Latest news with #GujaratUniversity
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
‘Wonder worms' clean up water samples from dirtiest lakes in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad: A microscopic worm has done what chemicals and machines couldn't — clean up water samples from Ahmedabad's most polluted lakes in just a week. Researchers at Gujarat University's department of environmental science deployed Acrobeloides maximus, a soil-dwelling, bacteria-feeding nematode (a microscopic roundworm), to restore the health of three severely contaminated lakes — Kankaria, Malav Talav, and Virat Sarovar — plagued for years by sewage, industrial waste and rampant algal blooms. Before treatment, the lakes were choking with pollutants. Virat Sarovar, in particular, recorded a water quality index (WQI) of over 500 — rendering it "unfit for drinking". Enter Acrobeloides maximus, immobilized in biodegradable alginate beads, and deployed to feed on harmful bacteria and organic waste. Seven days later, the results were surprising. Turbidity levels plummeted, dissolved oxygen levels surged and most notably, WQI scores improved so significantly that Virat Sarovar leapt from "dangerous" to "good" water quality. The WQI of samples from Malav Talav dropped from 94.02 (good) to 36.30 (excellent), Kankaria Lake's WQI improved from 199.19 (poor) to 51.46 (good), and Virat Sarovar's from 504.42 (not suitable for drinking) to 72.85 (good). Nematodes like Acrobeloides maximus live in dry, sandy soil and eat bacteria. This helps break down different microbes and protects against harmful ones. In this study, scientists grew the Acrobeloides maximus population in a special nutrient mix. To keep them from spreading in water, they trapped the nematodes in biodegradable sodium alginate beads. "Nematodes react to pollutants. Research has shown that Acrobeloides maximus can break down more than 99% of pesticides in wastewater. They also improve water aeration," states the preprint research paper by Mercy Anne Chiphaso, Sunita Chauhan and Hiteshkumar Solanki. This kept them stable, active and alive longer, while making them more effective at cleaning organic waste. The technique worked well, with over 90% of the nematodes staying alive inside the beads, showing promise for improving wastewater treatment naturally and safely. The paper was published in Elsevier's SSRN journal.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Gujarat Common Admission Service (GCAS): Several undergraduate seats vacant after second intake round
Ahmedabad: Following the completion of two rounds in the undergraduate admission process, the Gujarat Common Admission Service (GCAS) has confirmed placements for roughly 91,000 students across 15 govt universities. Gujarat University has accommodated approximately 9,000 students. Nevertheless, more than 50,000 positions remain unfilled at GU, creating anticipation among students for subsequent admission phases. The govt universities across the state continue to show substantial vacant positions, despite confirming numerous admissions. GCAS data indicates that most seats remain unoccupied, with Gujarat University alone showing availability of over 50,000 positions. According to admission committee sources, numerous students have not confirmed their current offers, preferring to wait for potentially better college placements in forthcoming rounds. Students anticipate that a clearer picture of available seats will emerge once the second phase of registration commences, potentially revealing more precise information about college availability. The absence of a mock round has left students uncertain about their genuine merit-based college prospects. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo There remains optimism amongst students about securing places in more prestigious institutions in subsequent rounds. Currently, Gujarat University has received confirmation from only about 9,000 students, with no provision yet for altering college preferences. Students will have the opportunity to revise their choices after the conclusion of the third round. Consequently, numerous students continue to await admission as the process progresses through additional rounds. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Police nab four men for selling IPL tickets illegally
Ahmedabad: City police on Tuesday arrested four men in two separate cases allegedly for selling IPL 2025 final match tickets illegally. The arrests were made by the crime branch and Gujarat University (GU) police during routine patrols. In the first incident, crime branch constable Vishwaraj Singh reported that around 10.50pm on Tuesday, police received information about a man selling IPL final tickets at inflated prices near Gate No. 1 of Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera. Acting on the tip-off, police detained a suspect matching the description — a man wearing a muddy-coloured T-shirt and grey pants. The individual was identified as Shubhankar Nilesh Shilkar, 22, a resident of Usgao village in Ponda, Goa. Upon searching him, police recovered three tickets for the match, each with a printed price of Rs 1,500. "Shilkar admitted that he purchased the tickets online and was attempting to sell them for Rs 5,000 each. A case of illegal selling of tickets was registered against him, and the tickets were seized. In the second case, Gujarat University police received a tip-off around 9pm on Tuesday about three youths selling match tickets illegally near the LD Engineering BRTS bus stop. Cops reached the spot and detained three individuals: Adityasinh Chauhan (19), Tushar Chauhan (18), and Sahil Shah (19), all students residing in different areas of the city. A search of the suspects revealed that Sahil Shah was carrying six IPL final tickets, each priced at Rs 1,500. According to cops, the group admitted that they booked the tickets online and intended to sell them for Rs 5,000 each, sharing any profit equally. Like in the earlier case, they were unable to provide any legal authorisation for resale. Gujarat University police registered an FIR under the same charges and seized the tickets.
