Latest news with #MSUniversity
Time of India
08-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
MSU professor invited to international museum summit
Vadodara: A professor from MS University has been invited as a speaker for the international museum summit – Eurasian Alliance Initiative in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Professor Ambika Patel, dean of MSU's Faculty of Fine Arts and director of the Maharaja Ranjitsinh Gaekwad Institute of Design (MRID), has been invited to the summit scheduled from June 9 to June 12. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She will be a panellist on the theme – "Creating Museum Cooperation in the Eurasia Region." "Eurasian region, characterised by remarkable cultural diversity, boasts rich international museum collaborations. This international summit is to explore a sustainable structure to initiate seamless exchange of innovative ideas and resources, promotion of cultural agendas in participating countries contributing significantly to shaping a vibrant cultural landscape across Eurasia," said Patel. She added that museums play a vital role in building relations between countries and cultures. "Across borders, museums and museum professionals interact with one another by making museums platforms for dialogue among people, cultures, and nations," she said.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
MSU researchers identify genes to produce seedless tomatoes
Vadodara: In a breakthrough, researchers at M S University have identified key genes that can be used to produce seedless fruits and enhance the shelf life of tomatoes. Researchers at the Department of Botany of MSU's Faculty of Science succeeded in producing seedless tomatoes by silencing one of the genes. Interestingly, these genes also help plants overcome heat and drought stress, paving the way for more heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops, which is crucial for food security in the face of climate change. "We studied the roles of the caspase-like genes in tomatoes," said professor Sunil Singh, who led the team of researchers for the project funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board. "We found that some of these genes play crucial roles in controlling both vegetative and reproductive development in tomato plants. By silencing one of the genes, we were able to produce seedless tomatoes," he said. The researchers also found that in addition to making fruits seedless, these genes regulate the ageing of leaves. "Silencing of these genes changes how leaves and plants age, making them very useful for improving existing crops and contributing to food sustainability," said Singh, whose team included researchers Dr Maitri Trivedi, Krishna Tandel, and Parthvi Joshi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "The study further revealed that these genes help plants respond to environmental stressors like heat and drought. This means that more heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops could be developed by altering these genes, which is crucial for food security in the face of climate change," he said, adding that the research opens up new possibilities for improving crops and yield. Researchers said that seedless fruits are highly desirable and are commonly found in crops like bananas, grapes, and oranges. In many plants, seedless fruits occur naturally and can also be produced using hormone treatments and crossbreeding processes. "However, these methods are time-consuming and largely ineffective due to complex breeding methods and lack of suitable parent plants. If caspase-like genes are harnessed to create seedless fruits, it will yield significant benefits for both the agriculture sector and the fruit industry," he said, adding that with an entire line of GM (genetically modified) tomatoes ready, the next step is to take it to the field. With the success that the researchers achieved in tomatoes, the team is now exploring the possibility of improving crops, stress mitigation, and extending the shelf life of other leafy vegetables and fruits for more sustainable agriculture. "By utilising these genes as genetic tools, seedless varieties could potentially be developed in numerous other important vegetables and fruits," he said. Head: Big Breakthrough Modifying certain genes help plants respond to environmental stressors like heat and drought Silencing of these genes changes how leaves and plants age heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops could be developed by altering genes After success with tomatoes, researchers are now exploring the possibility of improving crops, stress mitigation and extending the shelf life of vegetables, fruits
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Time of India
Generative AI gains ground in higher edu: Study
Vadodara: Students in Gujarat tend to use generative AI tools like Grammarly more frequently to correct their grammar, spellings, and punctuation marks or to create posters, brochures, and presentations using tools like Canva compared to their counterparts in Assam in the eastern belt of the country. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In contrast, university students in Assam more often use Meta AI and ChatGPT compared to the university students in Gujarat. A study on the perceptions of university students from the Northeast and western region of India revealed how the usage of generative AI varies amongst students enrolled in higher education institutes in the two extreme corners of India. Interestingly, the study revealed that despite different usage patterns, 95% of students did not receive formal training on generative AI tools. "The study was carried out to understand how students enrolled in higher education institutes perceive AI and their knowledge regarding the applications of generative AI in their academics," said Jigyasha Deka, who, as a master's student, completed the study under the guidance of Dr Varsha Parikh from the Department of Extension and Communication of M S University's Faculty of Family and Community Sciences. The research was conducted among 220 students from five departments of Faculty of Family and Community Sciences and the College of Community Science of Assam Agricultural University. "The objective was to assess the generative AI usage pattern from the students of Gujarat and Assam and to assess the knowledge level regarding the application of generative AI in higher education among the students," Deka said. The study revealed that around as 96.8% of students in both states were highly aware and familiar with usage of generative AI tools. Almost 94.5% of students use generative AI in academic work, with ChatGPT being most popular. