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Illuminating the Invisible Universe: Astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan Wins 2025 Heineman Prize!

Priyamvada Natarajan, an astrophysicist at Yale University, has been awarded the 2025 Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics, an honor that highlights her exceptional work in exploring the invisible universe. From unraveling the mysteries of dark matter to uncovering the origins of black holes, Natarajan’s contributions have reshaped our understanding of the cosmos. This prestigious prize, jointly awarded by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the American Institute of Physics (AIP), celebrates excellence in mid-career astrophysics research. Remarkably, Natarajan is the first Yale faculty member to receive this accolade since its inception in 1980.Bridging Theory and ObservationNatarajan’s research exemplifies the synergy between theoretical ideas and observational data. Her innovative methods have allowed for direct comparisons between conceptual models and real-world findings, addressing fundamental questions in astrophysics. “Never before has the gap between proposing and validating ideas been this short in science,” said Natarajan. “I feel so lucky to be a scientist engaged in research now.”Her theoretical insights into the formation and growth of black holes in the universe’s earliest epochs have been validated by numerous observational discoveries. Additionally, her outstanding work using gravitational lensing—a technique that uses the bending of light by massive objects to map dark matter—has unveiled new dimensions of understanding about the mysterious substance that makes up a significant portion of the cosmos.Natarajan’s fascination with the “invisible ingredients of the universe”—dark matter and dark energy—drives her work. These enigmatic components, while known to exist, remain largely unexplained. Her pioneering methods leverage gravitational lensing as a tool to constrain dark energy models, offering a glimpse into the fabric of the cosmos.“The invisible universe has always deeply fascinated me,” she said. “While we now know how these components manifest, their true nature remains unknown. These cosmic mysteries continue to inspire me.”A Career of Stellar AchievementsNatarajan joined Yale’s faculty in 2000 and is director of Yale’s Franke Program in Science and the Humanities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.Over her illustrious career spanning more than two decades, Natarajan has been recognized with numerous honors. She is an elected fellow of esteemed organizations such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Physical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her accolades include Guggenheim and Radcliffe fellowships and the Liberty Science Center’s Genius Award. In 2024, she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.Source: Google imagesNatarajan’s work has set the stage for colleagues using next-generation telescopes to peer deeper into the universe. Her contributions not only advance the field of astrophysics but also inspire a new generation of scientists to pursue the mysteries of the cosmos.“I am grateful to have had the opportunities to be able to contribute to this exciting field and want to thank all my mentors, collaborators, and colleagues who continue to inspire me,” she said. “I am thrilled to celebrate this honor with my mother, whose encouragement and unwavering support has made everything possible.”The Dannie Heineman Prize: A Legacy of ExcellenceEstablished in 1979 by the Heineman Foundation, the Dannie Heineman Prize recognizes significant contributions to astrophysics. The award includes a $10,000 prize and a certificate citing the recipient’s achievements. Natarajan’s award was announced on January 16 at the 245th AAS meeting in National Harbor, Maryland.Priyamvada Natarajan’s journey exemplifies the power of curiosity, dedication, and collaboration. Her research not only sheds light on the hidden aspects of the universe but also paves the way for future discoveries. As she continues to push the boundaries of astrophysics, Natarajan’s work showcases the limitless possibilities of science and human ingenuity.

27 Jan 2025

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Pune's Cake Artist Makes Global Waves at Oxford and UK Parliament!

The UK recently hosted India Week, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and contributions, with a standout moment that spotlighted Pune-based cake artist Prachi Dhabal Deb. Prachi's exceptional work in Royal Icing Art was honored at two prestigious venues: Oxford University and the UK Parliament. Her recognition marks a historic milestone, as she is the first cake artist to be celebrated at the world-renowned Oxford University. Prachi’s Journey to Global Recognition Prachi Dhabal Deb's journey to global acclaim is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and educated in Kolkata, Prachi's passion for cake artistry took flight after studying Royal Icing Art in London. Over the past decade, she has championed this niche art form, combining traditional techniques with innovative designs. Her artistic prowess has not only earned her accolades but has also led to several world records certified by the World Book of Records, London. These include a stunning 100 kg cake structure inspired by the Milan Cathedral, the maximum number of vegan royal icing structures, and a massive 200 kg edible structure of an Indian-inspired palace created with vegan royal icing. Source: Google Images Celebrating Excellence at Oxford University At Oxford University, Prachi was felicitated by Kevin McCole, Managing Director of the UK India Business Council. This recognition underscores her significant contributions to Royal Icing Art, a craft she has explored and expanded with unparalleled skill. Prachi expressed her gratitude, saying, "It is an honour to be acknowledged for my work in a field that I am so passionate about. The journey has been challenging but immensely rewarding." The celebrations continued at the UK Parliament, where Prachi was further honored by Navin Shah CBE. This double recognition—at both Oxford University and the UK Parliament—highlights Prachi’s dedication and creativity, making India proud on the global stage. A Commitment to Vegan Artistry Prachi’s accomplishments highlight not just her artistry but also her dedication to a vegan lifestyle. She has skillfully merged her love for confectionery with sustainability, redefining the possibilities of vegan royal icing. "I want to demonstrate that vegan alternatives can be as grand and beautiful as traditional ones," Prachi said. Her creations prove that vegan confectionery can be both innovative and visually breathtaking. Currently residing in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, Prachi Dhabal Deb is more than just a cake artist; she is a true ambassador of creativity and innovation in the culinary arts. Her work continues to set new standards and inspire others in the world of cake artistry. In a heartfelt Instagram message, Prachi reflected on her monumental achievement: “I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude, pride, and humility. Being honored with this prestigious award at Oxford University by Kevin McCole and at the UK Parliament by Navin Shah CBE for my contributions to Royal Icing Art is not only a recognition of my work but also a validation of the countless hours of dedication, passion, and perseverance.” She dedicated her award to her family, friends, and mentor Sir Eddie Spence MBE, expressing her commitment to keeping the art of piping alive.

22 Jul 2024

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Kannur University Extends Helping Hand to Manipur Students Amidst Violence

In a heartwarming gesture, Kannur University in Kerala has come forward to support students from Manipur whose education has been disrupted by the ongoing violence in their home state. The university has opened its doors to 70 students who had to flee from the violence, allowing them to join various degree courses. Moreover, the university is also planning to assist students who had to discontinue their studies midway due to the turmoil. The first batch of 13 students has already arrived in Kerala, eager to begin a new chapter in their lives. Despite the differences in food and surroundings, these students feel a sense of familiarity and are grateful for the warm reception they have received. Kannur University has taken a compassionate approach by not demanding qualification certificates or other documents from the students who have been forced to leave their homes. Their sole aim is to provide a helping hand to these students during this challenging time. Vice Chancellor Gopinath Ravindran assured that while the university is not currently checking certificates, they will communicate with the students' universities in Manipur to obtain the necessary documents before granting them degree certificates from Kannur University. The students will be admitted to different colleges within the university, with preference given to colleges that have residential campuses and hostels. The state of Manipur has recently experienced a surge in inter-tribal violence, resulting in the displacement of tens of thousands of people and numerous casualties. The conflict stems from historical colonial policies that accentuated differences among the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki tribes. Kannur University's initiative to provide education and support to Manipuri students reflects the spirit of solidarity and compassion, offering a lifeline to those affected by the violence.

