Press Release

 GOA 8th June 2026: Goa Institute of Management (GIM) successfully concluded the 2026 academic year placements for its 2024–26 batches of Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), PGDM in Healthcare Management (HCM), PGDM in Banking, Insurance & Financial Services (BIFS), and PGDM in Big Data Analytics (BDA). Around 525 students, including freshers and experienced professionals from different programs, participated in the placement drive and received 535 offers highlighting the institute’s steady performance. The students from GIM’s flagship PGDM program, with 46% freshers, received the highest package of INR 35 Lakh per Annum (LPA) in this year’s placement drive. The Finance domain remained recruiters’ most preferred choice, followed by Marketing, IT and Operations, and HR domains. In the overall placement drive, the students were placed in a variety of roles, including Commodity Trading, Management Trainee, General Management, Product Management, Sales & Marketing, Operations & Retail, and E-Commerce, among others. Speaking about GIM’s successful placement drive, Prof. Ajit Parulekar, Director, GIM, said, “At GIM, we are committed to delivering meaningful management education that prepares students to navigate evolving industry demands with confidence and adaptability. The placement outcomes this year have further strengthened our academic approach and focus on developing future-ready professionals. We are encouraged by the strong participation of recruiters across sectors and the diversity of roles offered to our students. These outcomes reflect our students’ capabilities as well as the confidence that industry partners continue to place in the talent graduating from GIM.” More than 110 recruiters participated in this year’s placement drive. SAP, JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, D.E. Shaw, Johnson & Johnson, Wells Fargo, Aditya Birla Capital, AB InBev, Accenture, Deloitte, LTI Mindtree, Fractal Analytics, Pfizer, HSBC Bank and Nomura, among many others. Major recruiters such as Goldman Sachs, Acuity Knowledge Partners, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., DTDC, Birla Opus, IDBI Bank, Lenskart, South Indian Bank, and IRIS Business Services, among others, also participated in GIM’s recruitment drive for the first time. Program Highest CTC Average CTC Median CTC PGDM INR 35 LPA INR 16.27 LPA INR 15 LPA PGDM (HCM) INR 29 LPA INR 15.51 LPA INR 13 LPA PGDM (BIFS) INR 28.6 LPA INR 15.34 LPA INR 14.45 LPA PGDM (BDA) INR 35 LPA INR 15.48 LPA INR 14 LPA   Speaking about the placement trends observed during this year’s placement drive, Prof. Shawnn Coutinho, Placement Chair, GIM, said, “This year we saw a balanced participation from diverse pool of recruiters from Consulting, Global Tech Giants, Investment Banks, Med-Tech, FMCG, Pharma and Analytics Firms. The presence of International Organizations also highlights our aspirations. We also like to congratulate our students whose perseverance, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have contributed significantly to the success of this placement season.” In comparison to the previous year’s placements, GIM has recorded an increase in the highest packages offered across different programs, including:   Program Highest CTC (in 2023 – 25) Highest CTC (in 2024 – 26) PGDM INR 32.2 LPA INR 35 LPA PGDM (BIFS) INR 27.3 LPA INR 28.6 LPA PGDM (BDA) INR 32.2 LPA INR 35 LPA   The highest CTC for PGDM (HCM) remained unchanged at INR 29 LPA in both years. In terms of summer internship placements at GIM – PGDM students have received the highest stipend of INR 3 Lakhs, along with INR 1.06 Lakhs and INR 1 Lakh as average and median stipends respectively. PGDM (HCM) students have received the highest stipend of INR 3 Lakhs, with INR 76,113 and INR 60,000 as average and median stipends respectively. PGDM (BIFS) students have received the highest stipend of INR 2.6 Lakhs, with INR 67,876 and INR 40,000 as average and median stipends respectively. PGDM (BDA) students have received the highest stipend of INR 4 Lakhs, with INR 1,44,808, and INR 1,25,000 as average and median stipends respectively. Goa Institute of Management (GIM) continues its legacy of excellence by nurturing responsible and industry-ready professionals through its PGDM programmes. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

CHENNAI, 8th June 2026: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) hosted the ‘3rd BRICS Neuroscience Symposium 2026’ from 5th to 7th June 2026, bringing together leading neuroscientists, clinicians, academicians and researchers from BRICS. The event, being held in India for the first time, focused on increasing collaboration between BRICS nations to advance international cooperation in neuroscience research and neuro-technologies. The event spotlighted the growing importance of global scientific cooperation to understand the human brain and develop technologies that can address neurological disorders and improve healthcare outcomes worldwide. Organised by Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC), IIT Madras, the symposium was themed ‘Expanding Neuroscience: BRICS & Extended Nations’ and featured scientific sessions, keynote lectures, panel discussions, clinical perspective talks, cultural events and a major data release of the Human Brainstem Atlas by SGBC. The Symposium was graced by Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Shri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder, Infosys, and delegates from the BRICS Nations. Welcoming