Press Release

Jodhpur, 15th September 2026: Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used to answer questions and process information. But in real-world situations, people often need more than an answer—they need an intelligent system that can understand information from different sources, connect it with relevant knowledge and help complete a task. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) are working towards developing such AI assistants for healthcare, education, research and industry. The research is being led by Dr. Divya Saxena, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, at the Institute’s Machine Intelligence Lab. The research aims to develop AI systems that can bring together different forms of information—including images, text, documents, speech and sensor data—and use them together to provide useful, task-specific assistance. In healthcare, for example, such systems could help connect medical images with reports and patient information. In industry, they could bring together machine images, sensor readings, operational logs and technical manuals to support troubleshooting. In education and research, they could help users work with papers, documents and learning resources. The scale of India’s healthcare, education and industrial ecosystem underlines the need for AI systems that can process and reason across multiple forms of data efficiently. In healthcare, a 2023 review reported that India had roughly one radiologist for every 100,000 people, with subspecialty radiologists particularly scarce and concentrated mainly in large tertiary-care hospitals and academic institutions. This highlights the potential value of AI systems that can help clinicians work with medical images, reports and other patient information, particularly where specialist expertise may be limited. In school education alone, UDISE+ 2024–25 records 24.69 crore students, 14.71 lakh schools and 1.01 crore teachers, creating an enormous opportunity for AI-assisted, personalised learning and academic support. Higher education adds nearly 4.46 crore students, according to provisional AISHE data for 2022–23. On the industrial front, India’s manufacturing sector generated about ₹47.47 lakh crore in real GVA in 2025–26, growing 10.7% over the previous year. This reflects the scale of industrial activity where AI could support areas such as predictive maintenance, quality control, process optimisation and decision-making. Together, these numbers demonstrate why multimodal, efficient and agentic AI—capable of working with text, images, documents, speech and sensor or machine data—can have wide-ranging applications across healthcare, education and industry, particularly when such systems can deliver useful intelligence with lower computational requirements. A key focus is also to make these AI systems smaller, faster and easier to deploy. Large AI models can require expensive computing infrastructure and continuous internet connectivity. IIT Jodhpur’s research therefore explores ways to enable capable AI systems to operate locally—for example, in a hospital, factory or low-connectivity rural environment—while reducing computing and deployment requirements. The research brings together three interconnected areas: Multimodal Learning, which enables AI to work with different types of information; Efficient AI, which focuses on making AI models practical and resource-efficient; and AI Agents, which can use information, tools, domain knowledge and context to assist with complete tasks rather than simply answering individual questions. Dr. Divya Saxena, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Jodhpur, said: “Our aim is to build AI systems that can understand information from different sources, work within real-world resource constraints and provide meaningful, context-specific assistance. The future of AI is not only about building bigger models, but also about making AI affordable, scalable, private and useful where it is needed.” She added, “We want to move beyond AI systems that only answer questions towards AI assistants that can connect information, knowledge and tools to support people in completing real-world tasks.” The broader vision of this research is to develop AI as a practical support system for people, institutions and society, particularly in areas where information comes from multiple sources and resources may be limited. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

New Delhi, 16th September 2026: Professor Nobhojit Roy has been appointed Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health, India, succeeding Professor Vivekanand Jha, who led the Institute’s India office for 13 years. Professor Roy is a surgeon, global health researcher and health systems leader whose experience spans research, clinical practice, policy and health system strengthening in India and internationally. His work has focused particularly on improving trauma outcomes and surgical care and strengthening healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings. He spent two decades at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Hospital and Homi Bhabha National Institute in Mumbai, including as Professor and Chief of Surgical Services. He subsequently served as National Advisor