24 Sep 2023

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Breaking Boundaries: Deakin University's Game-Changing Move Paves the Way for Global Education

Deakin University in Australia is set to become the first foreign university to establish a campus in India, a move that is expected to open up new opportunities for both Indian and Australian students. The Deakin University campus in India will be located in the GIFT city of Gujarat, and will offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas such as business, management, engineering, and health sciences. The campus will be operated in collaboration with Indian educational institutions, and will be fully compliant with Indian regulations and standards. An official announcement of Deakin's intention to open its first offshore campus will be made on March 8 during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Norman Albanese's visit to Ahmedabad. Deakin is ranked 266th in the QS World University Rankings and features among the top 50 young universities in the world. The move is expected to be a major boost for both Indian and Australian students. Indian students will have the opportunity to study at a top-tier Australian university without having to leave the country, while Australian students will have the chance to study in India and gain valuable experience in an emerging market. Moreover, the establishment of the Deakin University campus in India is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration between Australian and Indian universities, as well as between Australian and Indian businesses. This is likely to result in increased trade and investment between the two countries, and may lead to the establishment of further Australian campuses in India in the future.

28 Feb 2023

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Revolutionary Chemical Solution Developed to Tackle Water Pollution Crisis

Punjabi University Patiala has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against water pollution. The Chemistry department at the university has developed a low-cost, highly efficient and specific solution to tackle the emerging dangers posed by water pollution. The solution, called the core shell Molecule Imprinted Polymers (MIP), has been designed to extract harmful pollutants from water and purify it effectively. According to researchers, the conventional procedures used to remove these pollutants are ineffective and expensive, and new types of contaminants that are emerging from pesticides, creams, water bottles, and pharmaceuticals are poisoning the water. The MIPs detect new types of pollutants using a fluorescent method, which is the fastest way to detect pollutants. The molecules created during the research can absorb these pollutants and help in purifying the water. The research team has developed a separate core shell MIP for each category of pollutants, including alkylphenols, pharmaceuticals, antimicrobial agents, plasticizers, and hormones. MIPs were constructed using iron oxide, silica, and carbon dots, which were then tested through experiments to assess their ability to rapidly detect and absorb pollutants. This ground-breaking invention offers a comprehensive strategy for combating the dangers of water contamination. The development of core shell MIPs is a significant breakthrough that will have a positive impact on the environment and human health. The research team's efforts in developing this solution will undoubtedly inspire further innovations in the fight against water pollution.

21 Feb 2023

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Shantiniketan's Gem: The World's First Living Heritage University

Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan is set to make history by becoming the world's first "living heritage university". This historic university, located in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, India, is expected to receive the heritage tag from UNESCO in April or May 2023. This is a first-of-its-kind recognition, as the heritage tag is usually given to dead monuments, but Visva-Bharati University, being a living and functioning university, is poised to become the first ever to receive this prestigious recognition. Visva-Bharati University was established in 1921 by Rabindranath Tagore with the goal of advancing outdoor education, a concept that is still in use today. The university offers numerous institutes that provide courses in a variety of subjects, including the humanities, arts, music, and more. The guiding ideals of excellence in culture and cultural studies are still promoted by these institutes. The Kalo Bari, the Mastermoshai Studio, the murals and paintings on Cheena and Hindi Bhavan, among other various architectural constructions, are just a few of Visva-Bharati University's numerous distinctive features that make it special. These buildings demonstrate the university's dedication to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage. In conclusion, Visva-Bharati University is a living example of India's rich cultural heritage and a testimony to Rabindranath Tagore's vision and commitment to promoting education and culture. The recognition by UNESCO as a "living heritage university" will ensure that this legacy will continue to be cherished and celebrated for generations to come.

10 Feb 2023

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India Will Get Its First National Digital University in 2023

For students across the nation, a national digital university is a brand-new development in the sphere of higher education. The Ministry of Education is creating a digital university in close cooperation with all parties, and it expects students to benefit from it starting in 2023. The distinctive feature of this initiative is that it will be connected to all other universities and colleges in the nation because they will all be affiliated with one university. According to the ministry, the online university would take applications for admission and other relevant processes. The university will use the same online method to admit students. Furthermore, the university will use an online system for both its teaching and evaluation of its students. Through the ministry's portal, "Swayam," the students can pursue their studies and finish their assignments online. All graduates of the 12th grade will be eligible to enroll in higher education. According to M Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), there would be no limit on the number of seats or students admitted to this university. According to IANS, students from all across the country will be able to enroll in the courses of their choice and would be able to take advantage of the institution's benefits. The ministry has asked for a strong education strategy that is industry-led and supported by a team effort to improve youth employability. Additionally, based on the New Education Policy (NEP), the students in the virtual university will have access to several entry and exit points as well as the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC).

5 Jan 2023

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Indian Scientist Wins Accolades As Top Talent in Biology in Europe

Bengaluru-born Dr. Mahima Swamy has been selected to join the elite European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Young Investigator network, establishing her as one of Europe's top biological talents. Dr Swamy is one of the most respected experts at the University of Dundee's School of Life Sciences, where she is in charge of a team that studies intestinal immune responses. Mahima joins 23 other researchers to join the network of 135 present and 390 previous members of the EMBO program, which is housed under the university's Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU). Dr Swamy’s study focuses on how to effectively use the gut immune system to defend against harmful invasion while also preventing gut damage. Professor Dario Alessi, Director of the MRC-PPU, said that it was a well-deserved recognition and a significant boost for the crucial study that Mahima was performing on elucidating the biological roles of the enigmatic Intraepithelial lymphocytes that patrol the intestinal epithelium. In a statement, Mahima said, "I am very grateful to my lab and my mentors for the support that gained me this prize. I feel that being a part of this distinguished organization will improve our study significantly.” She added that she was excited to be a member of the prestigious network and was looking forward to meeting all the young researchers of Europe.