delegates from all over the world, Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, said, “We are entering a world today where the problems are multiplying faster than they ever were before. but we are also in a world where some of the solutions that we are finding are themselves creating new problems of their own. It is in that kind of a world that the value on international collaboration and cooperation is even more. And that spirit of collaboration and cooperation of working together is precisely what BRICS symbolizes. This gathering of countries that represent developing countries and emerging markets pooling their resources, abilities and knowledge. This is what is remarkable about BRICS.” Wishing the researchers success in their efforts, Shri Vikram Misri added, “India is chairing BRICS this year. We are working up to the summit of BRICS countries in September of this year. I am sure in every week, there are 200 different meetings at different levels that are being organized in the runup to this conference. I am sure the work that this conference is doing will also, in its own way, feed into the success of BRICS summit in September.” Addressing the international gathering virtually from Delhi, Chief Guest Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said, “An important feature of SGBC is that it has been a multi-institutional, multinational and multi-disciplinary endeavour with the support of the Government, industry and philanthropy. The Centre has become an exemplar of research and innovation through collaboration and diversified support system for long-term sustainability.” Addressing the symposium, Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head, SGBC, IIT Madras, added, “In a highly complex field like neuroscience, multi-national and multi-disciplinary teams are key to solve hard problems and create breakthroughs. This gathering will further expand our international collaboration network at SGBC.” The symposium aimed to strengthen international scientific partnerships, promote collaborative research frameworks, encourage interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and position India as a key contributor to global neuroscience initiatives. The scientific programme covered a broad range of topics, including human brain organisation, neural function in health and disease, developmental neuroscience, comparative studies across model systems and application of emerging technologies in neuroscience research. The event also showcased the capabilities of the SGBC, which developed and operates a world-class high-throughput multimodal whole-brain imaging pipeline to map human brains at cell resolution. The symposium continued the momentum created by the earlier BRICS Neuroscience Symposia held in Shanghai in September 2023 and Moscow in October 2024. These international meetings were jointly organized by neuroscientists from BRICS nations to foster multilateral cooperation in neuroscience research, capacity building and technology development. Launched in March 2022, SGBC is a cutting-edge R&D Centre for human brain research to create transformative impact in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

Jodhpur, Rajasthan | 5th June 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) is all set to celebrate a landmark academic milestone with its 12th Convocation Ceremony on 6 June 2026, where 1,442 students will be conferred degrees across undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, dual-degree, diploma, and certificate programmes. The Convocation will mark the culmination of years of rigorous academic pursuit, innovation, research, and personal growth by the graduating students. The 12th Convocation of IIT Jodhpur will be conducted in three distinct phases on 6 June 2026, celebrating the achievements of graduates across undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and executive education programmes. The day will commence with the Postgraduate Convocation Ceremony at 9:00 AM, graced by Dr. S. Somanath, Former Chairman, ISRO, as the Chief Guest and Shri Neelkanth Mishra, Chairperson, UIDAI, Government of India, as the Guest of Honour. This will be followed by the Undergraduate Convocation Ceremony at 2:00 PM, with Dr. Ajay Kumar, Chairman, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Government of India, as the Chief Guest and Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, as the Guest of Honour. The celebrations will culminate with the Commencement Ceremony for Executive Students at 6:00 PM, where Shri Rajeev Kumar Sharma (IPS), Director General of Police, Rajasthan, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Shri Sharat Kaviraj (IPS), Commissioner of Police, Jodhpur, will attend as the Guest of Honour. All three ceremonies will be presided over by Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Jodhpur, with a welcome address by Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal, Director, IIT Jodhpur. 1,442 Students to Receive Degrees Based on the successful completion and verification of all academic requirements, IIT Jodhpur will confer degrees upon 1,442 students across a diverse range of academic programmes. Degrees will be awarded across a wide spectrum of academic programmes, including Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.), B.Tech.-M.Tech. Dual Degree, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Technology (M.Tech.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), MBA-Technology, MBA Double Degree, Masters in Medical Technologies, Masters-Ph.D. Dual Degree (Medical Technologies), M.Sc.