Latest news with #Ramakrishnan
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Funding, infrastructure, general environment woes unattractive for senior international scientists to work in India: Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan
With the U.S. terminating several research programmes, firing thousands of federal scientists, and cancelling important, high-value federal research grants— $8 billion already and further cuts of almost $18 billion next year for National Institute of Health (NIH), proposed cuts of about $5 billion next year to National Science Foundation (NSF), proposed cut of nearly 25% to NASA's budget for 2026, and billions of dollars cut in grants to several universities — many U.S. scientists are planning to move to other countries. According to an analysis carried out by Nature Careers, U.S. applications for European vacancies shot up by 32% in March this year compared with March 2024. A Nature poll found that 75% of respondents were 'keen to leave the country'. The European Union and at least a handful of European countries have committed special funding to attract researchers from the U.S. But the committed funding is dwarfed by the scale of funding cuts by the U.S., and the funding is already highly competitive in Europe, senior scientists from the U.S. moving to Europe in large numbers may not happen. 'There will be a few scientists who will move, but I do not see a mass exodus. Firstly, salaries in Europe are well below those in the U.S. Secondly, moving is always difficult both professionally and personally. Finally, the U.S. is still the pre-eminent scientific country, and that will be hard to walk away from. I say this as someone who actually did move from the U.S. to England over 25 years ago, with a salary that was just over half what I was making there,' Nobel Laureate Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, professor at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, U.K., says in an email to The Hindu. In comparison, India has only a handful of institutions such as IISc, NCBS, TIFR, IISERs and IITs that can possibly attract U.S. scientists. According to him, even the renowned institutions in India are 'world class only in some very specific areas'. 'I do not see India as a general magnet for international science,' Prof. Ramakrishnan says. Though funding for science in India has increased in absolute terms, the percentage of GDP allocated to R&D has actually reduced. India's gross expenditure on R&D is estimated to be around 0.6-0.7% of GDP in 2025. Specifically, with long-term assured funding for basic research, which is an absolute necessity to attract researchers based in America, not guaranteed by existing programmes, can India take advantage of the situation in the U.S.? 'India's R&D investment as a fraction of GDP is much less than China's and is about a third or less of what many developed countries have, and far below countries like South Korea. It will not be competitive without a substantial increase,' he says. Lack of funding and infrastructure in India About funding in general and funding for basic research in particular, Prof. Ramakrishnan says: 'Neither the funding, the infrastructure nor the general environment in India is attractive for top-level international scientists to leave the U.S. to work in India. There may be specific areas (e.g. tropical diseases, ecology, etc) where India is particularly well suited, but even in these areas, it will be easier for scientists to do field work there while being employed in the West.' Given a choice between some European country or India, he strongly vouches Europe as 'far more attractive as a scientific destination'. Some of the key pain points Indian science faces are delayed release of funding every year, researcher scholars not being paid scholarship for as long as one year, and whimsical ways in which science policies are changed with little discussion with scientists. Even the Ramalingaswami re-entry fellowship, which aims to support the return of early-career life scientists with at least three years of international postdoctoral training, has faced abrupt policy changes. Currently, there are no national policies to attract senior scientists from other countries. 'If India is serious about attracting Indian scientists abroad to return, it needs to provide far better incentives. China has shown that with sufficient investment and a stable commitment, it can be done,' he says. Funding in India is available mainly from the government agencies such as DBT, ICMR, DST, SERB with negligible private funding. In 2021, the government announced ₹50,000 crore for Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will replace SERB. In December 2024, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to the Lok Sabha said that only ₹14,000 crore budgetary provision has been made by the government for 2023-2028. The balance ₹36,000 crore will be sourced through 'donations from any other sources' including public and private sector, philanthropist organisations, foundations and international bodies. 'In many developed countries, the ratio of private to public investment is almost two or more. In India, it is almost the opposite. This is really a failing on the part of Indian industry,' he says. Years ago, Singapore succeeded in attracting senior scientists to move permanently or as visiting fellows. He attributes Singapore's success in attracting talent from other countries to high salaries with low taxes, and excellent scientific infrastructure. On the societal front, Singapore, which is clean and well-run, with first-rate schools, health care, mass transit, and safety, has become the desired destination for scientists from developed countries, he adds. Scientists moved from Germany to the U.S. and other countries in the 1930s because they were in significant personal danger. 