for Public Health Planning and Evidence at the National Health Systems Resource Centre, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and held senior health systems and knowledge partnership roles with CARE India. Professor Roy has also served as Technical Officer for Surgery and Anaesthesia at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva and as Southeast Asia Regional Health Hub Lead at Oxford Policy Management. Most recently, he was Professor of Surgery and Chair of the Centre for Leadership at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. He has also contributed to the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery and the Lancet Commission on NCDs and Injuries in the Poorest Billion. Professor Roy already has strong links with The George Institute through his work in global surgery and trauma, including with the Institute’s WHO Collaborating Centre for Emergency, Critical and Operative Care. Professor Anushka Patel, Chief Executive Officer of The George Institute for Global Health, said Professor Roy’s breadth of experience would be a significant asset to the Institute. “Roy brings a rare combination of clinical, research, policy and health systems experience, together with a deep understanding of the health challenges facing communities in India and other resource-constrained settings. “His collaborative leadership and commitment to translating evidence into practice will be invaluable as we build on the achievements of our India office and shape the next phase of its contribution to better health.” Professor Roy said: “It is an honour to lead The George Institute, India and help shape its next phase of growth. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners to build on the Institute’s strengths, embrace new opportunities and deepen its impact in India and globally.” Professor Roy succeeds Professor Vivekanand Jha, who will remain at The George Institute as a Professorial Fellow in non-communicable diseases, with a focus on kidney diseases, environmental change and their medical and social determinants, including clinical trials. He will also continue contributing to training and capacity building at the Institute and beyond. Professor Patel thanked Professor Jha for his leadership: “We thank Vivek for his outstanding leadership and contribution to The George Institute over the past 13 years. Under his leadership, The George Institute, India has grown in reach, capability and influence. “We are delighted that he will remain an important part of the Institute as a research leader, mentor and advocate for translating evidence into better health.” Professor Jha said, “It has been an immense privilege to lead The George Institute, India over the past 13 years and to work alongside colleagues and partners deeply committed to improving health through research. I am proud of what we have achieved together and thankful to everyone who has contributed to the Institute’s growth and impact. I look forward to continuing our research program on NCDs, kidney diseases and their determinants, and contributing to capacity strengthening. “I wish Professor Roy every success as he takes the Institute forward.” Professor Roy took up the role on September 14, 2026. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

Commemorating the World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), the Institute introduced several mechanisms and organized week-long activities as a part of its wellness initiatives on Campus   CHENNAI, 9th September 2026: On the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is reaching out to the parents of its students to provide a well-rounded support system to its students. It organised an interactive session aimed at helping them better understand, communicate with and support their children during their academic journey. World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to break the stigma of silence. As part of its week-long observance, the Institute also organised ‘PREM – Parents’ Role in Encouraging and Mentoring, an interactive online session for parents of IIT Madras students. It was conducted today (9th September 2026) by Dr. Yamini Kannapan, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Behavioural Science, Kauvery Hospital. The session was designed to provide parents with practical guidance on understanding students’ needs, communicating effectively, and supporting their emotional and mental well-being. It recognised that the transition to college was an important phase not only for students but also for their families whose support and encouragement is vital for their overall well-being. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “Happiness is a collective responsibility. As an Institute we are continuously evolving methods to reduce stress among our bright children. The PREM and SAFE initiatives are launched for this purpose. Very thankful to Dr. Yamini Kannapan for bringing out the SAFE manual which will provide guidance to the parents towards identifying and handling children with stress.” ‘SAFE INITIATIVE FOR HIGH-ACHIEVING STUDENTS’ During the occasion, Prof. V. Kamakoti also launched ‘SAFE – Building Psychological Safety for High-Achieving Students’ handbook for parents of IIT Madras students. Authored by Dr. Yamini Kannapan, after her extensive experience of working with the IIT Madras students, the book translates psychological principles into practical guidance for parents navigating the pressures faced by high-achieving young people. Based on the ‘SAFE framework’ (Secure Base, Autonomy Support, Failure-Friendly Mindset and Early Recognition), the book encourages parents to create an environment where students feel safe, accepted and able to discuss struggles and setbacks without fear of judgement. The book can be accessed from the website of the Office of Dean (Students) (www.dost.iitm.ac.in) Further, Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean (Students), added, “We consider parents as important partners in ensuring the wellbeing of our students on Campus. As a part of our Kushal initiative, we regularly reach out to them through Whatsapp to ensure that they remain connected to their wards and in case their child is unhappy for any reason, it is flagged to appropriate authority for possible resolution.” MiTR WELLNESS WEBSITE A further highlight of the event was the launch of MiTR Wellness Website by Prof. V. Kamakoti. It was developed by the MiTR student team with the guidance and support of Prof. Sarith P. Sathian, Advisor, MiTR, Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean (Students) and Prof. Suresh Kumar Rayala, Associate Dean (Wellness). The platform brought together wellness resources and support information in one student-friendly space. The website provides students with access to faculty coordinators across departments, hostel-wise student coordinators, emergency and useful contacts, information on MITR initiatives and past events, student experiences, alumni information and messages from current and former advisors. It is designed to make available wellness support easier to discover and access. IIT Madras also launched a Wellness App for appointment booking, enabling students to conveniently book confidential counselling sessions with wellness professionals based on their choice and language preference through the Office of the Dean (Students) website. As an observance to the World Suicide Prevention Day, MiTR is organizing a week-long series of events and activities on Campus including a 5k marathon held on 6th September 2026, a talk by Dr. Kandaswamy Paramasivan, Former Director General of Police, Govt. of TN on “From Godavari Hostel to the Uniform – What nobody tells you about falling and getting up”, Blindfold Conversation Activities, and a lecture on ‘Win the Mind’s Battle: Mental Resilience Decoded’ by Dr Sweta Adatia, Neurologist Cognitive Science Brain Coach and Founder, Limitless Brain Lab, scheduled on 10th September 2026, among other events. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

GUWAHATI, 1st September 2026: Marking over three decades of the Institute’s journey of academic excellence, research, innovation and contribution to nation-building, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day event on 1st September 2026. Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries including Prof. R. C. Malhotra, Project Director, IIT Guwahati and Former Director, IIT Kanpur; Prof. D. N. Buragohain, Founder Director, IIT Guwahati Prof. G. Biswas, Former Director, IIT Guwahati; Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Former Director, IIT Guwahati and Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Present Director, IIT Guwahati graced the occasion with their presence. Held under the theme, “Celebrating the Past, the Present and the Future”, the event highlighted IIT Guwahati’s legacy, its ongoing contributions in the domain of education, research and innovation, and its aspirations for the years ahead. Speaking during the event, Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, said, “IIT Guwahati represents the aspiration of the people of Assam and carries a significance that extends well beyond academic excellence. From its beginnings, the Institute has grown into an institution of national importance and has demonstrated how vision, institutional commitment and excellence can help overcome the disadvantage of a late beginning. I see IIT Guwahati increasingly emerging as the knowledge partner of Assam and the Northeast, working with the Government, industry, startups and civil society to address the region’s real development challenges. The next decades of IIT Guwahati are important not only for the institution itself, but also for the future of Assam, the Northeast and India.” During his address Hon’ble Chief Minister also announced that the Government of Assam proposes to institute 100 scholarships for students of IIT Guwahati. He requested the Institute’s leadership and faculty to develop a framework for the initiative, while emphasising the need for IIT Guwahati to evolve from an institution located in the Northeast into an institution working for the Northeast. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said, “Despite the floods affecting Assam and the rescue efforts underway, we are grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for joining us on IIT Guwahati’s 33rd Foundation Day. IIT Guwahati is a committed partner to the Government of Assam in its efforts to transform, industrialise and modernize Assam and the Northeast. From flood control, riverbank management, semiconductors, mineral processing to healthcare, technical education, skilling, innovation, startups and incubation, the Institute is committed to addressing the region’s challenges and advancing its development.” The event also witnessed inspiring addresses by former Directors of the Institute, including Prof. R.C. Malhotra, Prof. D. N. Buragohain, Prof. G. Biswas, and Prof. T. G. Sitharam. Open House Connects Young Minds with IIT Guwahati As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, the Institute observed 1st September as an “Open House” at IIT Guwahati, and welcomed over 750 students from 9 schools and colleges across the region. The open house gave them the opportunity to visit state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities established across different departments of IIT Guwahati. With an aim to inspire students to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, research and innovation, the Open House connected them with researchers and current students of the IIT Guwahati community to gain first-hand experience and exposure. Through such initiatives, IIT Guwahati continues to encourage young minds to develop an interest in research and technological innovation and to envision themselves as future contributors to India’s scientific and technological development. Sports and social activities at IIT Guwahati Multiple sports and social activities were also organised by the Institute to commemorate the special occasion. A key highlight of the occasion was the plantation drive conducted in the presence of Prof. R.C. Malhotra, Prof. D.N. Buragohain, Prof. Gautam Biswas, Prof. Devendra Jalihal and Prof. Soumitra Nandi. Alumni Awards, Student Scholarships, and Faculty Achievement Awards Multiple alumni and faculty awards, along with student scholarships, were announced during the 33rd Foundation Day Celebration at IIT Guwahati. These included: Alumni Awards – Jaspreet Singh (CSE, Class of 2004) — Distinguished Alumni Award for “Druva”, the world’s first cloud-native data protection platform, trusted by organisations including NASA. Himanshu Upreti (Mathematics, Class of 2015) — Young Alumni Achiever Award for developing “Ai Palette”, the world’s first AI platform for end-to-end product innovation in the CPG industry. Student Scholarships – Anup Kumar Gogoi Scholarship, given by Ziroh Labs to one meritorious student from EEE, CS, or AI. Manmohan Singh Fellowship, instituted in the memory of India’s former Prime Minister and given by his daughter, Ms Daman Singh. Priyakrishna and Monisha Bhattacharya Fellowships, given to 2 MTech students each in the Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering and the School of Agro & Rural Technology. Faculty Achievement (NPTEL Chair Professorships Conferred) – Dilwar Hussain as the D. N. Buragohain NPTEL Chair Professor Ajay Kalamdhad as the Gautam Barua NPTEL Chair Professor Additionally, the Institute also honoured over 100 non-teaching employees who have completed 25 years of dedicated service. The 33rd Foundation Day of IIT Guwahati reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education, research, innovation and societal impact. As the Institute enters another year of its journey, it continues to strengthen its role as a centre of excellence and as an important institution contributing to the development of Assam, the Northeast and the nation. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

The system removes two major groundwater contaminants within minutes, offering strong potential for affordable community drinking water treatment at an estimated cost of ₹18–₹58 per 1,000 litres GUWAHATI, 25th August 2026: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) researchers have developed a water-treatment technology that can remove arsenic and fluoride simultaneously from contaminated groundwater. This could be a vital contribution towards ensuring safer and affordable drinking water in regions affected by naturally-occurring groundwater pollution. The researchers from IIT Guwahati developed a rotating-anode electrocoagulation (RA-EC) reactor that achieved up to 98.2% arsenate and 91.8% fluoride removal within minutes. The initial demonstration was performed at an estimated operating cost of ₹18–₹58 per 1,000 litres of treated water, depending on contaminant concentration. A Video of Prof. Mihir K. Purkait explaining the research can be viewed and downloaded from – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wWm3tiYjS-ueRnSJO3EQX4uowsJNIT6A The findings suggest that the technology could support a wide range of applications, including community drinking-water purification, decentralised rural water-treatment systems, treatment of arsenic- and fluoride-contaminated groundwater, industrial wastewater remediation and integration with other advanced treatment processes such as adsorption and membrane filtration. The findings were published in Chemical Engineering Journal (DoI: 10.1016/j.cej.2026.178707), a leading peer-reviewed international journal that publishes high-impact research on chemical engineering, materials, energy, environmental technologies, and process engineering. The paper was co-authored by Prof Mihir