-M.Tech. Dual Degree, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programmes. In addition, eligible students will also be awarded Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates in their respective disciplines, recognizing their successful completion of academic and professional requirements. The 12th Convocation of IIT Jodhpur symbolizes not merely the awarding of degrees but the celebration of a generation of graduates equipped to address the challenges of the twenty-first century through knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. Over the years, IIT Jodhpur has emerged as a leading institution of national importance, known for its interdisciplinary academic programmes, cutting-edge research, strong industry partnerships, thriving startup ecosystem, and commitment to creating technology-driven solutions for societal challenges. The graduating class represents this spirit of excellence and innovation that defines the Institute.  The Convocation will bring together students, faculty members, alumni, parents, industry leaders, policymakers, and distinguished guests in a celebration of achievement and aspiration. As the graduands step into the next phase of their lives, they carry with them the values of integrity, excellence, creativity, and service to society nurtured at IIT Jodhpur. The Institute extends a warm welcome to all distinguished guests, graduating students, parents, alumni, and well-wishers joining this memorable occasion. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

Pune, Maharashtra: Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship Development (IMED), Pune, has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of global academic excellence by formally entering the prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) Accreditation process and securing AACSB Institutional Membership. This achievement marks a pivotal step in IMED’s journey toward aligning with internationally recognized standards of quality, academic rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement in management education. AACSB accreditation is regarded as one of the highest distinctions for business schools worldwide, reflecting a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, curriculum development, and societal impact. The milestone was commemorated through an insightful session on “Global Benchmarks in Management Education: Understanding the AACSB Ecosystem,” which provided valuable perspectives on international best practices, quality assurance frameworks, and institutional excellence. The event was graced by distinguished academic leaders and AACSB representatives, including Dr. Prathap Das, Regional Head (South Asia), AACSB International, and Dr. Netra Neelam, AACSB Accreditation Advisor, whose guidance offered valuable insights into the accreditation journey and global standards in business education. The occasion was further enriched by the presence of eminent academicians and university leadership, including Dr. Vivek Saoji, Vice Chancellor, Dr. G. Jayakumar, Registrar, Dr. Ashok Joshi, and Dr. Anil Keskar, whose support and encouragement continue to strengthen the institution’s commitment to excellence. Congratulating the IMED community on this achievement, the institute acknowledged that this success has been made possible through the collective efforts of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders. The milestone also reflects the institution’s dedication to carrying forward the visionary legacy of Hon’ble Founder Chancellor Dr. Patangrao Kadam Saheb and advancing Bharati Vidyapeeth’s mission of achieving global excellence in education. The institute also expressed gratitude for the unwavering encouragement and support of Dr. Asmita Jagtap, Director, Health Sciences, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, and Dr. Vishwajeet Kadam, Secretary, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, whose visionary leadership continues to inspire and guide the institution toward greater achievements. Ranked among the Top 3% of B-Schools in India by NIRF and accredited with NAAC A++, IMED Pune remains committed to nurturing future-ready leaders and fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence on a global scale. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

The developed aluminium-based nanocomposite enhances load transfer and structural stability, making it suitable to be used as aircraft landing gear In comparison to conventional metals and alloys, the developed nanocomposite demonstrates an approximate 65% improvement in wear resistance, strength, and lifespan This nanocomposite is suitable for use in defence aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), where lightweight and durability are essential Rourkela, 30th April 2026: A research group at National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) has created a lightweight material that can be used in developing aircraft landing gear with high durability. Aircraft landing gear must possess durability to endure the wear and tear during the landing and taxiing of the aircraft. Typically made of aluminium and aluminium alloys, aircraft landing gear are designed to absorb the weight of the aircraft and must endure contact with the runway. Such conditions rapidly wear the gear material. While aluminium and aluminium alloys are lightweight in nature, their durability under such high-stress conditions remains a limitation. To address this gap, Prof. Syed Nasimul