Dr Mrinmoy Pramanick’s Guest Talk on Bengali Dalit Literature
The Department of Literature and Languages at SRM University-AP organised a thought-provoking guest talk titled “Caste of Partition: Understanding Bengali Dalit Literature” on April 02, 2025. The event featured Dr Mrinmoy Pramanick, a distinguished scholar, Sahitya Akademi Award winner (2023), and Assistant Professor at the Department of Comparative Indian Language and Literature, University of Calcutta.
Dr Pramanick delivered an insightful lecture examining the complex relationship between caste, Partition, and Bengali Dalit literature. He quoted the historical trajectory of Partition, the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which had a profound impact on Bengali Dalits, who faced displacement and marginalisation. He highlighted how Dalit experiences of Partition differ significantly from mainstream narratives. In his own words, “Dalit literature gave a new dimension to Bengali Partition History.”
The lecture also explored the representation of Partition in Bengali Dalit literature, focusing on notable works such as Sroter Sange by Narayan Gangopadhyay, Kundika by Samaresh Doshu, and Sokal Belar Alo by Shankar Mahadevan. Dr Pramanick emphasised how these literary works illuminate the challenges faced by Dalit refugees, including economic struggles, social discrimination, and identity crises. He also examined the influence of Ambedkarite ideologies in Bengali literature, especially in educational reforms, the establishment of institutions bearing Ambedkar’s name, and the translation and publication of his writings in Bengali. Dr Pramanick’s discussion underscored the transformative power of Dalit literature, stating, “It made history inclusive and for all.”
The session concluded with a highly engaging Q&A segment, where students, faculty members, and researchers actively participated. The discussion covered the role of caste consciousness in literary narratives, the socio-political impact of migration, gender roles, and the integration of Dalit literature into contemporary academia. Dr Pramanick’s responses offered deeper insights into marginalised perspectives on Partition and the significance of inclusive historical discourse.
Dr Mrinmoy Pramanick’s guest lecture was an intellectually enriching experience that provided a new perspective on the study of Partition through the lens of Bengali Dalit literature. The event successfully fulfilled its objective of fostering academic dialogue and promoting critical engagement with the socio-cultural dimensions of Partition and caste.
- Published in Departmental News, English news, News
CSE Professors Research on Automated Agricultural Spraying
This research, titled “A System for Automated Agricultural Spraying and a Method Thereof,” focuses on developing a coordinated multi-UAV framework for precision agricultural spraying. Led by Dr Awadhesh Dixit and his faculty team, Dr Ramesh Kumar, and Dr Bhaskara Santosh Egala, Assistant Professors at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, this innovative research enhances efficiency in crop management by utilising advanced technologies for real-time data integration and optimisation.
Abstract
This invention presents a novel system and process for precision agricultural spraying using a coordinated multi-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) framework. The system integrates multiple UAVs equipped with sensors (e.g., LiDAR, ultrasonic) and spraying mechanisms, managed by a central control unit employing hybrid approach combining PSO, Fuzzy Logic, and Reinforcement Learning (RL) for efficient real-time multi-UAV coordination. The hybrid system dynamically adapts to environmental conditions, ensuring optimal path planning, collision avoidance, and spray adjustments. The process involves real-time data collection on crop density, environmental conditions, and obstacles, enabling dynamic flight path planning and adaptive spray rate adjustments. Key innovations include the use of advanced control software for UAV coordination, obstacle avoidance, and uniform pesticide application, combined with hardware featuring adjustable spraying devices. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces collision risks, and ensures precise coverage in complex agricultural environments, distinguishing it from prior UAV-based spraying systems through its sophisticated integration of real-time optimization and multi-UAV collaboration.
Explanation in layperson’s terms
Imagine a team of small flying robots (drones) working together to spray crops on a farm. First, they use their cameras and sensors to check the fields, figure out where the bugs or weeds are, and spot anything in the way, like trees or fences. Then, they plan the best paths to fly so they don’t crash and can cover everything evenly. Each drone has a sprayer that can change how much it sprays depending on what the crops need—like giving extra spray where there are more bugs. A smart computer program helps them talk to each other and decide what to do as they go. This makes farming easier, faster, and wastes less spray compared to older ways.