1 Jan 2023

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How a Professor Found a Novel Way To Replace Plastic Straws

A day after Saji Varghese, an associate professor of English at Christ university in Bengaluru had a conversation with a guest from the Netherlands on the impact of single-use plastic, his eyes fell on a dried coconut leaf in the university campus and an idea struck him. As he reveals, it was like an epiphany moment for him. He believed it could be transformed into an environmentally beneficial substitute for plastic straws to have a "good impact" on the environment, something he had always considered. Saji then started his research with dried coconut leaflets. He observed a shine forming on the leaves' surface as he pressure-steamed the dried coconut leaves for his research. He found that naturally dried leaves had a natural wax that, when steamed, rose to the surface. Saji realized that the wax might give the suggested straws the anti-fungal and hydrophobic qualities that are essential in drinking straws. Saji finally established Sunbird Straws to produce drinking straws derived from naturally dried coconut leaves in 2020, three years after he had originally planned to. According to Saji, technological innovation has assisted the team in streamlining its production process. The team created a conveyor system that can produce one straw every 1.5 seconds as opposed to the previous requirement of 45 seconds for each straw. According to Saji, 86 women are engaged during both the pre-production and production phases, giving them yearlong income prospects. The company plans to increase manufacturing to 10 lakh straws each day and hire 1,000 women over the next three years. Additionally, it is looking at joint ventures abroad and developing other dried leaf products.

20 Dec 2022

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Know Who Beat Einstein and Hawking on the Mensa IQ Test!

Yusuf Shah, who is eleven years old, received the highest score attainable on a Mensa intelligence test—162—and is now being acclaimed as a genius. He outperforms physicists Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein, whose IQs were both considered to be around 160. Mensa, a global organization for people with high IQs, confirmed Shah's score to NBC News and said he "had enormous potential" and finished in the top 2% of the population. Anyone who scores in the 98th percentile is welcome to join the club. Shah's parents urged him to take the test without any prior preparation. Irfan Shah, Shah's father, told the Washington Post that when Shah was 7 years old, he came upon a mathematical phenomenon that baffled him. The family got in touch with a math professor at Cambridge University, who gave Shah a justification for the rule, which has since been known as "Yusuf's Square Rule" at their home. Shah's parents, however, claimed that in addition to developing his aptitudes, they are also teaching him how to cultivate his work ethic and social life. Shah's father told the Post that he still tells him that his dad is still brighter than him. "We take it all in good fun. Even if you have talent, you must put in the most effort”, he added. Yusuf Shah said that it felt very special to have a certificate for him and about him. He also never thought he would be in the news.

28 Nov 2022

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A Boost to Local Industries As Mumbai University Plans to Offer Skill-Based Courses

Mumbai University is planning to provide a new range of skill-based courses that will provide employment opportunities to the youth and give a thrust to the local industries. The courses may vary according to regions, for example, rainwater conservation, agronomy in Raigad, Ratnagiri; management of airports in Panvel; animal husbandry, floriculture in Palghar; pollution, wastewater management in Konkan; marine tourism, heritage tourism in Mumbai. Tailor-Made Courses The university plans to design courses relevant to different regions. Courses range from fruit processing and bamboo production in Konkan to Warli painting in Palghar. The courses will be offered as certificate, diploma and advanced diploma to students pursuing traditional arts, science, and commerce. The courses are job oriented so that the youth won’t migrate to Mumbai and other cities for employment. Stop Migration The main objective of introducing the skill-based courses in Mumbai University is to better the gross enrolment ratio so that more people get employment in the local industries. Region-specific courses will help enhance the local industries and provide employment opportunities to students from different regions. On the suggestion from the state government, 11 public universities are planning to offer more than 2000 skill-based courses across affiliated colleges over five years.

24 Nov 2019

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21 YO Is on the Path of Becoming the Country’s Youngest Judge

As a young boy, Mayank Pratap Singh who hails from Jaipur always dreamt of becoming a judge because of the importance and respect that the post of judge commands. At the age of 21, his dream has come true as he cleared the Rajasthan judicial services exam in the very first attempt. Mayank’s success has won him many accolades as he is also the youngest person in the country to have cleared the judicial services exam. The 21-year-old took admission in 2014 for a five year LLB course from Rajasthan University which ended this year. Passing this exam paved the way for him to become the country’s youngest judge. The original age for appearing in the judicial services exam was 23 years which was brought down to 21 this year. According to Mayank, this move is very welcome as it will help to fill the vacant posts so that justice could be discharged promptly. Mayank himself is on cloud nine with his success and hopes to serve as many people as possible in his judicial career. The reduction in eligible age for the exam enabled him to appear for the exam. He said that he will now have more time to learn, do more work and serve more people in his career. Image Source: RappidLeaks

24 Nov 2019

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This Is the Best Gift an Employer Can Ever Give to His Employees!

When a woman mill worker expressed her helplessness to continue her studies due to financial constraints, it struck a chord with Director of KPR Mills, P Nataraj and his brother K P Ramasamy who then decided to start classes for the employees. The initiative, which began 14 years ago with 15-20 students has now snowballed to around 24,000 women who have completed their X, class XII and graduation as well. Many have taken up job oriented courses in teacher training and yoga. Ideal CSR Initiative KPR Mills is one of the largest apparel manufacturing firms in the country. You will be surprised to know that it has fifty-eight full-time teachers on its roll. The teachers are employed to educate its employees most of them who have now become graduates and postgraduates. Being serious about this initiative, it has tied up with Tamil Nadu Open University and Alagappa University. Uplifting Employees KPR Mills has 22,000 employees of which around 3,500 are pursuing various courses from Class X to Computer Diploma and even Post Graduate degrees. The employees are not expected to stay with it forever and they are encouraged to take up better opportunities that come their way as it will uplift them and their families. The women employees are grateful to the company without whose help they would have remained mill workers for life.

6 Nov 2019

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A Waiter’s Son Flies Abroad for Higher Studies, Thanks to the Compassionate Efforts of Like-Minded Citizens

A good student with a brilliant academic background had earned a scholarship to study abroad. However, owing to poor financial conditions, his trip seemed to be in jeopardy. A citizen came to know about the plight of the poor student and pitched in to help. A group of such like-minded citizens were able to collect Rs 4 lakhs and helped the deserving student realize his dream of studying abroad. A Brilliant Student Rahul Chaure, the son of a waiter in a beer shop in Nagpur couldn’t attend regular college. Therefore, he completed his graduation from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). He had a brilliant academic record which helped him get the state government's fellowship for pursuing Master's in Clinical Psychology from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. It was like a dream come true for Rahul, but there was a big hurdle- he didn’t have funds to buy the air ticket, pay his visa fee and arrange for a month's accommodation till the government released funds. Crowdfunding When a group of citizens came to know about Rahul’s helplessness, they all started a drive to collect funds for Rahul. Umakant Kambe, who works in a private company said that they reached out to all contacts and friends and started building a small pool of funds. A women’s self-help group, a forest officer, an aviation officer and many individuals contributed in their capacity ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs25,000 each. Entrepreneur Hemant Sutey sponsored the entire visa fee of Rs 86,000 and executive engineer Vijay Gawande took a loan of Rs 76,000 for Rahul. Kamble said that Rahul had applied for the state government's SC/ST scholarship for foreign education and once that money is released it will be returned to the contributors. The joint efforts of all the citizens ensured that Rahul didn’t miss the flight to Aberdeen. It is really heartening to know about the efforts of society to help a student of abject poverty to overcome his hurdles and realize his dream.