Alam, Associate Professor, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, NIT Rourkela, along with his research scholar group, including Dr. Arka Ghosh, Dr. Ashutosh Das, Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava, Mr. Nityananda Sahoo, Mr. Parth Patel, and Dr. Velaphi Msomi from the University of South Africa (UNISA), have developed a novel nanocomposite material that can be used for aircraft landing gear. The findings of this research have been published in the prestigious Materials Letters journal. Nanocomposites are a mixture of materials at the nanoscale level and are more than 100,000 times thinner than a human hair. To achieve the desired results, the NIT Rourkela research group used carbon nanotubes for better compressive strength and load-bearing capacity. The addition of graphite nanoplatelets further improved the nanocomposite. To make the mixture thermally stable, the research team used hexagonal boron nitride, resulting in better strength, toughness, and performance of aluminium. For even dispersion of particles in the aluminium matrix, high-frequency sound waves were applied. The mixed components were then put under high-pressure compaction, followed by heating and compression in an oxygen-free environment which resulted in a dense and strongly bonded nanocomposite suitable for aerospace applications. Elaborating on the developed nanocomposite, Prof. Syed Nasimul Alam said, “The Al-based hybrid nanocomposites developed by spark plasma sintering (SPS) show a uniform dispersion of the nanofiller in the Al matrix and an excellent wear resistance due to the synergistic load-bearing mechanism.” The developed process produces a three-dimensional reinforcing network, which enhances load transfer and structural stability. With the help of a thin protective layer formed on its surface, the research team found that wear in the developed composite was significantly reduced. With real-world potential for use in defence aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), where lightweight and durability are essential, the developed nanocomposite can improve structural reliability and contribute to safer and efficient aerospace operations. In comparison to the ultra-high-strength steels, titanium alloys, and high-strength aluminium alloys currently used for developing aircraft landing gear, the developed nanocomposites can offer approximately 40-60% higher overall cost-effectiveness. The research team concluded that the developed material’s combination of lightweight properties and wear resistance will make landing gear more durable and safer. With key benefits such as reduced maintenance costs, and improved reliability, the developed nanocomposite highlights the potential for a transformative impact in today’s energy-constrained world. As next step, the team is working towards developing large-sized components made from these hybrid nanocomposites by the Powder Metallurgy (PM) route. Aligning with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, this innovation from NIT Rourkela will help position the country as a potential contributor to next-generation aerospace materials. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

GOA, 20th April 2026: Goa Institute of Management (GIM) and XIM University researchers have highlighted the role of gender-diverse corporate boards in determining firms’ response to climate-related risks and sustainability disclosures. The research suggests that firms with boards that are gender balanced demonstrate improved attention and consistency in tracking environmental issues and climate risk reporting. Published in prestigious Finance Research Letters, the research analyses data from 9,128 firms across 91 countries between 2015 and 2023. It provides new global evidence showing that firms do not respond uniformly but rather adjust their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosures differently depending on the nature and intensity of the risks they encounter. Prof. Purba Bhattacherjee from Goa Institute of Management and Prof. Sibanjan Mishra from XIM University have identified two specific forms of climate risks, including – Long-term transitional risks emerging from market shifts towards decarbonisation Short-term or immediate physical risks stemming from extreme weather events and other climate-related disruptions Speaking about the research, Prof. Purba Bhattacherjee, Assistant Professor, Finance and Accounting area, GIM said, “Climate risk forces firms into trade-offs between reporting and resilience, and gender-diverse boards are at the centre of navigating this tension.” Key findings of the analysis include: Firms with higher women representatives on boards have significantly increased ESG disclosure in response to long-term climate transition risks. These disclosures act as strategies of sustainability commitment, and reflect a more forward-looking approach where firms try to signal preparedness for regulatory changes, shifting investor expectations, and low-carbon transitions. During acute disruptions, firms with gender-diverse boards prioritise operational resilience over ESG disclosures for immediate risk management. When this happens, the focus shifts to maintaining business as usual and managing short-term shocks rather than extending sustainability communication. The presence of gender-diverse boards becomes more influential in countries with weak governance and institutional structures. It indicates that when external oversight, regulation, or enforcement mechanisms are scarce, board composition