We have created a way to use drones to spray crops with bug-killing chemicals more smartly. One drone checks the fields first to spot where the bugs are worst. Then, other drones with special sprayers fly over and target those spots, spraying two rows at once to save time. If they find a really buggy area, they hover there longer to make sure it’s fully covered. The drones communicate and coordinate to each other and dodge trees or other obstacles, so farmers don’t have to do it all by hand.
The hybrid system operates by continuously integrating PSO, Fuzzy Logic, and RL during UAV operations to achieve optimal coordination and performance. First, one part of the system—think of it like a master planner—figures out the best paths for the drones to fly based on what the farm looks like, like where the crops are and what’s in their way. Then, another part acts like a quick fixer—it tweaks those paths on the fly if something unexpected pops up, like thicker crops or a tree the drones didn’t see at first. It also adjusts how much spray the drones use so they don’t overdo it. Finally, there’s a learning part that helps the drones get better over time—like they remember what worked before and adapt to changes, such as growing plants or windy days. Together, this makes the drones super-efficient: they don’t bump into each other, they spray just the right amount, and they keep figuring out the best way to handle whatever the farm throws at them—all on their own.
Practical Implementation of the Research
A. Test Environment and UAVs
Field Setup:
Location: A 100-acre test field with varying crop densities (rice, wheat, and maize) and obstacles such as trees, irrigation systems, and terrain elevations.
Environmental Conditions: Tested under different weather conditions (sunny, windy, and overcast).
UAV Model:
Five multi-rotor UAVs equipped with spraying equipment, GPS, LIDAR sensors for obstacle detection, and onboard processing units to run the hybrid optimization algorithms.
Battery Life: 30-minute flight time with a 5kg payload capacity.
Communication: UAVs communicate via a wireless mesh network with a ground control system for real-time adjustments.
Each drone would also have a dual-spray setup—two adjustable nozzles attached to a tank holding pesticide or fertilizer, capable of spraying two rows of crops at once.
B. Hybrid Optimisation Algorithm
PSO for Path Planning:
Determines the optimal flight path based on crop density, UAV location, and environmental data.
Fuzzy Logic for Spray Adjustment:
Dynamically adjusts the spray level based on crop health data, wind speed, and UAV altitude.
Reinforcement Learning for Collision Avoidance:
UAVs learn from previous flight paths and environmental feedback to avoid collisions with other UAVs and obstacles.
Future Research Plans
Their future research focuses on developing swarm-based D2X communication and coordination, task rescheduling, localization, and optimized path planning to enhance UAV network performance, prevent collisions, and advance AI-related applications.

Figure 1: Block diagram of Multi-UAV Coordination path planning and coordination among multiple UAVs in an agricultural field.

Figure 2: Diagram illustrating drone spraying in agriculture field with obstacle avoidance
- Published in CSE NEWS, Departmental News, News, Research News
Insights from Prof. Pramod K Varshney at UDL #21
“Major Breakthroughs Are Realised When Your Approach Is Multidisciplinary” – Prof. Pramod K Varshney
SRM University-AP hosted the 21st edition of its University Distinguished Lecture (UDL #21). The coveted event saw the presence of the distinguished speaker Prof. Pramod K Varshney from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Syracuse University, New York. The title of UDL 21, “Six Blind Men of Indostan: Theory and Application of Distributed Inference” elaborated on the use of sensors to collect data and its application in the areas of Security, Surveillance, Disease Detection, Military services and so on.
UDL #21 saw the presence of university leadership including Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora; Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch Satish Kumar; Registrar Dr R Premkumar; Dean-Research Prof. Ranjith Thapa, Deans of the three schools; faculty members; staff and students.
In his address, Prof. Arora lauded Prof. Varshney for his exceptional scholarship that goes beyond academia. He identified him as a great scholar and poetry enthusiast. Prof. Manoj K Arora underscored the importance of applying one’s research to real-world applications. He urged the attendees to integrate governance, industry, and academia to create wonders.
