Press Release

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.)

Jodhpur, February 10, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET), Longowal, to strengthen academic cooperation, promote research collaboration, and create new pathways for meritorious students towards advanced research. The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal, Director, IIT Jodhpur, and Prof. Mani Kant Paswan, Director, SLIET Longowal at Longowal, Punjab. Under this MoU, meritorious B.Tech students of SLIET Longowal will be eligible for direct admission to PhD programmes at IIT Jodhpur. Students securing a CGPA of 8.0 or above and ranking among the top 10 in their respective batches after the seventh semester may be offered direct PhD admission without the requirement of appearing for GATE or a written examination, subject to an interview process. The agreement also provides provisions for early PhD admission, enabling eligible SLIET students to apply after their fifth semester, with opportunities to undertake project work, internships, or research activities at IIT Jodhpur. Additionally, students from SLIET will be eligible for paid summer internship opportunities under IIT Jodhpur’s SURAJ (Summer Undergraduate Research at Jodhpur) programme. The MoU encourages joint research proposals, faculty collaboration, and academic exchanges between the two institutions in areas of mutual interest. Students admitted under the early PhD programme will be provided hostel accommodation at the IIT Jodhpur campus and will be allowed to participate in research, project, and internship activities during summer and winter terms. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal emphasized that the collaboration reflects IIT Jodhpur’s commitment to nurturing research talent and strengthening inter-institutional academic ecosystems. Prof. Mani Kant Paswan highlighted that the partnership would open new avenues for SLIET students to pursue advanced research and benefit from exposure to a premier research-intensive institute. The MoU will come into effect from the date of signing and will remain valid unless terminated mutually. The agreement marks an important step towards fostering academic excellence, research innovation, and long-term collaboration between IIT Jodhpur and SLIET Longowal. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

The findings provide strong evidence that community-protected forests in Nagaland are critical refuges for rare, endemic plant species, contributing valuable data to global plant science & strengthening India’s botanical records   LUMAMI, NAGALAND, 27th January 2026: Nagaland University  researchers have discovered a new plant species located in the high-altitude forests of Nagaland, underscoring the region’s significance as a biodiversity hotspot in Northeast India and the importance of community-led forest conservation. The newly identified species is called Hoya nagaensis and was discovered during systematic botanical explorations of under-explored forest areas in the State. Large parts of Nagaland’s forests remain scientifically undocumented, limiting accurate biodiversity assessment and effective conservation planning. The research team undertook detailed field surveys and taxonomic studies to address this gap and improve scientific understanding of the region’s plant diversity. The study was led by Principal Investigator Dr. Gyati Yam, Department of Forestry, Nagaland University with Ms. Vieneite-o Koza and Mr. Joynath Pegu, Researchers, Nagaland University. The research was funded by Nagaland University under the Start-Up Project for Young Faculty (SUPYF). The findings were published in Kew Bulletin (DOI: 10.1007/s12225-025-10359-9), a peer-reviewed international journal publishing authoritative research on plant and fungal taxonomy, systematics, nomenclature and global biodiversity. Congratulating the researchers, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “The discovery of a new plant species by Nagaland University researchers highlights the extraordinary biodiversity of Northeast India. It provides strong evidence that community-protected forests in Nagaland are vital refuges for rare and endemic plants. This work not only strengthens India’s botanical records but also contributes valuable data to global plant science and conservation efforts.” Elaborating on the study, Dr. Gyati Yam, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry, Nagaland University, “Our focused on exploring high-altitude forests, identifying and describing previously unknown plant species, documenting regional biodiversity, and assessing the conservation status of rare and endemic plants. A key emphasis was also placed on understanding the role of community-reserved forests in protecting fragile ecosystems.” Future work will focus on monitoring the species in the wild, studying its ecology, pollination biology and ornamental potential, assessing long-term conservation threats, and exploring nearby forest areas for additional undocumented plant species. Ms. Vieneite-o Koza, Researcher, Nagaland University, said, “The unique aspect of research includes is the discovery and formal scientific description of Hoya nagaensis, a species previously unknown to science. The plant displays distinctive leaf shapes and floral characteristics that clearly differentiate it from other known species in the Hoya genus. The findings provide strong evidence that community-protected forests in Nagaland are critical refuges for rare and endemic plant species, contributing valuable data to global plant science and strengthening India’s botanical records.” Mr. Joynath Pegu, Researchers, Nagaland University, added, “The species is currently known only from a single location in the Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest in Phek district. Owing to its extremely restricted distribution and threats such as shifting cultivation and forest disturbance, it has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered. The discovery highlights the effectiveness of traditional forest stewardship practiced by local Naga communities in conserving biodiversity.” Beyond its scientific identification, the discovery highlights the Eastern Himalaya’s temperate forest ecosystems as rich sources of botanical novelty. The study provides detailed habitat information and comparisons with related taxa, offering valuable baseline data for future botanical and ecological research in the region. By documenting the unique physical traits and ecological context of the plant, the researchers have enhanced the taxonomic framework for the genus Hoya and opened avenues for further study on morphological diversity within the group. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