plays a more significant role. Outcomes of this study refute the one-size-fits-all ESG strategy. Prof. Purba Bhattacherjee and Prof. Sibanjan Mishra evidences that firms do not follow a common practice and instead adjust their ESG disclosure based on climate risk type and temporal nature. Speaking about the findings of the study, Prof. Sibanjan Mishra from XIM University said, “Given that companies shift their approach as risks develop, it is evident that ESG reporting is more dependent on climate risk circumstances compared to general perception.” Furthermore, firms with more women on their boards are able to respond to changing environmental uncertainties more effectively and flexibly. The responses oscillate between long-term sustainability signalling and short-term risk management, suggesting a more flexible decision-making process rather than a fixed ESG approach. The study by Prof. Purba Bhattacherjee and Prof. Sibanjan Mishra, contributes to ongoing global discussions on climate governance by distinguishing between different types of climate risks, rather than treating them as a single category, and by showing that firms respond differently depending on whether the risks are gradual or sudden. It also demonstrates how board composition influences firms’ behaviour under uncertainty, suggesting that who is involved in decision-making can shape how firms interpret risks and choose between disclosure, adaptation, or immediate response actions. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

CHENNAI, 20th April 2026: Federal Express Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company, and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have successfully completed India’s first intra–city drone delivery flight trials in Bengaluru. The trials mark a significant milestone in the evolution of urban logistics and reinforce FedEx’s commitment to advancing next-generation, technology-enabled supply chains in India. The trials validated a mid-mile aerial logistics service connecting Electronic City Phase II with a site near Bangalore International Airport Limited. Conducted under the research framework of the FedEx SMART Centre at IIT Madras, the initiative tested high-speed drone operations in complex urban airspace and assessed their potential to enhance network efficiency and reduce reliance on congested road infrastructure. The trials form part of FedEx’s broader efforts globally to explore innovative, safe, and scalable logistics solutions for the future. Commenting on this successful trial, Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, vice president of marketing, customer experience, and air network, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA), FedEx, said, “Innovation is central to how FedEx enables global commerce. This milestone reflects the FedEx SMART Centre’s broader research agenda across air cargo optimisation, electric vehicle integration, and advanced demand forecasting. Together, these efforts are focused on shaping future-ready, resilient and sustainable supply chain ecosystems in partnership with academia, industry and policymakers.” Through detailed analysis of aerial corridors, the IIT Madras FedEx SMART Centre established that a 53 km road journey, which typically takes over 60 minutes, can be replaced by an aerial route of approximately 39-42 km. During the trials, this reduced one-way transit time to nearly 21 minutes – demonstrating the potential for step-change improvements in time-critical logistics. The flight path involved coordinated navigation through Airport Yellow and Red Zones, with all necessary permissions granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Elaborating on the technical significance of this successful trial for India, Prof. Satyanarayanan R Chakravarthy, core faculty member, FedEx SMART Centre, IIT Madras, said, “These trials represent a significant leap in our mission to create a sustainable and progressive supply chain model. By integrating advanced aerial robotics into urban logistics, we are moving beyond theoretical research to prove the efficacy of high-impact, future-ready solutions that can redefine the global logistics landscape.” Highlighting its long-term impact for Indian Logistics, Prof. Arshinder Kaur, professor in-charge, FedEx SMART Centre added, “The high-speed drone-delivery trials are a strong demonstration of the centre’s commitment to driving innovation across modern supply chains and accelerating cutting-edge technologies.” Technical Parameters  Operations were conducted at an altitude of 120 metres as per guidelines. Safety systems included an autonomous flight termination system, return-to-home capability and anti-collision strobe lighting. The implementation partner for this landmark trial was Amber Wings—a pioneering deep-tech start-up incubated at IIT Madras and founded by the FedEx SMART Centre’s Core Faculty Member, Prof. Satyanarayanan R. Chakravarthy. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