Prof. Pramod Varshney’s expertise in Signal Processing and Wireless Communications has helped in making remarkable contributions. During the lecture Prof. Varshney used the analogy of the blind men that described the elephant as various things. He stated that sensors are like blind men, their field of view is limited; the collective data inferred is then used to make decisions where the doctor tries to figure out the disease, the military commander on the action to take and so on.
Prof. Varshney also elaborated on how humans are also like sensors, sensors that work on biases. He stated that his research got him to experiment in diverse areas. He encouraged students to look for novel and innovative ideas to work on because “Major breakthroughs are realised when your approach is multidisciplinary.”
The session was followed by a ‘Q and A’ from students and faculty and culminated with the members of the leadership felicitating Prof. Varshney.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Research News, University Distinguished Lecture
Myco-remediation Strategies: Green Solution to Soil Pollution
Dr Debajyoti Kundu, Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering in his research paper, Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Soil: Sources, Impacts and Myco-remediation Strategies, speaks of the innovative solutions to tackle contamination of soil. Dr Kundu’s research focuses on leveraging natural processes of fungi to promote sustainable environmental management.
Abstract:
Bioremediation is a sustainable approach for mitigating pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) contamination in soil. This review highlights mycoremediation as an advanced fungal-based strategy for PPCP degradation. Fungi possess unique enzymatic pathways and metabolic diversity, allowing them to break down persistent pollutants in challenging environmental conditions. The paper discusses key fungal species, enzymatic mechanisms, environmental factors influencing degradation efficiency, and innovative biotechnological approaches such as myco-nanotechnology and enzyme engineering. By integrating these advancements with circular economy principles, this research underscores fungi’s role in sustainable environmental management.
Explanation in layperson’s terms:
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), such as medicines, soaps, and cosmetics, often end up in the soil through wastewater and agricultural runoff. These chemicals persist in the environment, harming ecosystems and potentially entering our food supply. Our research explores how fungi, nature’s recyclers, can help clean up these pollutants. Certain fungi produce special enzymes that break down harmful substances into harmless compounds. By harnessing this natural process, we propose eco-friendly solutions to reduce pollution and protect soil and water quality for future generations.
Practical and Social Implications:
Mycoremediation offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for removing PPCPs from soil, protecting water quality, and reducing human exposure to contaminants. By preventing pollutant uptake in crops, it enhances food safety and supports sustainable agriculture. This research also informs policies on wastewater treatment and pollution control, promoting eco-friendly remediation technologies for environmental and public health protection.
Collaborations:
This research is a collaborative effort involving experts from:
- Voice of Environment (VoE), Guwahati, Assam
- University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, West Bengal
- RCC Institute of Information Technology, Kolkata
- Sukanta Mahavidyalaya, University of North Bengal, Dhupguri, West Bengal
- SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu
- SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh
- CSIR – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, India
Future Research Plans:
Future research will focus on scaling up my coremediation for field applications, optimizing fungal enzyme efficiency through enzyme engineering, and exploring microbial consortia for enhanced pollutant degradation. Myco-nanotechnology will be further developed to improve fungal stability and reusability. Additionally, studies will assess long-term soil health impacts and support policy frameworks for integrating fungal bioremediation into wastewater treatment and agricultural practices.
- Published in Departmental News, ENVS News, News, Research News
Ghumat Stories: Exploring the Folk Legacy of the Percussion Instrument
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the varsity organised a round table talk, Ghumat Stories, as part of the SEED Grant proceedings awarded to Dr Sebanti Chatterjee, Assistant Professor at the department. The session explored the cultural and social significance of the ghumat, a traditional percussion instrument made of clay and crafted using the hide of the monitor lizard.
The event featured a diverse panel, including musician Mr Omar, documentary filmmaker Ms Nalini, musician Ms Sonia, researcher Ms Divya, ghumat player Mr Felipe, and dancer Ms Placania, alongside Dr Bikku, Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Dr Nishanth K S, other faculty members and students.