29 Oct 2019

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An Exclusive University For The Disabled

Currently, with only three universities having a department for disabled, the government of Odisha is working towards providing a better future to the disabled. Odisha government has already sent a proposal to the Higher Education Department for setting up an exclusive university for the disabled. If the proposal is denied, then the authorities will agree upon setting a bigger department in an existing university. The need for an exclusive university is important due to various reasons. According to Mr Chandra, the disability sector requires a larger number of professionals for developing learning materials, innovative newer enabling technologies and handling the psychological aspects. And only a dedicated institution would help reduce all the problems. Setting up of a university would not only cater to the needs of the disability sector in Odisha but also help the neighbouring states in getting professionals, said Sanyas Behera, a visually challenged civil servant of the State.

1 Feb 2018

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Madras University goes paperless

Paperwork will be a thing of the past at Madras University as the administration has decided to go completely paperless. It has been planned that all correspondence and official files relating to syndicate, academic council, Senate and communication to colleges will be done only through e-mail. The decision was taken at a meeting of the syndicate that was held on Thursday. The 160-year-old institution is perhaps the first in the country to go paperless. Every year, two academic council meets, two Senate meetings and at least 12 syndicate meetings are conducted by the university. These meetings entail the use of large amounts of paper as agenda and minutes of the meeting that has to be printed and distributed to the members run into several hundreds of pages. Syndicate has 27 members, Senate 125 members and academic council more than 200 members. Apart from this, the annual report and other reports run into more than 1000 pages. A sizable quantity of paper is also used up for examination as well as the board of studies related communication and documents. It has been decided that instead of sending printed invitations, only e-invites will be sent for seminars, conferences and academic programmes. Vice Chancellor P Duraisamy stated that the university can save at least 70 percent of its costs related to purchasing of papers, printer cartridges for office use and printing costs.

18 Sep 2017

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RU to save money by going Solar way

Here’s a good deal for Rajasthan University that will save its money at the same time will help its campus to go green. Rajasthan University (RU) was allocated Rs 6.50 crore by the Jaipur Smart City Ltd for setting up of a solar power plant on Tuesday. The university is allowed to use 50% of the power generated out of the solar plant for free. While the rest 50% will be paid to the Jaipur Smart City Ltd on reasonable rates. As per a report published in The Times of India, Chief public relations officer of Rajasthan University, Bhupendra Singh Shekawat told, "This solar plant will save Rs 10 lakh of the RU as this plant will meet the 50% of the total power consumption." Every month university spends Rs 20-25 lakh on the electricity bills. The same amount will be spent only once on installing 950 kilowatt grid connected solar power plant. A survey for the same has been completed. The identified buildings were Central liabrary, Manviki Block, PG School of Social Science, Vigya Bhawan, Fine Arts Bhawan, Law Collge I and II. The idea of planting a solar plant is formulated by the vice chanceller Rajeshwar Singh. With making its campus solar power generating, RU has completely taken a wise decision to save money and also go eco-friendly.

11 May 2017

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Lucknow varsity depts to strive for cleanliness

With regards to take ahead the message of Swacch Bharat among the entire University, the Lucknow University will rank its 43 departments on the basis of cleanliness. To make sure that the department scores well, they should ensure that they meet the cleanliness parameters and have contributed towards Swachhta mission, else they will be marked as Failed in the annual report. The rankings will be uploaded on the Lucknow University official website and if the department has scored good or bad will also be revealed. A committee headed by the vice-chancellor S P Singh will be formed to analyse and award scores on the basis of the department's performance. As per the report published in The Times of India, "The report card of every department will be a mirror for every faculty. The department will get to know where they stand in terms of academic excellence, cleanliness and hygiene, job placement and teaching. It will also create a healthy competition not only between students of different departments but also among heads and teaching faculty of the department," said Singh and added that the parameters on which the departments will be ranked have already been decided. The marks division and areas where negative points will be awarded will also be finalised before the new session begins, he added. There will be many paramaeters like not using polythene bags and no tobacco in the campus. The final report card of each department is prepared on the basis of academic excellence, attendance, job placement, courses which have been closed due to poor performance, research, involvement in the extra co-curricular activities and use of innovation and technology in the classroom. The top five departments will be profiled on the university website under 'top performers' head, highlighting its achievement and total marks scored to attain the top rankings. Not keeping corridors, walls and garden area of educational blocks neat and clean may reflect badly on the head of departments in days to come.

8 May 2017

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Osmania University alumni to adopt hundred villages

The Osmania University Alumni Association which has around 25,000 members comprising of engineers, businessmen, doctors, advocates and other professionals have decided to adopt 100 villages in the erstwhile Telangana districts and ensure all-round development. With the help of district collectors, they will identify the problems faced by these villages and take up activities accordingly. Osmania University Centenary Celebrations Alumni Committee chairman Anantula Shyam Mohan said that the state government has been promoting village adoption scheme for the overall development of the state and already public representatives, officials, celebrities and other important personalities have decided to adopt backward villages in the state and develop them. The Osmanians have also decided to be part of the programme to serve the state. Shyam Mohan said that a high level expert committee will be formed involving expert members such as doctors, engineers and businessmen to interact with officials and zero in on issues pertaining to the specific village and solve them. These efforts will help to improve the infrastructure of villages and help in the all round development of the state . Osmania University vice-chancellor Ramachandram agreed to host a Global Alumni meet on the campus on December 23 this year.

1 May 2017

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Government to set up Central University for differently abled

Union minister for human resource development Prakash Javadekar has said that the Central government has decided to set up a Central University which will cater to the needs of the disabled students across the country. He made this announcement during his convocation address at Shakuntala Mishra Rehabilitation University, Lucknow on Monday. Stating that the Government is sensitive to the needs of the disabled, he said that the PM has coined the term 'divyang' and has asked all education institutions to take steps for barrier free movements for the disabled which means ramps and lifts will be a must in institutions. He added that this new education which is inclusive in nature will not only boost the confidence of the disabled and encourage them to learn more, but also will make the already empowered students more sensitive. The HRD minister also offered financial assistance to the university for setting a Braille Press inside the campus. It was the desire of the university vice chancellor Nishith Rai to set up a Braille Press for helping visually impaired students. Javedkar also awarded 53 medals to 37 students at the third convocation of which 28 went to girls and nine medals were given to the boys. He also expressed his happiness at the Indianess of the convocation attire.

25 Apr 2017

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You have Voter’s ID?