LUMAMI, NAGALAND, 20th April 2026: Researchers from Nagaland University and Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, have transformed one of the State’s most problematic invasive weeds into a powerful tool for next-generation healthcare and sustainable manufacturing, unlocking major end-use applications in pharmaceuticals, medicine and green industry. The research team has developed an eco-friendly method to convert the invasive plant Mikania micrantha into silver nanoparticles that can efficiently accelerate drug production, combat harmful bacteria, and show promising anticancer activity, all without relying on toxic chemicals conventionally used in nanomaterial synthesis. The researchers adopted a “green chemistry” approach that replaces hazardous industrial processes with plant-based science. Using leaf extracts, the team created highly stable silver nanoparticles that act as ultra-fast catalysts that can produce essential drug components known as ‘Imidazoles’ in 30 to 180 seconds. These compounds are foundational to a wide range of medicines used across therapeutic areas. The Research was supported by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribe Students (NFSTMOTA). The findings were published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2026.153682), a peer-reviewed scientific journal that disseminates short reports of significant findings across the fields of biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology. The Paper was co-authored by Manthae C. Phom, Phitovili Sumi, Betokali K. Zhimomi, Khonzani Yanthan, Tonge W W, Shokip Tumtin and Tovishe Phucho. Commending the Nagaland University-led research team for their groundbreaking work in transforming an invasive plant into a valuable resource for pharmaceutical development, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “This innovative study highlights a fast, eco-friendly approach to drug synthesis while demonstrating significant antibacterial and anticancer potential. Such research underscores the university’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable solutions to address global health challenges.” The study’s most immediate impact lies in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The nanoparticles function as reusable catalytic engines, enabling faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective production of key drug ingredients. Unlike conventional methods that depend on expensive and toxic reagents, this approach offers a scalable and sustainable alternative for industry. Importantly, the nanoparticles can be reused at least six times with minimal loss of efficiency, significantly reducing production costs and chemical waste—an advantage with strong implications for large-scale drug manufacturing. Elaborating on the important outcomes of this research, Dr. I. Tovishe Phucho, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, said that there is still a huge potential for many more locally available plants to show such promising properties and with proper funding, further research is possible. Beyond their productions, these nanoparticles demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against dangerous pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus (a major cause of hospital infections) and Yersinia pestis. This opens up potential applications in antimicrobial coatings, wound care products, and infection control systems. In parallel, lab tests on human colon cancer cells revealed that the nanoparticles significantly reduce cancer cell viability, showing nearly twice the potency of the plant extract alone. This positions the research as a promising step toward developing plant-based nanomaterials for future cancer therapies. The nanoparticles are naturally coated with plant-derived compounds, giving them exceptional stability even at temperatures as high as 165°C. This makes them suitable for demanding industrial environments, including pharmaceutical processing and biomedical applications. TACKLING AN ECO-CHALLENGE Mikania micrantha has long posed ecological challenges across Nagaland. This research converts an invasive species into a high-value raw material for advanced medical and industrial applications. By leveraging Nagaland’s unique biodiversity as part of the Eastern Himalayas, a global hotspot, the study also highlights how local plant species can yield globally relevant scientific innovations. The specific chemical properties of plants from this region contributed to the efficiency and stability of the nanoparticles, marking a first-of-its-kind achievement. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

MUMBAI – United Learning League (ULL) is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most well-capitalised and strategically envisioned entrants in the premium K–12 international education space. The organization has formally submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) to the International Baccalaureate (IB), marking its intent to redefine global schooling in India. Strategic Collaboration with IB Leadership This milestone was recently marked by a high-level strategic meeting held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, Mumbai. ULL founders convened with senior leadership from the IB Organization, including: Mr. Haif Bannayan, Director – IB (Europe, Middle East, Africa & Canada) Ms. Nicole Bien, Chief Community Partnership & Development Officer Mr. Mahesh Balakrishnan, Senior Manager – South Asia Mr. Ashish, Head – Government Partnerships High-Octane Funding by Industry Veterans Positioning itself among India’s most well-capitalised school platforms, ULL has secured ₹100 crore in committed seed capital. This marks one of the largest early-stage capital aggregations for a greenfield school network in the country. The funding was raised through a powerhouse syndicate of seasoned educators and dynamic young entrepreneurs. This strategic investment group is led by Pritam Agrawal, the renowned educationist and Founder of the Hello Kids chain of preschools. By combining the pedagogical expertise of veteran educators with the