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In an attempt to recycle industrial mineral waste into useful products, Dr Jaidev Kaushik from the Department of Chemistry has worked on synthesising copper-based particles that use light to convert carbonate-rich materials like marble dust into acetic acid, a valuable chemical used in industry and fuel production. He has published his research in a paper titled “Photocatalytic Upcycling of Marble Waste into Acetic Acid” in the prestigious Journal of Materials Chemistry A, having an impact factor of 10.7.

The particles drive the reaction efficiently by illuminating the green light on a mixture of the material and hydrogen peroxide solution. He has also tested the method on other carbonate wastes like chalk dust and scale, showing its potential for recycling industrial mineral waste into useful products.

Abstract

In this study, disk-shaped copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS-NPs) were synthesised via a simple co-precipitation method and used as a photocatalyst for the reduction of carbonate species derived from marble dust into acetic acid (AcOH), an important industrial and biofuel precursor. The photocatalytic reaction was carried out under monochromatic light (525 nm) in a hydrogen peroxide–water mixture, which served as an electron and radical-rich medium. Key parameters such as solvent composition, light source, catalyst concentration and reaction time were optimised to get the maximum yield of AcOH. The reaction mechanism was investigated using radical scavenging experiments. The practical applicability of the approach was further tested on two additional real-life carbonate waste materials, i.e. chalk dust and scale.

Practical Implementation/ Social Implications of the Research

This research offers a sustainable method to convert carbonate-rich industrial wastes like marble dust, chalk dust, and scale into acetic acid, which is widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries. By using light-driven reactions with safe, low-cost materials, the process reduces environmental pollution, supports waste valorisation, and contributes to a circular economy. It can be implemented in industries that generate carbonate waste, promoting green chemistry and lowering dependence on fossil-based raw materials.

Collaborations

Dr Sumit Kumar Sonkar (MNIT Jaipur, India)

Future Research Plans

1. The adsorption/photodegradation-assisted quick and efficient removal of next-generation advanced pollutants such as microplastic, pesticides, pharmaceutical waste, etc., by hydrophobic carbon aerogel and their doped and functionalised versions.
2. Utilising waste-derived heterogeneous catalysts in organic transformation reactions.
3. Selective sensing of toxic metal ions/biomarkers/biomolecules using fluorescent nanomaterials.
4. Upcycling of carbonates/CO2 via photo/thermal assisted catalysed reactions to get C1 and C2 hydrocarbons (green fuel).
5. Reduction of nitrates/N2 via photo/thermal-assisted catalysed reactions to ammonia.

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SRM University-AP continues its legacy of excellence as it emerges as the No.1 Emerging Engineering Institute under 3 categories in the Times Engineering Institutes Ranking Survey consecutively for the second year. The university secured the top position in the categories – Top Emerging Engineering Institute – Overall, Emerging Engineering Institute – Placements and Emerging Engineering Institute – Research Capability. This is a testament to the SRM AP’s impactful research, global partnerships, innovation, and social outreach, which truly exemplify the spirit of an emerging leader in higher education.

Leading with a Forward-thinking Academic Approach

The university aligns its academic delivery with industry expectations and student aspirations by implementing an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) model that is enhanced by the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).

The curriculum offers interdisciplinary flexibility through major/minor specialisations and open electives, empowering students to customise their learning pathways. Active and experiential methods—case studies, simulations, projects, internships, and continuous assessments—promote 21st-century life skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving.

A Legacy of Outstanding Placements

SRM AP’s partnerships with leading companies strengthen the relationship between academia and industry, ensuring competent student placements. The university maintains an exceptional placement record, placing students in prestigious companies such as Oracle, IBM, Philips, Neilson IQ, Deloitte, Bosch, Samsung, Hewlett Packard, JPMorgan and Chase, BNY Mellon, TOSHIBA, Amazon, Flipkart Volvo, PayPal, and more.

Core initiatives like mentor-mentee programmes, alumni mentorship, rigorous placement and skill training, instil exceptional resilience and adaptability and help young graduates navigate dynamic market conditions. Also, the ‘Industry-Institute Interaction’ platform allows students to interact with professionals from various industries, helping them gain insights into industry work culture, professional requirements, and career-launching.

Dynamic Ecosystem for Ideas and Impact

SRM AP has a world-class research infrastructure with centres of excellence and a well-equipped library, facilitating cutting-edge research. The research culture has led to 2193 publications (over 40% in Q1 journals), 480+ patents filed, 55+ already granted, and 2 technology transfers with industry. SRM AP ranks 3rd among private universities in the Nature Index 2023 and boasts five faculty members listed in Stanford’s top 2% scientists globally.