K. Purkait and Mr. Mukesh Bharti from IIT Guwahati Elaborating on the need for such research, Prof. Mihir Kumar Purkait, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “Groundwater serves as the primary source of drinking water for millions of people across India. In several regions, however, it contains both arsenic and fluoride, two contaminants that pose significant long-term health risks. Treating them together has remained particularly challenging because they behave differently during conventional purification processes and compete for removal sites.” To address this challenge, the researchers from IIT Guwahati developed a faster and more efficient reactor configuration capable of simultaneously removing both arsenic and fluoride. Instead of using a stationary aluminium electrode, the IIT Guwahati team redesigned the electrocoagulation process by developing a rotating aluminium anode that continuously improves mixing inside the reactor, enhances mass transfer, renews the electrode surface, and promotes the formation of pollutant-capturing aluminium hydroxide flocs. When electricity passes through the reactor, aluminium ions and hydroxide ions combine to form microscopic flocs that bind with arsenic and fluoride, allowing both contaminants to be removed through adsorption, coagulation, and precipitation. The rotating electrode substantially improves the efficiency of this process while reducing electrode passivation, a common limitation in conventional electrocoagulation systems. Further, Mr. Mukesh Bharti, Research Scholar, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, added, “We systematically evaluated how operating conditions, including rotational speed, current density, electrode spacing, and treatment time, influence performance. Our technology was also tested under realistic groundwater chemistry, including the presence of naturally occurring ions such as calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sulphate, and phosphate, as well as real groundwater samples collected from Assam.” The next phase of the research will focus on developing a pilot-scale continuous-flow version of the reactor suitable for practical deployment. Future studies will also incorporate sensor-based automated process control for real-time monitoring of parameters such as pH, conductivity, electrical current, and rotational speed, bringing the technology closer to scalable field implementation. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

Study demonstrate a single, affordable hydrogel for tissue engineering and 3D-printed chewable tablets. Goa, 25th August 2026: Researchers at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus, have developed a pharmaceutical polymer-based hydrogel for 3D printing using extrusion-based method which has the potential to be used for skin tissue engineering and customised drug delivery. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Engineering, explores the use of pharmaceutical grade polymers, such as starch, maltodextrin and sodium alginate, to create hydrogels that display the desired properties needed to be 3D printed. The method could help to solve some of the issues with traditional bioinks: material variability, safety, high costs, and regulatory approvals. The research was led by Prof. Anasuya Ganguly, along with Mr. Hemant Kumar Bankhede, Ms. Maheswari Sivaravi, Ms. Antara Poi Raiturker, and Ms. Prajakta Praveen Bhende from the Department of Biological Sciences, and Prof. Asima Shaukat, Assistant Professor, Ms. Mamta Keshav Tari, Mr. Sagar B. Kale from the Department of Chemical Engineering, BITS Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus. Developing a printable hydrogel for skin tissue engineering The researchers formulated a hydrogel designed to exhibit the flow and recovery properties necessary for extrusion-based 3D printing. The material demonstrated shear-thinning behaviour, enabling it to flow under the shear applied during printing and subsequently recover its structure after deposition. The study reported 87% thixotropic recovery, indicating its ability to retain the shape and structural integrity of the printed constructs. The researchers also evaluated the biological compatibility of the hydrogel using L929 and HaCaT cells, which are relevant to skin tissue engineering. The formulation demonstrated more than 70% cell viability in the tested cell models. The printed scaffolds also showed blood compatibility, with 5.0% haemolysis reported in the study. Confocal microscopy further provided evidence of cell growth on the crosslinked hydrogel. Prof. Anasuya Ganguly, Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, said, “This study demonstrates that pharmaceutical-grade polymers can be formulated into hydrogels with properties suitable for 3D bioprinting. The findings provide a promising foundation for exploring a single, versatile platform for applications ranging from skin tissue engineering to customised drug delivery.” Extending the bioink platform to customised drug delivery The researchers further demonstrated the versatility of the formulation by incorporating glimepiride into the hydrogel and using it to produce 3D-printed customised chewable tablets. The printed tablets demonstrated 100.4% content uniformity, indicating