agility of next-gen entrepreneurs, ULL enters the market with both deep domain knowledge and modern execution capabilities. A Roadmap for Excellence With a clear expansion roadmap, ULL aims to establish five premium IB-aligned schools over the next five years. Each campus is being built to deliver global academic standards, future-ready learning, and values-driven education. The first flagship campus is currently under development, designed to set new benchmarks in infrastructure, pedagogy, and student outcomes. ULL’s model combines centralised brand governance and institutional capital with scalable execution, ensuring consistency across its national network while maintaining the flexibility required for local excellence. As India’s demand for high-quality international education accelerates, ULL is uniquely positioned to build not just schools, but a premier network of globally competitive learning institutions. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

CHENNAI, 30th March 2026: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), India’s top-ranked educational institution, has opened applications for its postgraduate programmes, including M.Tech., M.Sc., and M.A. for the academic year 2026–27. The Institute provides students opportunities to pursue advanced learning in frontier areas of engineering, sciences, and humanities. IIT Madras offers a wide range of M.Tech. programmes across disciplines such as Aerospace Engineering, Data Science and AI, Electric Vehicles, Robotics, Semiconductor Materials Technology, and Ocean Engineering, and among other fields. The institute also offers M.A. programmes in English Studies, Development Studies, Economics, and Public Policy, along with M.Sc. programmes in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The last date to apply online is 27th April 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully review eligibility criteria, programme details, and application instructions before applying through the official portal: https://mtechadm.iitm.ac.in Admission offers for M.Tech. and M.A. programmes will be released through the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP), with the first round expected in the second week of May 2026. Selected candidates are scheduled to report for admission in July 2026, with classes commencing on 27th July 2026. Highlighting the unique aspects of the postgraduate programmes in the Institute, Prof. Prathap Haridoss, Dean (Academic Courses), IIT Madras, said, “IIT Madras offers 34 different M tech programs encompassing both core and interdisciplinary areas in engineering and technology with internship opportunities. We also offer MA in four different programs. A total of 735 seats in MTech and 100 seats in MA are available. We invite GATE qualified candidates from across the country to apply for these programs and grow with our innovative ecosystem.” The M.Tech. Programmes are designed with a flexible credit-based structure that combines core courses, electives, and project work, allowing students to tailor their learning experience. Students also benefit from opportunities to undertake industry-linked projects, participate in sponsored research, and, in select cases, pursue international research collaborations. Eligible candidates include GATE-qualified applicants (2024, 2025 or 2026), IIT graduates with a CGPA of 8.0 and above, sponsored candidates from recognised organisations, and other categories such as QIP and defence-sponsored candidates. Admissions for M.Sc. programmes will be conducted through the JAM examination, while M.A. admissions are also routed through GATE for eligible candidates. PLACEMENTS AND FELLOWSHIPS IIT Madras has a strong placement record for its postgraduate programmes, with almost all students who opt for placements securing positions in reputed organisations and industries upon completion of their studies. The institute’s robust industry linkages, active research ecosystem, and opportunities for students to engage in real-world projects through Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research initiatives further enhance employability. Students are also encouraged to undertake project work in collaboration with industry and approved organisations, strengthening their practical exposure and career readiness. In addition to placements, Financial assistance is available for eligible Indian students in the form of Half-Time Teaching Assistantships (HTTA) of ₹12,400 per month. IIT Madras also offers several prestigious fellowship schemes to support meritorious students. The Department of Atomic Energy Graduate Fellowship (DAE-GF) provides selected GATE-qualified candidates a monthly stipend of ₹35,000, along with assured placement in one of the DAE units upon successful completion of the programme. Further, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) sponsors up to 10 students in the M.Tech. Ocean Technology programme, offering financial support and opportunities to work on critical areas related to ocean sciences and technology. These fellowships not only provide financial assistance but also open up pathways to specialised careers in key national sectors. Located on a sprawling 250-hectare green campus in Chennai, IIT Madras is known for its world-class faculty, strong research ecosystem, and vibrant innovation and startup culture supported by the IIT Madras Research Park. The institute continues to play a key role in advancing technological education and research in India.   (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)