In a bid to encourage youngster to be a part of the voting process, now students while seeking the admission will be asked if enrolled for the Voter’s ID. University of Mumbai has asked all the colleges affiliated to them, to ask students their whereabouts if the students have enrolled their name own voters ID list. Usually, for their higher education, students complete 18 years of age, therefore adding this question in the admission form will help the colleges also to know if the students seeking admission have voter’s ID or at least applied for. Making voter’s ID mandatory for the admission is still to be discussed but the question is likely to be added in the admission form. While many principals in the city believe that it is a good move by the University to increase the interest of elections among students but making it mandatory for the admission might raise eyebrows as one cannot disqualify student from taking the admission just because he lacks voters IDs. The college can surely make it mandatory after giving admissions and ask the students to enroll themselves in the voters list. Also, college can ask their National Service Scheme (NSS) unit to undertake an awareness drive that will surely help students to increase the number of voters in their colleges. This is surely a good move to encourage students to vote during election and be a part of the largest democracy in the world.

20 Mar 2017

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Indian philosophy now a part of commerce at Rajasthan University

To educate students by giving them a sense of Indian philosophy and religion, now Rajasthan University’s Commerce Department has replaced their dissertation topics with Indian values. Now topics like Vedas and management, management of stress through yoga, Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Mahavir are few topics among other that will be included in University’s dissertation topic. It will be a modern day collaboration with the ancient topics that will make sure that students realise and understand the contribution done by philosophers and thinkers in India. Students will also give presentations on these topics and other presentation topics include under the category of Management Guru. This unique move has been taken by Rajasthan University to Indianise the higher studies and students to get a sense of Indian values while they study modern day management. Most of the theories accepted globally are taken from Indian philosopher who dates back to 5000 years old. Therefore Indian students should also know about this contribution. Apart from this, University had previously also replaced Foreign authors with Indian Authors so that students can study by taking the reference of Indian author’s book.

17 Mar 2017

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Global News

Next-Gen Artificial Leaf Captures 10x More Carbon Outdoors—A Climate Game-Changer!

Researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago have developed a novel technology for an artificial leaf that may significantly improve air quality. The device is especially unique because it was successfully used to extract carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gases causing global warming, from the air during outdoor testing.Carbon dioxide (CO2) from pressurized CO2 tanks has been used in laboratory testing of fake leaf designs thus far. In the actual world, where CO2 is much more diluted and combined with a variety of airborne pollutants, the technique didn't work as well. The current study is a hopeful new breakthrough in the field of artificial leaf engineering, as making the technology operate in the real world has remained a significant issue. Researchers' enhanced artificial leaf design is at least ten times more effective at capturing CO2 energy than natural leaves ~Rohan Sartape, a UIC student and co-author of the study, holds an artificial leaf created in Meenesh Singh's lab, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at the College of Engineering. (Source: Google Images) The novel design encloses conventional artificial leaves in a water-filled capsule. The membrane of the capsule is semi-permeable, meaning that molecules can only travel through it selectively to the opposite side, which is the interior of the artificial leaf. The water in the capsule warms up and evaporates through the membrane when this arrangement is exposed to sunshine. In order to replenish the water molecules that are evaporating, the capsule also simultaneously absorbs carbon dioxide from outside the membrane. More carbon dioxide is sucked into the membrane by the bionic leaf, where it is transformed into carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen. The oxygen can be released back into the atmosphere, and the CO can be collected from the device and utilized to make synthetic fuels like methanol and gasoline. Leading to a sensitive and innovative approach to science ~A Closer Look ( Source: Google Images) According to a news release from Meenesh Singh, the study's principal researcher, the entire arrangement may work outside just like a real leaf by enclosing the artificial leaf technology inside the specialized membrane. In order to create an artificial leaf that is prepared for deployment outside of the lab, where it may significantly contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, Singh explained that his conceptual design makes use of easily accessible materials and technologies.With its ability to convert CO2 into valuable fuels, this innovation could play a critical role in addressing air pollution and advancing sustainable energy. If deployed widely, such artificial leaves could not only improve air quality but also create new pathways for clean fuel production, marking a significant leap forward in climate-friendly technology.

6 Nov 2024

Global News

Positive Reads

Recyclable Clothing: Getting Consumers To Think About Their Purchases!

Materials engineers at the University of Delaware have developed a chemical recycling process to distinguish synthetic fibers like nylon from natural fibers like cotton, offering a potentially ground-breaking approach to clothes recycling. Approximately 10% of the garbage that ends up in landfills worldwide is from the fashion and textile sectors, most of it is not recyclable. Textiles made of nylon, polyester, and spandex release microplastics into the environment regularly, and most municipal recycling facilities lack the machinery necessary to deal with them. There are ways to recycle these clothing, at least in their entirety; however, the fibers cannot be recycled when mixed with wool or cotton. Paving Towards Sustainable Advancement ~ Process Of Recycling! By eliminating pollution, cutting waste, and preserving resources, recycling is essential to ensuring environmental sustainability. Examining recycling's future is more pertinent and fascinating than ever as society grows more conscious of the need for sustainable practices. Technological developments have made recycling operations much more effective and efficient. Automation in sorting and sophisticated recycling technology are examples of innovations that have improved recycling rates and decreased contamination. New recycling techniques that can handle complicated and mixed materials, such as chemical recycling, have also been made possible by these breakthroughs. Recycled Clothing Will Be The New Trend In Coming Years~ (Source: Google Images) “We need a better way to recycle modern garments that are complex because we are never going to stop buying clothes,” Erha Andini, a chemical engineer at the University of Delaware, told MIT’s Tech Review. “We are looking to create a closed-loop system for textile recycling.” Andini is the lead author of a study on a process she’s pioneering, which is out today in Science Advances, that uses a solvent to break the chemical bonds in polyester and nylon and cause the artificial threads to fall away from the natural ones. This allows for ideal recycling conditions for returning both threads to this closed-loop system. This altogether simple microwave energy to activate the solvent makes the process cheaper and more efficient regarding energy consumption. Obstacles Remain ~ Some of the recycled artificial fibers are too deteriorated for additional usage, which results in a substantial loss of value for the process when the recycled product is sold again. The solvent is notably expensive despite the low energy usage, which is the second problem. Andani isn't simply a chemical engineer, though; she is focused on commercializing the approach after receiving a fellowship for entrepreneurship. “Hopefully, once we can get pure components from each part, we can transform them back into yarn and make clothes again,” she says. “It’ll be a matter of having the capital or not, but we’re working on it and excited for it.”