Ms Nalini’s documentary delved into the ghumat’s historical and cultural relevance. Musicians Mr Omar and Ms Sonia elaborated on the social and lyrical aspects of ghumat and folk dances such as Mannddô, that shed light on its connection to folk traditions.
Artists Felipe and Placania captivated the audience with live demonstrations. Felipe showcased how ghumat is played, while Placania performed the traditional folk dance associated with the instrument, while adorning the saree worn in a style particular to the dance.
Researcher Ms Divya provided insights into various folk song traditions linked to ghumat, including Mannddô. She classified these traditions within both the Mangalorean and Goan contexts, discussing how the ghumat functions as a “talking drum” in these folk traditions. Ms Divya further elaborated on the diverse tempos and occasions where ghumat-accompanied folk songs are performed.
Ms Divya also shed light on the craftsmanship of ghumat, explaining how Goan tribes such as the Kunbis, Karbis, and Siddhis procure, cure, and treat the hide of monitor lizard for the instrument’s making. She explained the transition of using goat skin in present times due to the prohibition of hunting the monitor lizards. Her discourse further highlighted the cultural and social significance of ghumat in folk communities today.
The session offered the attendees an understanding of the ghumat’s enduring legacy, and the tradition that will keep it alive in the contemporary cultural landscape.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Sociology and Anthropology News
ESE 2025: Inspiring Innovations
The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering in collaboration with the Directorate of Admissions have jointly organised the second edition of the Environmental Sustainability Exhibition 2025. Registrar, Dr R Premkumar declared the Environmental Sustainability Exhibition open; Deans-SEAS, Prof. C V Tomy along with Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian, Programme Convenors, other members of the faculty, staff and students bore witness to this noble cause.
The event brought together 207 participants from prestigious colleges and universities across 11 states to address a shared mission of ensuring a safe and sustainable future. The exhibition featured over 50+ exhibits from students representing institutions such as the College of Forestry at Kerala Agricultural University; Singhaniya University, Rajasthan; Lovely Professional University, Punjab, Doon Global University, Dehradun; SR University, Warangal, Vignan University, Vadlamudi and Andhra Loyola College, Andhra Pradesh among others.
The event also featured poster presentations, hands-on training, campus and laboratory visits along with the exhibition. The exhibition also featured an exciting prize pool worth Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 for the first three winners. The team from Doon Global University, Dehradun; Vignan University, Vadlamudi, Andhra Pradesh and; SR University Warangal, Telangana bagged the first, second and third prize respectively.
Prof. C V Tomy, Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences, remarked, “What you can save today would be your deposit for tomorrow.” He went on to emphasise the importance of making sustainable choices and encouraged the students to cultivate a sustainable mindset. Associate Professor and Head, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dr Rangabhasiyam in his address stated, “ESE-2025 serves as an exceptional platform for students across the country to present innovative ideas and initiatives for building a sustainable future.” He added, the exhibition motivates the students to showcase their products, learn from experts and contribute to the ongoing sustainability.
Programme convenor, Dr Shoji D Thottathil highlighted the objective of the Exhibition. He stated that, “An exhibition of this calibre is an avenue for people to discuss solutions to environmental problems. Exhibitions such as these transform ideas into innovations.” He emphasised that sustainability is interdisciplinary and requires collaboration among diverse minds.
ESE 2025 served as a call to action asking society to rethink their approach towards environmental challenges in sustainable development.
- Published in Departmental News, ENVS News, News
Industrial Visit to Reliance Industries-KGD6 Oil & Gas
The Department of Mechanical Engineering under the School of Engineering and Sciences at SRM University-AP, organised an industrial visit on March 22, 2025 to Reliance Industries – KGD6 Oil & Gas, Andhra Pradesh.
The Industrial visit helped enhance the practical knowledge and industry exposure of the B.Tech & M.Tech students in the field of oil and gas extraction and learn first-hand the sustainable practices followed in the industry. The visit aligned with the students academic curriculum and prepared them for a future in the energy sector.
