies in a mix of factors, with traffic playing a central role. “From a medical point of view, it’s a mix — all the problems lie in that mix. It starts with traffic, and there are multiple issues there. It’s not just the volume of traffic, but slow-moving traffic. When vehicles are idling or barely moving, pollutants concentrate in the air because engines continue to emit, leading to greater exposure and impact.”When pollution becomes routineThe Garden City doesn’t wake up to smog alerts or gas masks. Its air problem is quieter — steady, familiar, and easy to ignore. Its pollution story may lack the visual drama of northern Indian cities, but experts warn against equating visibility with risk. The damage here is cumulative, shaped by everyday exposure and gradual health impacts — the kind that rarely make headlines, but linger long after the traffic clears.About the AuthorGokul MGGokul MG is a senior digital content producer with the Times of India, Bengaluru desk. He is a writer with a soft spot for sports, Sunday leagues, urban legends, and the smell of popcorn at a matinee.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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