A dynamic startup ecosystem supported by corporations, enablers, world-class mentors, top-class institutions, foundations, incubators, and the Government, sets SRM AP apart from its peers. The Hatchlab Research Centre has incubated 40+ startups, and the university’s ADITRI initiative—a CSR-driven rural entrepreneurship summit—has empowered 100 women entrepreneurs from six mandals of Andhra Pradesh through skill-building, mentoring, and market access.

Educating for a New Era

SRM AP has implemented the Strategic Plan 2023–2028 to become an innovation-driven institution, prioritising academic excellence, research innovation, student empowerment, and institutional sustainability. In cognisance of the pioneering vision fuelling Amaravati’s growth, SRM University-AP aspires to build a future-ready, inclusive, and globally respected academic institution that offers holistic education to its students.

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The Economic Times

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In a significant move to enhance skill-based learning through academia–industry collaboration, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Elevium  a division of Nanochip Skills Pvt. Ltd, a leading Bengaluru-based industry partner, to deliver cutting-edge, industry-aligned courses to students of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE).

This partnership bridges the gap between theoretical education and real-world industry requirements, particularly for ECE students. As part of the MoA, undergraduate ECE students from the 3rd to 7th semesters will have the opportunity to enroll in specialised, industry-aligned courses in VLSI, Embedded Systems, and Edge AI key domains shaping the future of the electronics sector.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:
Structured Course Delivery: One industry-aligned course per semester, each comprising 60 hours – delivered through a hybrid model of 40% offline and 60% online learning.
Enrollment Strategy: Designed for a minimum batch size of 120 students, with optional enrollment extended to students from other departments based on institutional discretion.

Elevium will provide expert faculty from the industry, handle curriculum delivery, conduct assessments, and participate in curriculum review through Board of Studies meetings. SRM University-AP will facilitate access to classrooms, labs, and administrative support to integrate these courses seamlessly into the academic structure.

Student Evaluation and Curriculum Design:

Assessment methods and syllabus structures will be collaboratively developed and aligned with SRM-AP’s academic standards. The courses will include continuous evaluations and feedback mechanisms, with grading support from Elevium.

Placement and Career Support:
As part of its commitment, Elevium will extend comprehensive placement support including career counseling, guest lectures by industry experts, internship facilitation, and project guidance to enhance students’ employability.

The primary goal of the MoA is to empower undergraduate students with hands-on learning aligned with current industrial practices and to facilitate their transition from classroom to the corporate world through structured and practice-driven academic modules.

The agreement was formally signed in the presence of esteemed dignitaries from both organisations, including Hari Krishnan Puravankara, CEO of Nanochip Group of Companies, Dr Manoranjan Kumar, Manager of university Programs at Nanochip Group of Companies, Dr Prem Kumar, Registrar, Prof. C V Tommy, Dean of SEAS, and other faculty members from the ECE department.

This collaboration exemplifies SRM-AP’s commitment to transforming education by integrating academic knowledge with industrial applications. Thus, students are empowered with real-world competencies that are crucial for tomorrow’s technology leaders.

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Dr Manaswini Sen, Assistant Professor in the Department of History at SRM University – AP, Amaravati in her chapter titled “The ‘Unholy’ Trinity: Syndicate of the Colonial State, Capitalists, and the Police; Repression and Corporate Policing of Working-Class Movement in Late-Colonial Bengal (1930–1947)”, published in Exploring Power and Authority in Indian History Across the Ages (Springer), investigates how the colonial state, capitalist interests, and the police referred to as the “unholy trinity”collaborated to repress working-class movements in late-colonial Calcutta between 1930 and 1947.

The study examines the complex interests of the capitalist class and the British imperial state in late colonial India, focusing on their collective oppression towards labor radicalisation. It examines the legal measures taken by the British imperial state to monitor working-class militarisation and the strategies employed by capitalists to disrupt strikes and deny workers’ claims.

The chapter also discusses the establishment of white or pro-state unions that used communalism to disrupt strikes and hinder revolutionary union movements in late colonial Calcutta. The chapter provides new perspectives on competition-collaboration theories, discusses the role of Indian capitalists, and explores the question of communalism in trade union politics in late colonial Bengal. It is relevant for those working in labour history, mass movement history, late colonial Calcutta, and urban history.

