Latest news with #IIT)Guwahati
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
IIT-Guwahati researchers develop bamboo-based composite for greener automobile interiors
NEW DELHI: Offering a practical, eco-friendly substitute for plastic components in cars, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a bamboo-based composite that can be used in dashboards, seat backs, and door panels, combining high mechanical strength with low environmental impact. These composites can even replace plastic or wood parts in electronics, furniture, and building materials The material, made using Bambusa tulda, a fast-growing bamboo species from Northeast India, is reinforced with biodegradable polymers and has demonstrated strong performance in terms of thermal stability, tensile strength, and moisture resistance, key requirements for automotive interiors. The research, led by Poonam Kumari, professor in the department of mechanical engineering, addresses the growing need to reduce plastic waste and transition towards renewable materials in industrial applications. The team tested four bamboo-based formulations using both bio-based and conventional epoxies, evaluating them on 17 parameters including tensile strength, thermal resistance, water absorption, and production cost. To identify the most balanced formulation, the researchers applied a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, which pointed to a bio-epoxy blend made with FormuLite as the most suitable option. This variant demonstrated high tensile strength (144.76 MPa), significant thermal stability (glass transition temperature of 111.72°C), and the lowest moisture absorption (4.49%). The cost was also competitive at Rs 4,300 per kilogram, making it suitable for components like dashboards, seat backs, and door panels. 'These composites can replace plastic or wood parts not just in automobiles but also in electronics, furniture, and building materials,' said Kumari. 'Their use aligns with India's Green Tech Revolution and Make in India goals, and supports several Sustainable Development Goals.' The team also performed a life-cycle assessment of the material, with plans to scale up production using industrial processes like resin transfer and compression moulding. The research has been published in Environment, Development and Sustainability (Springer Nature), with Kumari co-authoring the paper alongside her PhD students Abir Saha and Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni. The initiative builds on IIT-Guwahati's broader sustainability agenda, reflected in its high ranks in both the NIRF and global SDG-based rankings. With this development, the institute adds momentum to the use of indigenous materials in high-performance engineering applications.
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
'Fee Hike For Student Welfare': IIT Guwahati Responds To Ongoing Student Protests
Last Updated: IIT Guwahati students are protesting a steep and sudden semester fee hike, while the institute says the increase supports welfare and was discussed with students earlier. Postgraduate and PhD students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have launched a peaceful protest following a recent hike in semester fees announced by the institute on Tuesday. The protest, now in its third day, focuses on what students are calling a sudden and steep increase in their semester dues. Many claim that the decision was made without any prior notice or discussion with the student community. According to the protesting students, the semester fee for regular PhD scholars has gone up from approximately Rs 34,000 to Rs 48,000. This, they say, is more than the monthly stipend received by Junior Research Fellows (Rs 37,000) and Senior Research Fellows (Rs 42,000). For the incoming batch of PhD students, the fees have risen even more sharply — from Rs 58,000 to Rs 91,000 per semester. Students are particularly concerned that these changes have come without any visible improvements in campus facilities or an increase in fellowship amounts. They argue that the fee hike includes several new and increased components, such as fest fees, welfare fund charges, higher hostel rent, increased hostel maintenance fees, and an expanded hostel fund. Additionally, some students pointed out that even the medical fees and student brotherhood fund have seen an increase. Many believe these charges are unjustified. Despite the student outcry, IIT Guwahati has defended the hike. In a media statement released on Wednesday, the administration said the revision was the first in seven years and amounts to an increase of Rs 8,900 per semester for continuing students. The institute said the additional funds will be used to improve student welfare and extracurricular activities, such as hostel-level events, cultural and sports festivals, and initiatives by the Gymkhana, including participation in events beyond the Inter-IIT competitions. The institute also said that it had held an open-house meeting with students on July 17, which lasted four hours. During this meeting, detailed explanations were shared about the new fee structure. The administration stated that students were invited to submit their concerns formally, but no official submissions have been received yet. Students, however, say that these discussions have not brought any solid outcomes. One protester said the administration had initially promised that unpaid fees would not affect registration, but later students with pending payments were denied registration. Tensions increased further when the institute's director reportedly declined to meet the protesters on July 23. The protest has involved fee boycotts and suspension of some teaching assistant duties. Students have also been facing challenges due to the humid Guwahati weather, with several falling ill during the ongoing demonstrations. Administration Says Majority Of Students Not Protesting The IIT Guwahati administration has downplayed the size of the protest, calling it the effort of a 'small group." According to the institute, most of the 8,400 enrolled students are not part of the protest. It also claimed that the protesting group had bypassed the elected student body, which is currently working on a formal proposal through official channels to address the fee hike. In its official response, the institute said, 'The elected student body is not part of this protest and is working through the proper channel for an amicable solution to the increased components of the fee." The administration concluded by stating that it remains committed to student welfare and welcomes feedback and dialogue through constructive and formal means. tags : iit iit guwahati view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
17-07-2025
- Science
- News18
IIT Guwahati Launches MTech Programme In Flood And Water Resources Management