11 Jul 2024

Positive Reads

Ancient Indian Wisdom Meets Modern Education: UGC Proposes Incorporating Indian Knowledge System in Higher Education

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to revolutionize higher education curricula by incorporating the fascinating Indian Knowledge System (IKS). In a groundbreaking move, the draft guidelines propose that students be “encouraged” to explore the ancient Sanskrit text's insights into plastic surgery and Vedic astronomy. Even students of modern medicine will be nudged to delve into the secrets of the “Indian Systems of Medicine,” such as Ayurveda and Siddha. This move aims to introduce students to IKS, offering them a comprehensive understanding of India as a knowledge-based society that can connect ancient wisdom with contemporary knowledge to create sustainable human communities. According to UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar, studying IKS will give students an understanding of how it can be connected with contemporary knowledge to find new perspectives on building sustainable human communities. The UGC has proposed that every student enrolled in a UG or PG program should be encouraged to take credit courses in IKS amounting to at least 5% of the total mandated credits. At least 50% of the credits apportioned to IKS should be related to a major discipline and accounted for the credits assigned to that major discipline. Some of the other courses suggested in the draft guidelines include “splendid geographical isolation of India and the uniqueness of Indian culture”, “Ramayana and Mahabharata”, “Puranas”, foundational texts of Indian Philosophies, “including the Jaina and Bauddha”, and “foundational texts of Indian religious sampradayas, from the Vedic period to the Bhakti traditions of different regions”. The UGC has also proposed courses on Indian astronomy, ancient records of the observation of the motion of celestial bodies in the Vedic corpus, and astronomy as the science of determination of time, place, and direction by observing the motion of the celestial bodies. The draft guidelines have been made public to receive feedback till April 30, and the UGC has sent the guidelines to universities and colleges for suggestions. If implemented, the proposal would equip students with a deeper understanding of India’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage and its relevance to contemporary knowledge systems.

16 Apr 2023

Positive Reads

Breaking the Chains of Colonial Legacy: Delhi University Adopts Indian Attire for Convocation

Delhi University is breaking with tradition and ditching the conventional black gowns worn by students during convocation in favor of Indian attire. The 99th convocation ceremony, set to take place on February 25th, will see students and officials don "angvastras", a stole-like garment, inspired by Indian culture. Officials will wear outfits made of khadi silk to promote Indian traditions. The university felt the need to "go back to our roots" and change the colonial issues associated with the traditional gowns. The designs of the attire were approved by the Academic and Executive Councils, with the university's logo and the tree of life symbol featured prominently. The color of the stoles will differ for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D students. There has always been a debate about these robes. According to Economic Times, when colleges were established in India, an effort was made to "Indianize academic robes." As a visitor at the Indian Institute of Forest Management's convocation ceremony in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, in 2010, the then-Union minister Jairam Ramesh took off the robe he was wearing and described it as a "barbaric colonial legacy." The traditional Indian clothing of sarees for women and kurta-pajamas for men has already been adopted at many Indian Institutes of Technology, including Roorkee, Bombay, and Kanpur. The change in attire symbolizes a step towards breaking the chains of colonial legacy and embracing India's rich cultural heritage.

7 Feb 2023

Positive Reads

Know who just became the youngest post graduate in India at 16!

Have you just turned 16? Or, remember the time when you were of that age? The memories will be of a confused brain that didn’t know what to go for after completing your board exams. Well, in one of the many firsts, an Indian prodigy, has made the headlines for doing something which can give a complex to all teenagers, and to our old self as well. A Hyderabad boy, named Agastya Jaiswal, has completed his post-graduation at the tender age of 16. He did his Masters in Sociology from Osmania University. There’s more to it — he is the first Indian to complete intermediate in two streams, BiPC (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) and CEC (Civics, Economics, Commerce). Before this, he had completed his 10th when he was 8, and graduated in B.A. Mass Communication at the age of 14. Proud parents, Ashwani Kumar Jaiswal (father), and Bhagyalaxmi Jaiswal (mother) had a big role in guiding their special son to success. His father said, “Agastya had become the Google boy at the age of 2 by answering 300 questions, and 3000 questions at the age of 5.” The list doesn’t end here — Agastya is also ambidextrous, which means he can write with both hands. He can type A to Z alphabets in just 1.72 seconds. Adding more to his laurels, Agastya is a motivational speaker and a national table tennis player. Safe to say, Agastya is God’s very own child in the world of mere mortals. Here’s hoping for his future success in making India proud!

13 Dec 2022

Positive Reads

Star Citizens

Historic Milestone: First Indian Recognized at Cambridge University with Building Name

Cambridge University has taken a historic step by naming an entire building after Yusuf Hamied, the chairman of Indian pharmaceutical giant Cipla. This prestigious honor marks the first time in the university's 800-year history that a building has been named after an Indian figure. Hamied's contributions to the field of medicine, particularly through Cipla's affordable antiretroviral drugs that have saved the lives of millions of AIDS sufferers in Africa, have earned him this recognition. The grand opening of the newly named "Yusuf Hamied Court" at Christ's College was attended by Lord Simon McDonald, the Master of the College, along with approximately 25 distinguished scientists, primarily chemistry professors. During the ceremony, Hamied shared a touching story about his family's connection to Cambridge University. He recounted how a meeting with Professor Alexander Todd in 1953, where his father expressed his desire for Hamied to study at Cambridge, ultimately shaped his life's path. Hamied pursued his PhD in Chemistry from 1954 to 1960. Standing in front of an esteemed audience at the inauguration of the Yusuf Hamied Court, he expressed his gratitude and reflected on the enduring bond between education and benevolence. The announcement of the Cambridge building being named after Hamied received an overwhelmingly positive response from netizens. Social media users hailed the recognition as well-deserved and applauded Cambridge University for making it a reality. It is worth noting that Cipla's impact extends beyond this honor, as the pharmaceutical company has also played a significant role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamied's family legacy, which includes the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University in India based on the principles of Oxford and Cambridge, further adds to the significance of this momentous occasion. Through this recognition, Cambridge University pays tribute to a remarkable individual whose contributions have touched the lives of countless individuals worldwide. The naming of the Yusuf Hamied Court serves as evidence of his enduring legacy and the values of education, philanthropy, and innovation.

21 May 2023

Star Citizens

India's 'Frogman' Becomes Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard!

Harvard University has chosen Professor Sathyabhama Das Biju, a renowned biologist and esteemed faculty member at Delhi University, as a recipient of the prestigious Radcliffe Fellowship. This fellowship is granted annually to 50 individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their respective fields. Affectionately known as the "Frogman of India," Biju has dedicated three decades to discovering and documenting over a hundred new species of amphibians across South Asia. As a Radcliffe Fellow, Biju will concentrate on combating anonymous extinctions in India's amphibian hotspots by identifying and documenting species and pinpointing crucial biodiversity areas for conservation efforts. During his time at Harvard, Biju will collaborate with esteemed faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students, gaining access to the remarkable specimen collections at the Museum of Comparative Zoology. The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University stands as a global leader in interdisciplinary research and exploration. Biju's selection as a Radcliffe Fellow signifies his immense contributions to amphibian research and conservation, making him only the second Indian fellow in the Biological Sciences discipline to receive this distinguished recognition. Expressing his gratitude, Biju shared, "Being part of Harvard's Radcliffe community is a tremendous honor. I eagerly anticipate joining an exceptional cohort of Radcliffe Fellows and advancing my mission in such an intellectually vibrant and diverse setting." Biju's groundbreaking work holds profound significance in identifying critical conservation areas for India's amphibians, acting as vital indicators of ecosystem health. His discoveries will play a pivotal role in preserving them for generations to come.