The visit was led by faculties, Dr Gurumurthy Kagita, Prof. Prakash Jadhav, Dr Satya Pramod Jammy, Dr Chandan Kumar, and Dr Supen Kumar Sah from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who accompanied the students throughout the visit. During the visit, students gained insights of operational aspects of oil and gas industries, offshore and onshore adopted technologies, pollution control strategies, real-time monitoring, automation, control systems used in oil and gas operations and environmental management techniques. Experts from Reliance Industries-KGD6 Oil & Gas explained advanced drilling techniques, offshore and onshore extraction processes, and storage techniques of natural gases to our students. The visit also provided insights into safety protocols, automation in industrial processes and sustainability practices in the Oil & Gas industry.
The visit was highly beneficial for students as it bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. It also offered an opportunity to interact with industry professionals and understand the challenges in oil and gas industries.
- Published in Departmental News, Mechanical Engineering NEWS, News
Patent to Boost Health and Safety Protocols
The patent titled, System and Method for Detecting a Face Mask on the Face of a Person with application number: 562697 by Assistant Professor, Dr Anirban Ghosh and his students from the department Ms J Keerthi Tanvitha, Ms K Poojitha, Ms T Pallavi Sri, has come up with a novel idea that focuses on developing a system and method for detecting face masks on individuals before they enter a gated space. Their research uses image capture, face detection, mask-wearing verification, and temperature sensing to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols.
Brief Abstract
The research focuses on developing a system and method for detecting face masks on individuals before they enter a gated space. The system integrates image capture, face detection, mask-wearing verification, and temperature sensing to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols. It utilizes artificial intelligence and sensor technology to determine whether a person is wearing a mask correctly and allows or denies entry based on preset criteria. The system also includes an aliveness detection module to ensure that a real person is being scanned and prevents tampering or spoofing.
Explanation in Layperson’s Terms
Imagine you are entering a building where you must wear a mask and have your temperature checked. Instead of a security guard manually checking each person, this system does it automatically and without contact.
Here’s how it works:
- A camera captures your face as you approach the entrance.
- A software program checks if you are wearing a mask correctly (covering your nose and mouth).
- A temperature sensor scans your body temperature.
- If your mask is worn properly and your temperature is normal, the door opens and you can enter.
- If you are not wearing a mask correctly or have a high temperature, an alert is triggered, and entry is denied.
This system is especially useful in hospitals, offices, schools, airports, and malls to ensure safety without requiring human intervention.
Practical and Social Implications
This system plays a crucial role in public health by ensuring compliance with mask-wearing protocols, especially in high-traffic areas like hospitals, offices, and airports. By automating the detection process, it reduces reliance on manual checks, minimizing human error and lowering exposure risks for security personnel. Additionally, it streamlines entry procedures, preventing congestion at access points. While the technology enhances safety, it also raises concerns about privacy and data security, making it essential to implement ethical safeguards. Beyond COVID-19, this system can be adapted for future health crises requiring similar preventive measures.
Future Research Plans
Future improvements will focus on enhancing accuracy using AI to recognize different mask types and improve real-time detection. Expanding the system to include biometric health screening, such as cough detection and respiratory analysis, could make it a broader health monitoring tool. Integration with facial recognition and automated access systems will further strengthen security applications. Additionally, optimizing the system with edge computing will enable faster, more efficient processing. As the need for contactless health monitoring grows, refining this technology will ensure its continued relevance beyond COVID-19.
- Published in Departmental News, ECE NEWS, News, Research News
Patent on Invisible Watermarking In Social Media Images
Professors, Dr Manikandan V M and Mr Shaik Johny Basha from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering along with their B.Tech. students Ms Aafrin Mohammad and Ms Rohini Sai Pasupula have published the patent titled, “A System And A Method For Adaptive Invisible Watermarking In Social Media Images.” Their patent introduces a novel method for securing photo downloads, ensuring that any unauthorised use of the images can be traced back to its original source if tampered with.