consistent drug loading, and exhibited a sustained drug-release profile over four hours. The findings demonstrate how 3D bioprinting could offer greater flexibility in designing oral dosage forms and potentially enable customised formulations based on specific therapeutic requirements. Prof. Asima Shaukat, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, BITS Pilani, said, “By using pharmaceutical polymers that are already established in drug formulation, this work explores how 3D bioprinting can be applied across tissue engineering and drug delivery. Our focus has been on combining material safety, printability and practical applications within a single platform.” Building on pharmaceutical polymers for biomedical application A significant feature of the work is the use of pharmaceutical polymers rather than relying exclusively on specialised or animal-derived biomaterials. The researchers’ approach builds on earlier work exploring pharmaceutical polymers as potential bioinks for soft-tissue engineering and clean bioprinting. While the findings are promising, the study represents a research-stage demonstration rather than a clinically approved treatment or commercially available 3D-printed medical product. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

Researchers propose an integrated framework to strengthen responsible AI in connecting organizational resilience, ethical decision-making, and environmental sustainability in a single model LUMAMI, NAGALAND, 24th August 2026: Nagaland University’s multi-institute international study explored a comprehensive framework that suggests a strategic Artificial Intelligence (AI) system to promote ethical decision making, transparency, environmental sustainability, and organizational resilience in AI- digital platforms. The study suggests that AI is not merely a regulatory tool but a mechanism that supports and enhances stakeholder trust by building an integrated AI with environmental sustainability and long-term organizational performance. As AI continues to shape and transform the decision making in many areas including environmental management sustainability, ethical governance and concerns relating to transparency, accountability, fairness, and gaining public trust have become crucial. The study presents an integrated framework that connects AI governance, organizational resilience, ethical decision-making, and environmental sustainability in a single model. The study used a mixed-methods approach involving 185 managers, sustainability officers, governance experts, and AI specialists from organizations using AI-enabled environmental and digital platform systems. The findings were published in NESciences (Natural and Engineering Sciences) (doi: 10.28978/nesciences.261029), an interdisciplinary research domain that integrates natural sciences and engineering to develop innovative solutions for real-world scientific and technological challenges. The paper was co-authored by an international team comprising Dr. Mohammed Shamsul Hoque, Professor of English and Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dr. R. Vasanthan, Associate Professor, Department of English, Nagaland University, Nagaland,Dr. Khriereizhünuo  Dzüvichü, Associate Professor, Department of History, Central University of Tamil Nadu,Dr. Olga Glukhova, Faculty of Linguistics and Journalism, Rostov State University of Economics, Russia,.Dr. P. Shanmuga Sundari, Assistant Professor, School of Computing, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. Highlighting the importance of collaborative research on transformative technologies like AI, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “As AI increasingly influences decision-making processes across sectors, it is imperative that technological advancement is guided by ethical principles, institutional accountability, and long-term sustainability goals. This research underscores the importance of developing governance mechanisms that promote social responsibility and environmental stewardship while enhancing organizational effectiveness. Such interdisciplinary and international collaborations reflect Nagaland University’s commitment to research excellence and its engagement with contemporary global challenges.” Elaborating on this research Dr. R. Vasanthan said, “Artificial Intelligence has great potential in terms of transforming the organization, it is not simply about regulating technology but it is a strategic approach that helps organizations to use AI responsibly with transparency, accountability while protecting the public interest and ensuring ethical decision making. This study aims to benefit policymakers, industrial leaders and also researchers by providing a practical framework for designing responsible AI strategies that promote sustainable development, strengthen stakeholder trust, and support ethical decision-making in AI-driven organizations.” This research helps scientists: Promote for responsible AI adoption Strengthen organizational resilience through AI governance. Improve transparency, accountability, and stakeholder trust. Support sustainable environmental management through AI ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

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. )