About the book :

Exploring Power and Authority in Indian History Across the Ages offers a nuanced exploration of power and authority in Indian history through a series of case studies spanning different regions and time periods. It examines the sociological, cultural, economic, and historical dimensions of power, critiques dominant ideologies, and highlights responses from marginalised groups. Providing insights into diverse political structures from ancient to modern times, this volume is a valuable resource for historians, scholars, and researchers of Indian and South Asian history.

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Dr Supen Kumar Sah, Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering presents his exclusive study on the thermo-mechanical bending behaviour of functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich plates using the Sinusoidal Shear Deformation Theory (SSDT) in his recent paper titled “Thermo-mechanical bending of power and sigmoid FGM sandwich plate using sinusoidal shear deformation theory”. The paper has been published in the Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, having an impact factor of 3.2.

Abstract

This study examines the thermo-mechanical bending behaviour of functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich plates with temperature-dependent properties. FGMs, typically made from metal and ceramic, combine rigidity and high thermal resistance, and their properties are assumed to vary continuously in thickness. Using sigmoid and power law distributions, we analyse the smooth variation of properties and apply a one-dimensional heat conduction equation to determine temperature changes. The Sinusoidal Shear Deformation Theory (SSDT) is utilised to account for the sinusoidal distribution of shear stress while meeting traction-free boundary conditions. We derive the governing equations through Hamilton’s variational principle and Navier’s solution, resulting in closed-form solutions for center deflection, and normal and shear stresses of the plates. The analysis reveals that temperature-dependent properties and gradation indices significantly affect central deflection, normal stress, and shear stress. The SSDT results align well with existing shear deformation theory, confirming its accuracy.

Dr Sah collaborated with Dr Anup Ghosh from IIT Kharagpur on the research study. He aims to continue his research on FGMA and focus on the structural analysis of multidirectional Functionally Graded Material sandwich plates in the future.

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The Hindu

The Hans India

The Pioneer

Visalaandhra

Andhra Prabha

Andhra Jyothi

Mangalagiri Times

Andhra Patrika

Sakshi

Arth Parkash

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The Sindhi language presents a compelling case for examining the intersections of language, territory, and identity in the post-Partition context. In India, Sindhi often survives as a spoken language, primarily confined to the domestic sphere. This restricted use raises important questions about the conditions necessary for linguistic vitality.

Exploring the complexities surrounding Sindhi Dr Soni Wadhwa, Assistant Professor in the Department of Literature and Languages, has published a research article titled “Critical agendas for the areal linguistics: locating Sindhi within South Asia” in the Q1 journal Journal of Critical Inquiry in Language Studies. This publication contributes significantly to scholarly discussions on areal linguistics, offering critical insights into the precarious position of Sindhi and the broader implications for language studies in postcolonial South Asia.

This article explores these dynamics to foreground the often-overlooked role of technological, epistemological, and aesthetic resources in sustaining minority languages. In doing so, it positions Sindhi as a critical lens through which to understand the challenges faced by minoritised languages in the Global South, particularly those without a clear territorial anchoring.

Abstract
As a concept within applied linguistics, areal linguistics concerns itself with investigating the nature of structural similarities among languages produced by contact rather than by history or by genetic similarities. A critical look at its descriptive linguistic agendas reveals that the domain needs to be revisited in terms of questions of power relations and linguistic inequalities within specific linguistic
areas. Such investigations reconfigure the dynamics of geography and regionality within language as a site of power.

This study seeks to make an intervention into India as a linguistic area with a focus on Sindhi, a non-regional language in India. Given that the language and the community do not have a state or a linguistic territory within India, the condition of Sindhi is characterised by a sense of precarity. Seen through the prism of India as a linguistic area, this precarity is not quite visible. In revisiting the celebrated concept of India as a linguistic area, this study suggests ways of asking contemporary questions about areal linguistics that go beyond describing the nature of contact among languages, and instead ask how this contact impacts the markers of hegemony over minor languages in terms of technological,epistemological, and aesthetic leverage.

Social Implications of the Research

This research might help in building further study around minority languages in India as well as elsewhere in the Global South, we empower more languages. This will help people who know regional languages access the Internet and other aspects that Digital India aspires to address.

Sindhis in India are scattered in different cities and speak the regional or state languages or English at home. This work helps in pushing more research on the language and the community which can further inform policies for linguistic empowerment.

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The Hindu

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