Last Updated: No GATE score is needed to apply for the programme. Candidates will be selected based on the written test/ interview conducted by the department. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has introduced a new degree programme in Flood and Water Resources Management, tailored for working professionals and graduates seeking to enhance their expertise in this field. The Department of Civil Engineering will offer this degree in a hybrid mode, with online classes and on-campus labs and final exams at IIT Guwahati. The programme aims to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to tackle complex issues related to water scarcity, climate variability, and sustainable development. Applications are open until July 31, 2025, with classes starting on August 18, 2025. A GATE score is not required for admission. Selection will be based on a written test or interview conducted by the department. Eligibility Criteria: · Minimum 1 year of professional experience in water resource sector The Hybrid in Flood and Water Resources Management programme operates on a semester-based system. It is tailored for working professionals with at least one year of experience in the water resources sector. The programme accommodates students' professional schedules with flexible entry and exit options. There are no age restrictions for applicants. All classes will be conducted online and recorded, allowing students to learn at their own pace. During the programme, students can visit the IIT Guwahati campus to interact with experts, receive hands-on training in various fields, and obtain faculty support for their project work. In addition to this, the programme allows students to exit at different stages with recognised certifications. These include: After completion of 4 courses – PG Certificate in Basics in Flood and Water Resources Management After completion of 7 courses – PG Diploma in Flood and Water Resources Management After competition of Two Semesters and 10 courses – Master of Science (Engineering) in Flood and Water Resources Management After completion of Four Semesters and all courses and Capstone projects – MTech in Flood and Water Resources Management Students who exit at PG Certificate, Diploma, or Master of Science degree stage can rejoin after a one-year gap to continue their education. Speaking about the programme, Prof. Hemant B. Kaushik, Dean, Online Education and Skilling, IIT Guwahati, said, 'As climate risks intensify, flood events become more frequent, and water resources face mounting stress, the demand for skilled professionals in this domain has never been greater. This unique degree programme in Flood and Water Resources Management is designed to empower working professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle these challenges. With a flexible structure and strong academic foundation, it allows learners to advance their careers without disrupting their professional commitments. We invite professionals to be part of this initiative and help build a more resilient and sustainable future for our water systems." view comments First Published: July 15, 2025, 17:42 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
IIT Guwahati launches MTech in Flood, Water Resources management; no GATE score required
IIT Guwahati launches MTech: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati today announced introduction a new Master of Technology (MTech) programme in Flood and Water Resources Management. Offered by the Department of Civil Engineering, the programme is aimed at working professionals and graduates with at least one year of experience in the water resources sector. The programme will be conducted in a hybrid format, combining online instruction with laboratory sessions and final examinations held on the IIT Guwahati campus. The MTech program follows a semester-based system and covers areas such as integrated and sustainable water resource management, flood risk assessment, hydrological modeling, and climate adaptation strategies. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to balance their professional commitments while pursuing higher education. The programme also includes multi-entry and multi-exit options. Students can exit with different certifications depending on their stage of completion: a Postgraduate Certificate after four courses, a Postgraduate Diploma after seven courses, a Master of Science (Engineering) after two semesters and 10 courses, and the full MTech degree after completing all four semesters and a capstone project. Those exiting at interim levels can rejoin after a one-year gap to complete the full programme. Application and admission details Applications for the inaugural batch are open until July 31, 2025. Classes are scheduled to begin on August 18. Candidates must have a four-year Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Civil or Agricultural Engineering or related disciplines with at least 60% marks or a 6.0/10 CPI, along with one year of professional experience in the water resources sector. Notably, a GATE score is not required. Career opportunities and skills Graduates will be trained in tools such as GIS, remote sensing, hydrological modeling, and flood forecasting. They will be equipped to work in government agencies, international organisations, consultancy firms, and research institutions focused on climate resilience and sustainable water systems. The programme aims to develop professionals who can implement adaptive water resource management strategies in the context of climate change. Earlier this year, the Water Resources Department of Assam signed an MoU with IIT Guwahati to nominate 20 engineers annually for the MTech program. The initiative is part of a larger project led by the Assam Flood and River Erosion Management Agency (FREMAA) and supported by the World Bank. The goal is to train over 200 engineers in the next decade to strengthen Assam's flood management systems.
News18
06-06-2025
- Health
- News18
IIT Guwahati Researchers Use Clay-Based Method To 'Sculpt' Affordable Covid Testing Process
Last Updated: The IIT Guwahati team meticulously investigated how bentonite clay interacts specifically with SARS-CoV-2 Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an innovative and cost-effective method for detecting SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19. This novel technique uses a combination of bentonite clay and saltwater, offering a simpler and more affordable alternative to conventional diagnostic tools such as PCR and antigen tests. Their findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Clay Science, have the potential to revolutionise virus detection, particularly in resource-constrained settings and for future pandemic preparedness. This groundbreaking method hinges on the principle of sedimentation. Bentonite clay is renowned for its exceptional absorbent properties and its capacity to bind with various substances, including heavy metals and pollutants. Building on previous research suggesting that clay particles could interact with viruses, the IIT Guwahati team meticulously investigated how bentonite clay interacts specifically with SARS-CoV-2. Their research revealed that when the virus is present in a neutral pH saltwater solution at room temperature, it binds effectively with the clay particles. This binding accelerates sedimentation, with virus-laden clay particles settling more rapidly. By observing and measuring this accelerated sedimentation, researchers can accurately determine both the presence and concentration of the virus in a sample. The implications of this discovery are substantial, say some experts. While PCR tests are highly accurate, they are costly, require specialised equipment and trained personnel, and often depend on significant infrastructure, limiting their accessibility in remote or under-resourced areas. Antigen tests, while faster, can be less sensitive than PCR. In contrast, the IIT Guwahati method requires minimal equipment, is inherently affordable, and offers a potentially rapid diagnostic solution suitable for widespread deployment. First Published: June 07, 2025, 04:03 IST