13 May 2023

Star Citizens

Shantanu Narayen: The Man Behind Adobe

Shantanu Narayen is the CEO of Adobe Inc, one of the world’s leading software companies. He was born in Hyderabad, India in 1963, and received his undergraduate degree in electronics engineering from Osmania University. Narayen went on to earn his master’s degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and later a Master of Business Administration from UC Berkeley. Narayen began his career in technology at Apple Inc, where he worked as an engineer for several years. In 1998, he joined Adobe Systems, a company that had already established itself as a leader in the computer software industry. Over the years, Narayen has held various positions within the company, including President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2007, he was named CEO of Adobe, and has since become one of the most influential figures in the technology industry. Under Narayen’s leadership, Adobe has continued to thrive, and has become one of the largest software companies in the world. The company’s flagship product, Adobe Creative Cloud, is used by millions of creative professionals around the world, and has helped Adobe establish itself as a leader in the digital media space. Narayen has also been instrumental in guiding the company’s transition from a software company to a cloud-based software company, which has allowed Adobe to better serve its customers and stay ahead of the competition. Narayen is widely recognized as a visionary leader, and has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the technology industry. He is also known for his commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has been a strong advocate for promoting women and underrepresented groups in the tech industry.

2 Feb 2023

Star Citizens

An Indian Solves the 2500-Year-Old Impossible and Baffling Panini Code!

Dr. Rishi Rajpopat, an Indian Ph.D. student at the University of Cambridge has discovered a solution to a grammatical problem in Sanskrit that has eluded Sanskrit scholars for 2500 years. In his thesis, "In Panini, We Trust: Discovering the Algorithm for Rule Conflict Resolution in the Astadhyayi, Dr. Rajpopat summarizes the discovery he made by deciphering a rule taught by Panini, considered the father of linguistics. Dr. Rajpopat claims that Panini had a brilliant mind, and he created a machine that was unparalleled in human history. He didn't expect anyone to modify his regulations. He said that the more we tried to tinker with it, the more Panini’s grammar tends to evade us. Now that Dr. Rajpopat has managed to decode the algorithm, Panini's so-called "language machine" can be used correctly. Rajpopat's finding enables the use of Panini's renowned language machine, widely regarded as one of the greatest intellectual achievements in history, to "derive" any Sanskrit word and create millions of grammatically sound terms. Panini's system is designed to function as a machine. Once you enter a word's base and suffix, a step-by-step process should produce grammatically sound words and sentences. Rajpopat's finding has a significant impact because, since the algorithm that powers Panini's language is now known, it may be possible to teach computers how to use it. Dr. Rajpopat revealed that some of the most ancient wisdom of India has been produced in Sanskrit. He believes that the discovery will infuse students in India with confidence, pride, and hope that they too can achieve great things.

17 Dec 2022

Star Citizens

He Is Just 24 Years Old and His Poems Are Taught in Universities!

Ramesh Karthik Nayak had a flair for writing and he worked as a steward at catering events to help pay for the publication of his books. The 24-year-old Banjara poet and writer has been penning articles on Banjara communities' culture and way of life, with a touch of fiction. Ramesh Karthik wrote several works, one of them being Baldair Bandi (bullock cart). The book, which describes the indigenous community of the Banjara or Lambadi in detail, has just been added to the Andhra University curriculum. It was also introduced as the third lesson in the second unit of the fourth semester for MA Telugu Language and Literature. The Telugu literary course at the SR&BGNR Government Degree College, Khammam, Kakatiya University includes a poem from the book "Jarer Bati" (Sorghum Roti). Born to farmer parents in the tiny hamlet of Nizamabad, Ramesh was encouraged by his teacher to try his hand at writing. When he faced financial limitations to publish his books, he worked as a steward at catering events. Ramesh explained that there was an unbreakable bond between the bullock cart and Lambadis when asked why the book was called "Baldair Bandi." The book was published in 2018 and placed on a shortlist for the Kendra Sahitya Academy Yuva Puraskar in 2021. Along with "Baldair Bandi," Ramesh's other book, "Dhavlo," a collection of Telugu-language Gor Banjara short stories, was also nominated for the same award in 2022.

15 Dec 2022

Star Citizens

This Young Man Dropped Out of College and Became a Millionaire Following His Dream

Sanjith Konda House dreamt of a cushy corporate job while studying Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) at a leading Australian University. However, midway the 22-year-old dropped out and decided to become a tea-seller (Chaiwala) in Melbourne. So, on a busy Sunday morning, one can now find Indians, native Australians, and a few Hispanics sipping steaming cups of tea in Melbourne's busy CBD (Central Business District). The little tea shop has grown to be a favorite gathering spot for Indian ex-pats. Nellore-born Sanjith came up with this idea when his mother visited him and longed to drink Indian tea in Australia. Asrar, an NRI agreed to become an angel investor. In just over a year, his startup "Dropout Chaiwala," has grown to be a company worth a million (Australian) dollars. Sanjith continues to import tea from India as he wishes to give the locals a taste of authentic Indian tea. The 'Bombay Cutting' is a big hit among the Indian community while the Australians love Indian 'masala chai' and 'pakodas'. Sanjith claims that he hires Indian students so that such part-time jobs can supplement their income while living in a foreign country. When hiring new employees, Dropout Chaiwala prioritizes hard work and passion over academic credentials, states Sanjith who aspires to open a location of his tea shop in each Australian city. Sanjith now intends to complete his degree in social work, an area he is passionate about.

9 Nov 2022

Star Citizens

The Amazing Story of Ilma Afroz, a Farmer’s Daughter Who Left New York to Become IPS Officer in India

Ilma Afroz lived with her younger brother and parents in a small village in Kundarki in Uttar Pradesh. Fate dealt a blow when her father passed away when she was only 14 years old. Her strong-willed mother defied the norm of marrying away her daughter and instead chose to educate her so that she realizes her potential. A Brilliant Student Ilma Afroz after completing her high school education sought admission in St. Stephen’s College, Delhi where she studied philosophy. Ilma recounts that those days were the best days of her life where she learned to give shape to an argument, write convincingly and listen patiently. Her hard work and determination took her to Oxford University for higher studies. There she was exposed to more debates and discussions which gave her a perspective of world views. Life’s Purpose Ilma later went to New York and it was there that she realized her purpose in life. She narrates that every single day she would come back to her downtown Manhattan room and yearn for her home and the smile on her Ammi’s face. One day, in her office, she wondered whether her mother was destined to wait for her all alone in Kundarki and remembered the efforts that her near and dear ones put in so that she could succeed in life. She recollected how when she would visit her village, her village folks would be so delighted to see her thinking that she will alleviate their sufferings. That is when she made up her mind to return to her home and serve her country. Soon 26-year-old Ilma was back in India and preparing for Civil Services Exam. She cracked it in 2017 claiming 217th rank which is no mean feat and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS). Ilma Afroz motivates and inspires the youth to utilize their education and skills for the service and betterment of the country. Image Source: YouTube

