Press Release

Distinguished Alumnus and MapmyIndia Co-Founder & CMD Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma Delivers Convocation Address GOA, 10th August 2026: BITS Pilani’s K K Birla Goa Campus today celebrated the achievements of 1,109 graduating students at its Convocation 2026, marking another milestone in the Institute’s journey of nurturing globally competent engineers, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The Convocation was graced by Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma, Co-Founder and Chairman & Managing Director, MapmyIndia, a distinguished alumnus of BITS Pilani, as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, in the presence of Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, along with members of the Board of Governors, faculty, students, and their families. The graduating cohort comprised 674 First Degree, 257 Dual Degree, 121 Higher Degree (M.E.), and 57 PhD students, reflecting the campus’ continued contribution to building highly skilled professionals and researchers across disciplines. Congratulations to the graduating students, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “As our graduates begin their next chapter, I hope they carry forward the spirit of curiosity, integrity and excellence that defines BITS Pilani. The campus they leave behind is also evolving through a curriculum redesign built around flexible, cross-disciplinary electives and expanded minors—because depth in one discipline is no longer enough. The graduates who will matter most are those who can move fluidly across disciplines. That entrepreneurial spirit is already reflected in the numbers: BITSians have founded 140 deep-tech startups, more than alumni of any other Indian institution, ahead of IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi. Building excellence, ensuring equity, and expanding with purpose—that is the vision guiding BITS Pilani, and the same vision I hope our graduates carry into whatever they build next.” Recognising outstanding academic achievement, Mr. Shamit Khetan was awarded the Gold Medal, Ms. Vrishti Deepak Godhwani received the Silver Medal, and Mr. Aditya Ashok Tailor was presented with the Bronze Medal among the First Degree graduates. Among the Higher Degree programmes, Mr. Sumit Sakharam Ghodke and Mr. Rudraksh Alias Bhagwant Mukund Suryarao Sardesai were jointly awarded the Gold Medal, while Mr. Vignesh A and Ms. Neelima M shared the Silver Medal. Addressing the graduating class, Distinguished Alumnus and MapmyIndia Co-Founder & CMD, Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma, said, “I congratulate the graduating class on this occasion. As you step into a world of endless possibilities, remember that your ability to adapt, remain resilient and keep moving forward will matter as much as your technical knowledge. In an age of Artificial Intelligence, use technology as a tool, but never lose sight of human judgment, and curiosity. Build your careers with humility and purpose, and remember that success is not only about what you achieve for yourself, but also about the value you create for others.” The Convocation also celebrated exceptional academic and research excellence through prestigious student awards. The Prof. Suman Kapur Memorial Best Ph.D. Thesis Award 2026 was conferred upon Dr. Madduri Madhuri; Prof. Raghurama Outstanding Student Award 2025–26 was presented to Ms. Aarya Ameet Agavekar, Ms. Himangi Aggarwal, and Mr. Shamit Khetan in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements and overall contributions to the Institute. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani Goa Campus, said, “Convocation is not only a celebration of our students’ academic achievements but also a reaffirmation of BITS Pilani’s commitment to nurturing leaders, innovators, and responsible global citizens. The graduating class of 2026 leaves the campus equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to address complex challenges and create meaningful impact across industries, research, entrepreneurship, and society.” During the academic year, the campus expanded its academic portfolio with a co-tutelage 2+2 undergraduate programme in Computer Science with RMIT University, Australia, introduced two new M.E. programmes in Quantum Science and Technology and Quantum Information Processing, and launched a Minor in Computing and Intelligence, reaffirming its commitment to preparing graduates for emerging technology domains. The Institute also witnessed significant growth in research, securing 91 sponsored projects worth over ₹30.72 crore from government agencies, industry, and international collaborators. Faculty advanced research in areas including green hydrogen, quantum technologies, advanced semiconductor devices, and indigenous navigation systems, while producing 720 research publications supported through extensive national and international collaborations. Along with the new interdisciplinary research centers, the campus has built or expanded advanced AR/VR and Biomedical Engineering laboratories as well as Impact Engineering and Micro-Fabrication laboratories to further fund its research infrastructure, along with a BSL-2 facility for biosciences research. The AICTE IDEA Lab, for which a ₹90 lakh outlay was approved, is likely to encourage innovation, product development and entrepreneurship in students. The Institute has also expanded its global reach, establishing nine new international partnerships with higher education institutions in major European and North American countries that open the way for future joint research projects and student exchange. BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering engagement with the local community, educational institutions, industry, and international partners, extending beyond traditional academic boundaries. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

