Latest news with #P.PrakashBabu
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Pondicherry University improves score in global rankings
Pondicherry University has improved its standing in the global rankings released by The Times Higher Education that evaluates institutions on the basis of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to a press note, the University raised its overall score of 65.6 - 70.2 in the 601-800 rank range, compared to the previous year's score of 64.5-69.8 in the new World University Rankings. Pondicherry University ranked in the 1201–1400 band globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, which featured participation from 8,467 institutions across 106 countries. Among Indian universities and institutions, only 54 secured a place in the QS World University Rankings 2026. According to the press note, Pondicherry University showed significant improvement across all parameters compared to the previous year, especially in Sustainability, International Research Network, and an impressive global rank of 545 in 'Citations per Faculty' . Additionally, in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025, the University achieved a global position of 820 and ranked 29th within India. The University also made remarkable strides in SDGs such as Life on Land (101-200), No Poverty (301-400) and Gender Equality (401-600), the press note said. The latest edition drew participation from a record 2526 Universities across more than 130 countries, including 135 from India. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, complimented the faculty, staff, concerned SDG coordinators and students for the remarkable achievement and called for sustaining the momentum to further enhance the University's global standing in future.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
190 students awarded degrees at PIMS convocation
A total of 147 undergraduate and 43 postgraduate students received degrees at the graduation day ceremony of the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) held recently. A press note said the ceremony was held for undergraduate medical (2019 batch), and postgraduate MD/MS students (2021 batch). The chief guest, P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, distributed the certificates. Mr. Babu urged the students to serve the community with passion, and stressed the role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare. Sujith S. received gold medal for the best outgoing student, and Sarah Catherine F. and Ragapriya S. for best all-rounder and best sportsperson respectively. The PIMS STS awards for research were presented to 13 UG students. Earlier, K. Jacob, Chairman, PIMS management committee, initiated proceedings. The Hippocratic Oath was administered to the UG students by Peter Manoharan C., Medical Superintendent. Report presented Renu G'Boy Varghese, Director-Principal, presented the annual report, highlighting the achievements in academia, research, and extra-curricular activities. Nishanth Rajan, Vice Principal (UG); P. Stalin, Vice Principal (PG and Research); Sujatha MP, Deputy Vice Principal (UG); Aparna Muraleedharan, Deputy Vice Principal (PG and Research); Nayyar lqbal, Medical Education Unit (MEU) coordinator; Sivaa R., deputy MEU coordinator, and George Thomas, General Manager, took part. The event was attended by administrators, faculty, staff, students, and parents.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Pondicherry University V-C advocates adoption of plastic-free practices across community
P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University has advocated adoption of plastic-free practices in schools, homes, and public events. In his valedictory address at World Environment Day 2025 celebrations hosted by the Zoological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and EIACP Centre on Island Biodiversity at Sri Vijaya Puram, Port Blair, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the pivotal role of students and academic institutions in driving long-term environmental change. Emphasising the hazards that micro-plastics posed to the food chain and the suspected linkage to severe health issues, including cancer, Mr. Prakash Babu urged administrators to strictly enforce ban on plastic bags and promote biodegradable alternatives and citizens to refrain from using single-use plastics. He noted that children often have the power to influence household habits. The Vice-Chancellor also gave a call for sustained action throughout the year, instead of symbolic events to protect the environment on a single day. Further, the V-C said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands held the potential to become a national model for responsible tourism. Being relatively less polluted, the islands represent the ideal environment of ecological balance and responsible tourism. He later visited the ZSI museum at Sri Vijaya Puram. C. Sivaperuman, Additional Director, Zoological Survey of India, Ramakrishna, former ZSI Director, Pallavi Sarkar, Secretary (Agriculture, AH and VS) A and N Islands, Lal Ji Singh, Additional Director, Botanical Survey of India, A and Nicobar Islands, and S. Kannan, Chairperson, School of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai participated. The dignitaries also distributed certificates to the winners of various competitions on the theme of environment.
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Book on turning Prosopis juliflora to a resource of value
A book exploring viable means to turn the menace of Prosopis juliflora, a rapidly proliferating weed locally known as seemai karuvelam into a resource of some value was recently brought out at the Pondicherry University. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry University, while formally releasing the book, expressed hope that the work would stimulate and catalyse global efforts towards controlling and utilising Prosopis juliflora. The book Prosopis juliflora: Attributes, Impact, Utilization summarises the findings of an exhaustive work by a research team led by S. A. Abbasi, a former professor, on finding economically viable ways of utilising Prosopis juliflora so that its standing biomass can be turned into a resource. The publication (Elsevier and Academic Press) has references to findings of other researchers across the world. According to a press release, Prosopis juliflora has emerged as the world's most domineering and harmful of weeds. India is among the countries that have been very seriously hit by this menace, asit growing uncontrollably in several States, causing great harm. Deleterious impact In the Puducherry-Tamil Nadu region too, the plant is seen growing almost everywhere, rampantly colonising new areas at the expense of diverse vegetation. The invasive plant also possesses negative allelopathy due to which itplant species from its vicinity and monopolise the space. In fact, such has been its deleterious impact that in 2022 writ petitions were filed in the Madras High Court to direct the government to intervene.
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Pondicherry University releases global study on invasive species
PUDUCHERRY: Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor P. Prakash Babu on Friday released a new book titled Prosopis Juliflora: Attributes, Impact, Utilization, published by Elsevier and Academic Press. The book offers a comprehensive study of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as seemai karuvelam. Compiled after years of research by former professor S. A. Abbasi and his team at Pondicherry University, the book explores sustainable and economically viable uses of the plant's biomass. It also features contributions from global researchers, providing an international perspective on managing one of the world's most aggressive and ecologically damaging weeds. Prosopis juliflora has severely impacted biodiversity in regions such as Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, displacing native vegetation through its allelopathic properties, which hinder the growth of nearby plants. In 2022, several writ petitions were filed in the Madras High Court seeking government action to control its spread. Prakash Babu stated that the book is expected to guide global efforts not only to contain the plant but also to explore ways of converting it into a valuable resource for both ecological restoration and economic gain.