'They and others moved to the U.S. because the U.S. could actually offer more facilities, higher salary, all in a free society. India does not offer any of these advantages,' he says. Lack of better roads, cleaner air To attract senior scientists from other countries and to encourage talented people already working in India, he stresses on two critical aspects — scientific and social. 'India needs a strong, stable commitment to science, which means not only much more funding but also more stable funding, much better infrastructure and, just as importantly, insulating science from politics and excessive bureaucratic rules and regulations.' About the social factors, he says: 'The other detriment to attracting scientists (especially non-Indians) from abroad is India itself. Today, well-off Indians have essentially seceded from public spaces in India. Today, the streets are filthy and full of trash, the sidewalks are not navigable, and the air is unbreathable in most cities... Which non-Indian would want that sort of life for themselves and their children?' He is full of praise and appreciation for researchers in India contributing to science despite several challenges. 'I have many scientific friends in India and I am always amazed by how they manage to do such good work in such difficult conditions, and yet be so cheerful. Young Indians are so bright and enthusiastic, but they are being let down by the country as a whole. India has a demographic dividend — it is one of the few large countries with a youthful population. However, this is a temporary advantage, and if India squanders it, it may find itself unable to be competitive in the future with other Asian countries and the West,' he cautions.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Super cop of Kanniyakumari
KANNIYAKUMARI: Five months ago, when a 2020-batch IPS officer took charge as the Superintendent of Police in Kanniyakumari district, none of the residents expected anything beyond the ordinary. Unlike Kollywood, where sturdy police officers enthral the masses with action-packed entrances, the SP office in Nagercoil remained calm on January 3 this year, welcoming its new captain, in line with all the usual protocols. Fast forward to June, SP R Stalin is now a household name among the residents. A native of Arpakkam village in Kancheepuram, this 31-year-old officer, who regularly meets police personnel to address their grievances, has so far devised at least five initiatives — Public Feedback Centre, Village Monitoring Scheme, Nimir (The Rising Team), Manam Thiranthu (Mind Opens), and Vettri Pathai (Path to Success) — for the general public as well as police personnel. Spotting the rise in crimes against children and women in the district, the SP, who had earlier served as the deputy commissioner in Coimbatore (North), began prioritising the safety of women and children. This led to the birth of 'Nimir', an intensive Pocso (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act awareness team comprising trained women police personnel. The team visits villages and interior areas to spread awareness among women and children, and helps them access victims' compensation and other benefits. The team, so far, has prevented three child marriages within the span of a few months. 'My father Ramakrishnan, a farmer, was the one who motivated me to become an IPS officer and serve the society. He used to frequently visit book fairs and purchase books for me,' recollects Stalin. In a bid to ensure public grievances are addressed appropriately, the SP, who never fails to receive petitions at his office, created a public feedback centre in the District Police Petition unit manned by police personnel. The centre dials each and every petitioner and asks for feedback regarding their petitions or inquires. If a petitioner is not satisfied, then the petition will be assigned to a different inquiry officer. 'The SP has received over 4,500 petitions directly within five months,' said a police officer.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Thrissur celebrates veteran Congress leader Therambil Ramakrishnan's Sathabhishekam with warm tributes
In a vibrant celebration, Thrissur came together to honour one of its most respected public figures, senior Congress leader and former Assembly Speaker Therambil Ramakrishnan, on his Sathabhishekam (a celebration marking completion of witnessing thousand full moons) on Friday. The birthday celebration held at Kausthubham Auditorium drew people from all walks of life, symbolising the deep admiration and emotional bond the public shares with the veteran Congress leader. By 10:45 a.m., Mr. Ramakrishnan arrived with his family, greeted by Congress leaders, supporters, and cultural personalities. Accompanied by his wife Chandra, he lit the traditional lamp, formally marking the beginning of the celebrations. A feast followed, setting the tone for a day filled with affection and reverence. Even elderly people, despite physical challenges, made it a point to attend — a testimony to the emotional legacy Mr. Ramakrishnan has left in the lives of so many. Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi greeted the senior leader with an embrace, acknowledging the decades of dedicated service Mr. Ramakrishnan gave to the constituency. In a rare moment of political transcendence, Minister of Higher Education R. Bindu paid her respects by touching Mr. Ramakrishnan's feet — symbolic not just of personal reverence but also of a shared past, as Mr. Ramakrishnan had been a classmate of her mother during their pre-degree days. All India Congress Committee (AICC) general Secretary K.C. Venugopal; KPCC President Sunny Joseph; former President K. Sudhakaran; Opposition leader V.D. Satheeshan; senior congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala and A.K. Antony greeted him over the phone. The guest list was a who's who of Kerala's political, cultural, legal, and journalistic spheres. Dignitaries included Ministers K. Rajan, Auxiliary Bishop Mar Tony Neelankavil, spiritual leader Swami Gabheerananda, football icon I.M. Vijayan, DCC President Joseph Tajett, UDF District Chairman T.V. Chandramohan, MLAs Saneesh Kumar Joseph, P. Balachandran, CPM District Secretary K.V. Abdul Khader, CPI's K.K. Valsaraj, former MPs T.N. Prathapan and Ramya Haridas.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Transport woes persist for Kunniyoramala residents amid NH 66 construction