2 Sep 2019

Star Citizens

A senior philosopher from the town who studies feminism

For Dr Lata Chhatre, an avid scholar and philosopher, she believes that if a woman can achieve spiritual empowerment then gender discrimination hardly matters. Head of the Philosophy Department of Savitribai Phule Univerisity, Pune she is among the very few scholars from her generations who has received accolades for her research in the field of Buddhism. After completing her Ph.D. in Buddhism in 1985, her thesis had also received best thesis award in the name of Gurudev Ranade. Apart from this she also received UGC fellowship and was a research associate and completed around four projects on Buddhism. Since 1979 till date, her area of research and interest has always been Buddhism and its social and political angle. As she is soon going to retired from her position, she feels that there is more to be done in the field of philosophy and believes that study of philosophy is needed for every human being. She said, “Even if my research has been already done, still I feel that there is much to be done. As I Would retire from the administrial duties, I am hopeful to study feminism in Buddhism.” As she talks about Women’s Day and empowerment elaborated, “I believe that no other philosophy gives emphasis on women empowerment than Buddhism. If we look back at the language Pali, it has small poems written by women narrating their lives.” She added, “If women achieve spiritual empowerment, then surely other materialistic things of discrimination would not matter much.” Whereas, Women’s Day is concern she does not believe in one particular day, but believes that women should look at every day as their day and also work towards their development and empowerment. In her career stint of more than 30 years in philosophy, she has also been invited by international universities for regular discussions and lectures. Among many universities few include Oxford University, Cambridge University,and Bristol University. She has been a guide for six international Ph.D. students who have completed their research successfully under her guidance. In this fast changing world of education, where emphasis is been given to specialized courses, Dr Chhatre feels that there are very few takers for these traditional course. She said, “Before, the number of students were more than what I could see now. As a course in philosophy cannot provide bread and butter, number of students has been reduced drastically.” She further added, “There should be special short-term courses of philosophy with other specialized curses like communication, social justice, law among others. These applied courses of philosophy can surely prove as a boon for the field of philosophy.”

17 Mar 2017

Star Citizens

Global Inspirations

A Door Handle That Sanitizes Itself!

Often we are afraid of holding the door handles of public washrooms thinking that it might be ridden with bacteria. Researchers have said that we can catch infections like cold and flu from the door handles that have been touched by infected persons. Now, our fears are allayed as two students of the University of Hong Kong, Sum Ming Wong and Kin Pong Li have invented door handles that can clean and sanitize itself Durable And Effective The chemical cleaning materials used currently for cleaning public areas are easy to wipe off and are harmful to the human body. The students claim that their design has high durability and is very effective. They combined titanium dioxide powder and ultraviolet LED lights to develop a door handle that is self-powered by a small gearbox and generator that is hooked up to the door itself. The action of opening and shutting the door generates enough kinetic energy to provide electricity to keep the handle lit and functional. Successful Test The titanium dioxide film on the outside of the handle reacts with UV lights to activate the coating which then creates hydroxyl radicals that decompose bacteria. Lab tests were conducted that showed it killed 99.8% of bacteria. The students went on to win many tech awards and prizes for their remarkable invention. They are the finalists for the Dyson International prize which recognizes the best talent in engineering and design.

10 Nov 2019

Global Inspirations

A New Technology Will Help Solve Electric Car Problems

Due to environmental concerns, people all over the world are gradually making the switch over to electric bikes and cars. The biggest concern of an electric car is that it takes a long time to charge. Scientists at Pennsylvania State University have now come up with a groundbreaking technology that will enable a car battery to charge at a faster rate. Current Problem With Charging Current generation electric cars like Tesla takes at least 30 minutes for a partial charge. The long hours required for charging is a deterrent. Scientists are of the opinion that a speedy charge would entail the battery to take in 400 kilowatts of energy rapidly. However, the current generation of vehicles is incapable of this as there is the danger of lithium plating. There is the risk of the formation of metallic lithium around the anode, which would severely deteriorate battery life. The Solution To overcome this problem with speedy charging, the researchers raised the temperature of their experimental battery to 60 degrees Celsius during the charge cycle, then lowered it back down as it was used. According to senior author Chao-Yang Wang, a mechanical engineer at Pennsylvania State University, this process would limit the battery's exposure to the elevated charge temperature, thus generating a very long cycle life. However, It will take some time for this technology to become operational as numerous tests will have to be conducted to make sure that rapidly raising the temperature is safe and stable, and doesn't lead to explosions given the phenomenal amount of energy that is being transferred.

1 Nov 2019

Global Inspirations

This Incredible Invention Can Help Trace Earthquake Victims Trapped Under Rubble

The most difficult task in the event of a devastating earthquake is to locate victims trapped underneath the rubble. A remarkable invention by three Indonesian students has now simplified this task. The device which helps to locate victims is as small and slim as a credit card, but it can help save lives. Deoterions The pathbreaking device is named Detector of Interconnected Position Points or ‘Deoterions’. It is developed by a trio of Indonesian students of Brawijaya University. The device uses high-frequency signals to help locate victims after a natural disaster. Any movement as slight as breathing and as far as 10 km triggers a ping signal in the device. The students said that the signal receiver can be plugged into a mobile phone or laptop, and works with an app available on both Apple and Android systems. Inspiration One of the students, Satrio Wiradinata Riady Boer, 23, was inspired to make this device after his hometown of Padang on Sumatra island was hit by a 7.6 magnitude quake a decade ago. His mother was injured in this calamity and he lost his friend and a teacher. It is a race against time to trace victims after a quake because being buried for too long leads to numerous health complications. The three Indonesian students have secured a patent for their prototype, which costs $7, but said they wanted to perfect the device before they think about making it available to the public. This device will benefit people of many nations that are susceptible to earthquakes throughout the year.

3 Sep 2019

Global Inspirations

Handwritten exams to be a thing of the past

The 800-year-old practice of handwritten exams at UK's prestigious Cambridge University might soon be replaced by laptops or iPads as the university is considering scrapping of handwritten exam papers due to students’ handwriting becoming increasingly illegible. The deterioration in students’ handwriting is attributed to the growing reliance on laptops. The students use laptops even to take down lecture notes. As part of its "digital education strategy", Cambridge University has launched a consultation on the topic and has already piloted an exam typing scheme in the History and Classics faculties earlier this year. Dr. Sarah Pearsall, a senior lecturer at Cambridge's History Faculty stated that handwriting is becoming a "lost art". About twenty years ago, students routinely wrote by hand several hours a day -- but now they write virtually nothing by hand except exams. She said that the declining handwriting problem has existed for years and it was becoming very hard for examiners to decipher the illegible handwriting. Many a time, students with illegible writing are forced to return their college during the summer holidays to read their answers aloud in the presence of two university administrators. She appreciated the University’s efforts to reforms its examination practices.

13 Sep 2017

Global Inspirations