Satluj Public School, Sector 4, Panchkula witnessed a vibrant celebration of talent, culture and national pride during its two-day 49th Annual Day Extravaganza held on the school premises. The event was organised under the theme “Satluj Pride 2025 – Nation Rising: The World Wakes up to the Glory of India” and showcased the creativity, confidence and discipline of students across various grades. The celebrations began on Day 1 with Ms. Alba Smeriglio, Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission of the UK Embassy, Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest. She appreciated the students for their academic discipline, creativity and confident performances. The cultural programme opened with “Game Changers: The Women Who Made India Proud,” presented by students of Grade XI, highlighting the achievements of inspiring Indian women. This was followed by “Borders & Brotherhood: Divided by Politics, United by Love” by Grade IX students, which conveyed a strong message of harmony and shared humanity. The evening concluded with “Maha Kumbh: Myth, Belief, Reality,” enacted by Grade VIII students, offering a meaningful portrayal of India’s spiritual heritage. On Day 2, the Chief Guest was Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Jain, IPS, DGP Haryana Human Rights Commission, Government of Haryana. The programme featured a vibrant series of performances reflecting creativity, cultural diversity and moral values. Highlights included “Winter Wonder: A Christmas Tale of Values” by Grade V students, “Kantara: Roots, Rituals & Rise” by Grade VI, and “Global Beats 2025: The World in Rhythm” by Grade VII, celebrating tradition, unity and global harmony. Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Reekrit Serai, Managing Director, Satluj Public School, Sectors 2 and 4, Panchkula, and Satluj Group of Schools, said that the colourful line-up of performances was a visual treat for parents and guests. He congratulated the students who performed and those who were honoured, expressing pride in their achievements. The occasion was also graced by members of the school management, including Dr. Krit Serai, Co-Chair and Director-Principal, Sector 4; Ms. Madhurima Serai, Co-Principal, Sector 4; and Mrs. Radhika Panickar Serai, entrepreneur, publisher of Rumour Books India, philanthropist and recipient of the Nari Shakti Samaan by the Government of India for her exemplary contributions as an entrepreneur and educationist. The two-day annual extravaganza reflected Satluj Public School’s commitment to holistic education, cultural values and nurturing responsible global citizens. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

Chitkara University Research and Innovation Network (CURIN) at Chitkara University has developed an innovative, sustainable, and energy-efficient microwave-assisted technology for synthesizing high-purity silica gel from rice straw, a high-ash agricultural residue that has long posed environmental and economic challenges. The process is supported by an indigenously developed semi-automated system and follows a zero-waste, circular-economy approach, offering a viable alternative to conventional silica extraction techniques. Rice straw and similar crop residues are produced in large quantities across northern India and other agrarian regions. Owing to their high silica content, strong lignin binding, low bulk density, and high ash fraction, these residues are difficult to utilize effectively. They are unsuitable for animal feed, problematic for energy generation due to silica deposition on boiler surfaces, and are therefore often disposed of through open-field burning. This practice contributes significantly to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, and public health concerns. Conventional methods of extracting silica from such biomass are typically slow, energy-intensive, and cost-prohibitive, limiting their practical application. To address these challenges, the research team developed a microwave-assisted chemical extraction and synthesis route that utilizes both the thermal and non-thermal effects of microwave energy to catalyze chemical reactions. This approach significantly reduces processing time, enhances mass transfer, and improves overall energy efficiency compared to traditional heating methods. The patented process enables efficient extraction of silica from rice straw ash and its subsequent conversion into high-purity silica gel, while being compatible with semi-automated operation and decentralized deployment. The synthesized silica gel exhibits excellent material characteristics and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including use as a desiccant, catalyst support, humidity control medium, and chromatographic stationary phase. The process has been rigorously validated through scientific and technical studies, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for functional group analysis, proximate analysis for biomass characterization, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques for structural and morphological assessment, and thermogravimetric and physical performance analyses to evaluate thermal stability and material integrity. These studies confirm the chemical purity, structural consistency, and functional reliability of the produced silica gel. Preliminary assessments indicate strong potential for economic viability and large-scale commercialization. Detailed economic feasibility studies are currently underway to optimize process parameters, determine the most suitable scale of operation, and finalize the commercial design of the technology. In parallel, life-cycle assessment studies are planned to evaluate environmental impacts and explore opportunities for carbon credit generation. The technology is expected to transform the crop-waste market by creating value from agricultural residues, enabling micro-entrepreneurship in rural areas, strengthening local supply chains, and reducing dependence on imported silica products. This innovation contributes significantly to global sustainable development by supporting affordable and clean energy through efficient biomass utilization, promoting decent work and economic growth via rural entrepreneurship, advancing industry, innovation, and infrastructure through indigenous and scalable technology, and fostering sustainable cities and communities by reducing air pollution from crop residue burning. It further encourages responsible consumption and production through a zero-waste, waste-to-wealth model, strengthens climate action by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enabling carbon credit pathways, and supports life on land by reducing soil degradation and land pollution associated with improper biomass disposal. With continued efforts toward scale-up, commercialization, and policy integration, this microwave-assisted silica gel synthesis technology represents a significant advancement in sustainable materials research and agricultural waste valorization. The innovation reinforces Chitkara University’s commitment to impactful research, environmental stewardship, and inclusive economic development, positioning the institution as a key contributor to national and global sustainability initiatives. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