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Students primarily use generative AI for idea generation, homework, and information search (73.2%). "Most students (63.6%) used generative AI for over a year, learning through self-exploration and peer networks. Surprisingly, 95% of students did not receive formal training on generative AI tools. These findings highlight the growing reliance on generative AI in higher education and the need for structured training programmes," she said. The study showed the majority of students have a good understanding of generative AI. Categorised as "knowledgeable" — 64.1% — students fall in this category. However, 35.9% of students have a limited understanding of generative AI in higher education. The study recommends that higher education institutes should develop clear policies and guidelines on generative AI use, provide comprehensive training for students and staff, and address concerns around academic integrity and bias. "By taking these steps, institutions can effectively integrate generative AI into curricula while ensuring fair learning opportunities," the study states. "AI literacy, training, and ethical guidelines can enhance technology integration while addressing students' needs and concerns to ensure successful integration of generative AI tools in academics," the study states. INSET Guj banks on tie-ups, Assam govt on app Vadodara: The study states that while the Gujarat govt has made efforts to improve artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities through strategic partnerships with prominent IT firms, while the Assam govt has established the Shiksha Setu App to promote communication in the educational sector. It highlights that the Gujarat govt has inked MoUs with IBM and Microsoft to build an AI cluster in Gujarat to promote innovation and collaboration in the financial technology sector by exploiting advanced AI technologies. The app launched by the Assam govt, however, makes it easier to access instructional resources and manage attendance to increase school transparency and efficiency, which in turn is expected to improve student outcomes.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gujarat's son-in-law awarded Shaurya Chakra
Vadodara: Close on the heels of "Gujarat's daughter" Col Sofiya Qureshi emerging as the face of , now a son-in-law of the state has made us proud. As President Droupadi Murmu honoured soldiers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, the Baroda-based Tiwari family was beaming with pride. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lt Col C V S Nikhil, who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India's highest peacetime gallantry awards, is married to Barodian Namrata Tiwari, the daughter of retired Professor K C Tiwari of MS University's Faculty of Science. Lt Col CVS Nikhil, as a major of 21 Para (Special Forces) led a team near the Indo-Myanmar border, eliminated two insurgent cadres, including a high-priority target in Nov 2023, the citation from the defence ministry states. "It is certainly a matter of pride for all of us in the family and a big moment for all," said Professor Tiwari, 69, a retired teacher from the Geology department of MSU's Faculty of Science, who is currently in the United States. "On Nov 23, 2023, Major C V S Nikhil ... displayed remarkable leadership and bravery. Using precise intelligence, he orchestrated a strategic ambush to intercept insurgents attempting to infiltrate Indian territory," the citation adds. "Despite facing intense enemy fire, Major Nikhil and his scout successfully engaged and trapped the armed insurgents. His exceptional marksmanship and tactical skills led to the elimination of two insurgent cadres, including a high-priority target. Major Nikhil's actions effectively neutralized the threat and demonstrated outstanding operational competence," it further reads. Hyderabad-born Nikhil married Namrata Tiwari in 2016. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Nikhil lost his civil surgeon father at a very young age, and since then was raised by his mother, Dr Laxmi Pinni, a gynaecologist. There are moments when the family gets concerned. "In fact, just before his engagement with Namrata, he was part of a major operation. There is always a risk involved, but he has undergone rigorous training," said Tiwari. -- Wife works to uplift weavers, Yak herders Vadodara: While Lt Col C V S Nikhil won laurels in counter-insurgency operations, his wife Namrata has several accomplishments to her credit too. Baroda-born Namrata, who completed her schooling from Baroda High School, Alkapuri, and finished her BSc in dashion designing from MS University's Faculty of Family and Community Sciences, completed her masters in apparel designing and merchandising from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. After her second masters in sustainable livelihoods from the Paris College of Arts, she currently works closely with herders and weavers in four community-conserved villages of Western Arunachal Pradesh. Her mission is to incentivise the use of yak fibre and popularize heritage weaving techniques to create additional income opportunities for weavers and the yak herding Brokpas of the Monpa community. To her credit, she was adjudged a top eight finalist at the Fashion Values Challenge by the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, UK, in 2022, bagged the People's Choice Award in the same year under the Innovation Readiness Program of UN SDSN Youth Solutions, and last year emerged as a top performer in the Women Startup Programme at NSRCEL, the startup incubator of IIM Bangalore. MSID:: 121365056 413 |
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MSU revises temporary faculty salaries by Rs 1,500, sparks discontent
Vadodara: The MS University has revised the fixed consolidated monthly salaries of temporary assistant professors, temporary lecturers (TLs), teaching assistants (TTAs), and contractual teaching staff under the Contractual Educational Services (CES) scheme for the academic year 2025–26. The executive council approved the decision, and the circular has been communicated to all faculties. However, the revision — an increase of just Rs 1,500 per month — has triggered discontent among temporary teaching staff, who play a significant role in managing academic workloads across the university. In contrast, temporary teachers were granted salary hikes of Rs 5,000 per month during the previous two academic sessions, 2023–24 and 2024–25. According to the new structure, TTAs without a PhD, teaching experience, or NET/SLET qualification will now receive Rs 41,500 per month, up from Rs 40,000. TLs or TAPs with ME/MTech or MSc/Master's degrees and NET/SLET qualifications, but without a PhD or experience, will be paid ₹45,000 instead of Rs 43,500. TAPs/TLs with a PhD and NET/SLET but no experience will receive Rs 47,500, while TLs with an MSc/BE/BTech qualification will now draw Rs 41,500 per month. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch Bitcoin và Ethereum - Không cần ví! IC Markets BẮT ĐẦU NGAY Undo Salaries of CES assistant professors have also been revised. Those without a PhD but with two years of experience and NET/SLET will be paid Rs 46,500 (previously Rs 45,000). Faculty with a PhD and two years of experience will receive Rs 51,500 (up from Rs 50,000). Similarly, those with five and ten years of experience, respectively, will now be paid Rs 56,500 and Rs 61,500. Despite the revision, temporary teachers have expressed disappointment, citing University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2018, which specify that past service in ad hoc or contractual roles can be counted for recruitment and promotion only if the salary drawn is comparable to that of regular appointments. "UGC norms recommend that temporary faculty with a PhD should receive at least Rs 57,750. This hike falls far short of that. Universities within Gujarat and elsewhere follow these norms, and MSU's policy puts its temporary staff at a disadvantage," a faculty member said. Temporary faculty also stated that their experience is often not recognised when applying for permanent positions elsewhere due to salary discrepancies, leaving them ineligible under UGC norms. This, they argue, has created a long-standing disparity and hampers their academic growth and career prospects.