Abstract:
The invention presents a System and Method for Adaptive Invisible Watermarking in Social Media Images to enhance digital privacy and copyright protection. The proposed system integrates advanced invisible watermarking technology to embed unique, imperceptible metadata into images. When users attempt to download or screenshot images from social media, the system automatically adds a hidden watermark containing identifying details such as IP address, Date, Time, and Location. This ensures that any unauthorized use of the images can be traced back to the source. By combining image processing, data encryption, and digital rights management, this system provides a robust solution for protecting online images without affecting their visible quality.
Explanation in Layperson’s Terms:
In today’s digital world, people frequently share personal photos on social media, but there is very little protection against unauthorized downloads or screenshots. Once an image is copied, there is no way to track who took it or where it is being used. Through their invention, the team solves this problem by embedding a hidden watermark in images without changing how they look. This hidden watermark automatically adds invisible information such as the IP address, location, date, and time of the user who downloads or screenshots the image. This means that if the image is misused or shared without permission, it can be traced back to the source. By combining image editing techniques, encryption, and digital security, they ensure that people’s photos remain safe and trackable online. Hence, the invention provides a new way to protect privacy and copyright while allowing users to engage freely on social media.
Practical and Social Implications:
The proposed Adaptive Invisible Watermarking System can be practically implemented using a combination of image processing algorithms, digital watermarking techniques, and cloud-based metadata storage. Below are the key steps in its real-world application:
- Integration with Social Media Platforms: The system can be embedded in social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to automatically apply invisible watermarks containing metadata (IP address, timestamp, location, etc.) to uploaded images without altering their visual appearance.
- Automatic Watermarking During Downloads or Screenshots: When a user downloads or screenshots an image, the system automatically applies a second layer of invisible watermarking that includes identifying information of the downloader, ensuring every image copy has a unique identifier for traceability.
- Forensic Tracking and Copyright Protection: If an unauthorized user shares or misuses an image, the embedded watermark can be extracted using forensic tools to trace back to the original downloader, aiding in copyright enforcement, digital rights management (DRM), and legal actions against unauthorized distribution.
- Security and Privacy Features: The system can implement blockchain technology to securely log watermark data, ensuring tamper-proof verification, and provides users the option to control watermarking settings based on their privacy preferences.
- Prevention of Image Misuse and Cybercrime: The system reduces cases of identity theft, deepfake creation, and revenge porn by enabling traceability of unauthorized image usage, helping protect individuals from stalking and cyber harassment.
- Enhanced Digital Privacy and Ownership Rights: Users are empowered to maintain ownership of their photos even after sharing them on social media, encouraging ethical content sharing while discouraging unauthorized downloads.
- Impact on Content Creators and Businesses: Artists, photographers, and digital content creators can protect their work from theft or unauthorized republishing, while influencers and businesses can safeguard their brand assets and prevent content duplication.
- Legal and Ethical Implications: The system encourages social media companies to take responsibility for user content protection and supports law enforcement in tracking down offenders involved in image-based cybercrimes.
Future Research Plans:
- AI-Powered Watermarking and Deep Learning for Image Security
- Blockchain-Based Digital Rights Management (DRM) for Image Ownership
- Cross-Platform Compatibility & Social Media API Integration
Link to publication: https://search.ipindia.gov.in/IPOJournal/Journal/Patent
- Published in CSE NEWS, Departmental News, News, Research News
Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practical Learning
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at SRM University-AP organised an industrial visit to the Dr Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station. Dr Chandan Kumar and Dr Manjesh Kumar, faculty coordinators at the department accompanied the students during the visit.The visit was aimed to facilitate practical knowledge among students and to enhance their industry exposure.
During the visit students were able to explore the various operational aspects of the power plant including boiler operations, turbine functioning, coal handling and environmental management techniques. The engineers from the plant also shared their expertise and offered practical demonstrations of the thermal plants’ functioning.
Students also got an opportunity to discuss the operational challenges and understand first hand the potential solutions to the problems. Interactions such as these allowed the students to make real time practical applications of the theoretical aspects learned.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering expressed gratitude to the management and staff of Dr Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station for their warm hospitality and invaluable learning experience. This visit was not only educational but also essential in bridging the gap between theory and practical application, contributing meaningfully to the academic and professional development of the students.
- Published in Departmental News, Mechanical Engineering NEWS, News