Jodhpur, 26th November 2025: Why do individuals sharing the same DNA, even within a family, respond so differently to diseases and treatments? This question—starkly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic—lies at the heart of groundbreaking research led by Prof. Mitali Mukerji, Professor, Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering; Affiliate Faculty, School of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science; and Centre for Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development at IIT Jodhpur. Prof. Mukerji, an eminent scientist working at the intersection of genomics, precision medicine, evolutionary biology, and Ayurgenomics, is spearheading a transformative effort to understand the molecular, environmental, and cultural signatures that shape human health diversity. Her research aims to deliver contextual, personalized, and sustainable healthcare solutions, particularly for populations in arid and extreme environments. Decoding Human Health in Extreme Environments: The Thar DESIGNS Initiative At IIT Jodhpur, Prof. Mukerji leads pioneering work under Thar DESIGNS (Desert EcoSystem Innovations Guided by Nature and Selection)—a flagship initiative that explores how life adapts to the harsh, high-temperature, high-UV, low-water conditions of the Thar Desert. Her group studies how extreme environmental pressures influence metabolism, cardiovascular health, respiratory diseases, and long-term disease transitions. Drawing from genetics, anthropological surveys, and evolutionary history, her team analyses native Thar Desert populations—shaped by centuries of migration and cultural evolution—to understand: How genetic variations facilitate adaptation to arid environments How traditional practices align with biological resilience How ecosystems and human health are intertwined This effort is strengthened by a multidisciplinary team across engineering, ecology, and medical sciences. A unique element of the project is the use of birds as ecological indicators, supported by citizen science, where local communities and birdwatchers contribute real-time data to map biodiversity, climate signals, and environmental change. Through Thar DESIGNS, IIT Jodhpur is building a global framework for studying health in extreme environments—an area increasingly relevant as climate change reshapes disease patterns worldwide. AyurTech: Integrating Ayurveda and Advanced Technology for Precision Healthcare Another central pillar of Prof. Mukerji’s work is AyurTech—a convergence of Ayurveda, genomics, AI, machine learning, NLP, and systems biology to deliver next-generation personalized healthcare. The foundation of this work lies in Ayurgenomics, an emerging discipline that Prof. Mukerji helped conceptualize and establish over two decades. Ayurgenomics aims to scientifically decode Ayurveda’s individualized health principles, particularly Prakriti (body constitution), using modern genetic and molecular tools. At IIT Jodhpur, AyurTech is translating this knowledge into clinical, integrative, and technological solutions, including: AI-enabled computer vision tools for phenotype and Prakriti assessment Machine learning models that integrate genomic, epigenetic, lifestyle, and Ayurvedic datasets Evidence-based protocols for precision diagnostics and therapeutics Digital platforms for preventive and personalized wellness AyurTech brings together experts from Ayurveda, modern medicine, biotechnology, computer science, and engineering, making IIT Jodhpur one of the few institutions globally to pursue such a deep, scientifically anchored integration of traditional knowledge and state-of-the-art technology. “Human health is shaped by a constellation of factors—our genes, environment, cultural practices, and evolutionary history. At IIT Jodhpur, we are weaving these layers together through genomics, Ayurgenomics, AI, and ecosystem science to create healthcare solutions that are personalized, evidence-based, and context-aware. Our work in the Thar Desert and through AyurTech aims to demonstrate how traditional knowledge and modern science can jointly illuminate pathways for resilience and sustainable well-being.” — Prof. Mitali Mukerji, IIT Jodhpur Towards a New Era of Contextual, Inclusive, and Precision Health Through her leadership, IIT Jodhpur is emerging as a unique hub where science, technology, culture, and ecology converge. From decoding health variability to exploring desert-adapted resilience and building AI-augmented Ayurvedic tools, Prof. Mukerji’s work holds transformative potential for: Personalized medicine Climate-resilient healthcare strategies Sustainable disease management in extreme environments Integrative medicine backed by scientific validation Her research reaffirms IIT Jodhpur’s commitment to driving innovation that is globally relevant, locally rooted, and scientifically rigorous.