The study found that Non-Timber Forest Products support the food security and livelihoods of forest-dependent tribal communities, with surplus produce generating additional household income MEDZIPHEMA, NAGALAND, 10th August 2026: A Nagaland University study has identified 47 Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) across villages in Nagaland and Meghalaya, highlighting the important role of Non-Timber Forest Products in supporting tribal livelihoods, local economies and biodiversity conservation. The study calls for sustainable utilisation and management of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) through ecological assessments and structured harvesting guidelines to ensure these valuable forest resources remain available for future generations. Researchers also highlight the potential of NTFPs to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for marginalized communities in remote forest areas, providing an additional source of income beyond traditional agriculture. A video byte of Prof. Sanjoy Das, Nagaland University, explaining this research can be viewed and downloaded from the following link – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUxO1zg5qMWrhuPR2UWOz52es0M27c32/view Conducted across 20 villages covering 250 households, the study identified 47 plant- and animal-based NTFPs and assessed their collection, utilisation and economic value. The findings show that forest-dependent tribal communities rely on these resources for household consumption as food, beverages, medicines and other value-added products, while surplus produce is sold in local markets, making NTFPs an important source of livelihood and supplementary household income. The findings were published in Indian Journal of Ecology (https://indianjournals.com/article/ije1-52-2-005?utm), a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research on ecology, environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and ecosystem sustainability. The Paper was co-authored by Mr. LimasunepOzukum, Prof. Sanjoy Das, Prof. Amod Sharma, Prof. R. Nakhro, Prof. N.K. Patra, Prof. Manoj Dutta and M. Jangyukala from School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus. Highlighting the importance of research on topics of relevance to local communities, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “I am delighted that Nagaland University continues to contribute meaningful research addressing the socio-economic and ecological priorities of the North Eastern Region. The identification of the economic value of 47 Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) across Nagaland and Meghalaya is a significant step towards recognizing the immense potential of our forest resources in strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring food security. I congratulate the research team for this commendable achievement and hope that their findings will contribute to informed policy decisions and the sustainable utilization of our rich natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.’’ A key finding of the study was the scientific identification and classification of 47 Non-Timber Forest Products, most of which are used for nourishment followed by therapeutic purposes. Elaborating on the study, Prof. Sanjoy Das, Department of Agricultural Economics, Nagaland University, said, “Despite India’s rich biodiversity, the economic value of many Non-Timber Forest Products remains inadequately recognised. Through this study, we identified commonly available NTFPs in selected areas of Nagaland and Meghalaya, documented their collection and utilisation patterns, and assessed their economic value, highlighting their importance for rural livelihoods and the need for their sustainable utilisation and management.” The researchers also documented the plant parts that were commonly used, their seasonal availability, the frequency of collection, the average time spent on collection trips and the distance travelled by villagers. Bamboo shoot was the highest return earning NTFPs in Meghalaya while wild black pepper was the most common and highest return earning NTFPs in Nagaland. North East India is home to more than 33% of India’s total flora and supports over 100 indigenous communities that rely on forest products for sustenance and income. Non-Timber Forest Products play an important role in supporting the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, yet their economic value remains inadequately recognised. Although India is home to about 3,000 NTFP species, only 126 have developed marketability, highlighting the need for their scientific identification and economic valuation. The findings highlight that the value of NTFPs extends beyond market returns to include ecological services, subsistence needs and cultural significance, underscoring their importance to tribal communities. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

In an extraordinary academic achievement, Krishiv Achyut Dani, a student of ASIA English School, Ahmedabad, has secured an outstanding 499 out of 500 marks (99.8%) in the CBSE Class XII Board Examination after the re-evaluation process, placing him as the highest scorer in the country. Krishiv’s score increased significantly from 481 marks to 499 marks following the CBSE re-evaluation process, highlighting the effectiveness and transparency of the Board’s grievance redressal mechanism. His revised result includes a perfect 100 out of 100 marks in Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence and Business Studies, while he scored an exceptional 99 out of 100 in English Core, resulting in an aggregate score of 499/500. This makes him a national topper in the commerce core subjects after re-evaluation. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Krishiv accomplished this feat entirely through self-study, without attending any tuition classes or coaching institutes. His disciplined approach, dedication, and consistent hard work enabled him to achieve one of the finest academic performances in the country. Krishiv comes from a family with a strong academic and professional background. Both his parents are Chartered Accountants, and he has been inspired by their commitment to excellence and professionalism. He is currently pursuing the Chartered Accountancy programme and aspires to become a successful Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur in the future. Speaking about his achievement, Krishiv credited his success to disciplined self-study, support from his family, and the guidance provided by his school teachers. He emphasized the importance of consistency, conceptual clarity, and effective time management in achieving academic excellence. The achievement also reflects positively on the CBSE’s evaluation and re-evaluation framework. The significant improvement in marks after re-evaluation demonstrates the Board’s commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and accuracy in the assessment process. Such mechanisms provide students with confidence that their performance is evaluated objectively and that genuine discrepancies can be addressed through a structured review process. School authorities congratulated Krishiv on his exceptional accomplishment and described him as a role model for students across the country. His success serves as a powerful reminder that focused self-learning, determination, and perseverance can produce extraordinary results even without external coaching support. Krishiv’s remarkable performance has brought immense pride to his family, school, and the city of Ahmedabad, inspiring countless students to pursue academic excellence through dedication and hard work. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

 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.)