Indian Express
01-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Over 61,000 confirm admissions in first round of admissions through GCAS portal
As the first round of the first phase of admissions to various undergraduate (UG) programmes through the Gujarat Common Admission Services (GCAS) portal for academic year 2025-26 was completed on Saturday, 61,540 students have confirmed their admissions against a total intake of 4,71,710 seats for UG programmes across 13 public universities in Gujarat. The GCAS, the online admission process of the state government, is in its second year. However, 3,81,046 admission offers have been made to verified students that also include more than one offers to one student. The second round of admissions will commence from Tuesday. 'Universities were earlier offering admissions through a centralised admission system, in which, the university would prepare a single merit list and offer admission to a student in only one programme based on merit from the list of all colleges and programmes of their choice. As a result, a student was offered admission in only one college programme. However, this year, these unversities are offering admissions through a decentralised admission system, under which, all colleges affiliated to the university prepare their own merit list and offer admissions to students who have chosen programmes offered by the respective college, as per merit. Therefore, a student gets admission offers from more than one college programme (major subject) based on their merit,' eucation department officials, who are supervising the GCAS, stated. In the case of a decentralised admission system, students higher in merit get more offers during the initial rounds. However, as the rounds progress, students lower in merit end up getting offers too. Thus the admission figures in the later rounds are higher than the initial ones. The next three rounds of the first phase will be held over two days each. As students receive more admission offers, more admissions will be confirmed. Approximately 60 to 70 per cent of the seats are estimated to be filled by the end of the first phase of admissions. 'Additionally, around 70,000 students are going to appear for the Class 12 supplementary examination, and these students will be included in the subsequent phases of admissions after their results are declared,' officials added. The online application and verification process is in progress for the first phase of admissions to postgraduate level programmes — which have already been declared. As per the GCAS schedule, students must get their applications verified before June 10. Students who have submitted applications and wish to apply to Gujarat University programmes can modify their choices by June 7.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Evaluation process at GU colleges raises concerns
Ahmedabad: The evaluation process at Gujarat University's (GU's) affiliated colleges has come under scrutiny. The assessment of examination papers at arts, commerce, and science colleges revealed significant irregularities, sources said. It was alleged that teachers were not following the university's prescribed evaluation standards, which could adversely impact students' academic performance. The university administration has specific protocols regarding the appointment of evaluators, considering their subject specialisation and teaching experience. Sources claimed that Gujarati-medium papers are being assessed by English-medium teachers who lack proficiency in the Gujarati language. Similarly, teachers with limited English language skills are checking answer sheets for English-medium students. The improper evaluation process reportedly resulted in an unusually high failure rate. Some evaluators were awarding extremely low marks, ranging from 2 to 4, without thorough assessment, sources alleged. Representatives from NSUI and Youth Congress have scheduled a meeting with the GU vice chancellor. They intend to advocate for the strict implementation of evaluation guidelines.