Sixty-two-year-old K.V. Ramakrishnan recalls the death of a neighbour three months ago. The resident, whose family did not wish to be named, died of a heart attack after a doctor from a nearby hospital was unable to reach him due to a lack of transport access. A former fisherman, Ramakrishnan, lives in Four Cent Colony in Kunniyoramala near Koyilandy taluk, Kozhikode district, where residents face persistent transport issues, exacerbated by the 'encroaching' construction of National Highway (NH) 66. On May 8, the residents launched a protest demanding the restoration of transport services and raising objections to the land acquisition process. The protest was temporarily suspended after Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil, the project director, and National Highways Authority officials met them during a meeting held on May 28 and assured that their concerns would be addressed within 20 days. 'We will decide our next step once a decision is made,' said Shajith O.P., convener of the Kunniyoramala Samyuktha Samara Samiti. 'We are not against development, but compromising basic transport facilities and safety cannot be considered progress,' he added. Mr. Shajith pointed out that Kunniyoramala has remained cut off since the hill was split during NH 66 construction, leaving residents without access to emergency transport. Concerns over landslides are also growing, with new cracks appearing on the hill and supporting cement walls weakening. Many displaced residents have returned to their houses in high-risk zones after the government reportedly failed to provide the promised rental support. 'How can daily wage workers afford months of rent?' asked K.P. Sunil Kumar a resident. 'We wouldn't be living in fear if land acquisition had been completed,' he added. Residents said they have raised these concerns repeatedly over the last three years but have received little response from authorities. They were particularly disheartened by District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh's remarks during a recent visit, where he reportedly told them to wait through another monsoon and said land acquisition would take place only in the event of a landslide. 'What guarantee do we have that a landslide won't happen next monsoon?' residents asked, recalling the previous year's landslide, which forced them into relief camps. This time, however, residents are hopeful as the issue surrounding the NH construction has gained more visibility. While no date has been fixed for a follow-up meeting, residents hope for a timely and lasting solution.
The Hill
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Hill
US gained 562K millionaires in 2024, far outpacing other countries
A strong stock market helped mint 562,000 new millionaires in the U.S. last year, according to a new report. The nation's high-net-worth population grew by 7.6 percent to 7.9 million in 2024, far outpacing the 2.6 percent global rise, Capgemini's World Wealth Report 2025 shows. That domestic surge helped push the number of millionaires worldwide to a record 23.4 million. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), defined as those with $1 million or more in investable assets, benefited from double-digit returns in the U.S. stock market, resilience fueled by stronger-than-expected economic growth and sustained enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and tech stocks. It was also a year of wealth concentration, with the ultra-rich emerging as the clear winners. Globally, the number of so-called 'millionaires next door' — individuals worth between $1 million and $5 million — grew by 2.4 percent. Meanwhile, the ultrawealthy population — those with investable assets of $30 million or more — grew more than twice as much, at 6.2 percent. 'Ultra-HNWIs remained resilient during market volatility with greater exposure to high-growth opportunities, whereas Millionaires Next Door focused on safer, low-yield opportunities like fixed-income and real estate,' the report reads. The wealthy continue to favor traditional investments like real estate, stocks and fixed income assets, but alternative investments like currencies, private equity and digital assets have gained traction in recent years. As of January 2025, HNWI investors parked 15 percent of their portfolios in alternative investments, including private equity and cryptocurrencies, up from just 9 percent in 2018. The report also highlighted the looming 'great wealth transfer,' with older generations expected to pass on an estimated $83.5 trillion to Gen X, millennials and Gen Z by 2048. Within the next decade, women are projected to receive a significant share of that wealth. The massive transfer presents an opportunity for wealth managers but also considerable risk, Capgemini warned. 'The next-generation of high-net-worth individuals arrive with vastly different expectations to their parents,' Kartik Ramakrishnan, CEO of Capgemini's Financial Services Strategic Business Unit and Group Executive Board Member, said in a release. Ramakrishnan urged wealth management firms to shift away from 'traditional strategies' and equip advisors with digital capabilities, 'potentially augmented with agentic or generative AI.' Outside the U.S., India and Japan were standouts, with both countries registering 5.6 percent growth, adding 20,000 and 210,000 millionaires last year. Meanwhile, China's HNWI population declined by 1 percent. In Europe, the high-net-worth population also declined by 2.1 percent, primarily due to economic stagnation in major countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany. The number of high-net-worth individuals shrank in the Middle East and Latin America too.
