Monday, May 26, 2025
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Jayant Narlikar: A Pioneer in Science and Literature
Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, a distinguished Indian astrophysicist and science communicator, passed away on May 20, 2025, in Pune at the age of 87. Renowned for his significant contributions to cosmology and his efforts to popularize science, Dr. Narlikar's legacy continues to inspire generations.
🌌 A Life Dedicated to Science
Dr. Narlikar's academic journey began at Banaras Hindu University, followed by a stellar tenure at Cambridge University, where he earned his Ph.D. under the mentorship of Sir Fred Hoyle. His research challenged prevailing cosmological models, notably proposing alternatives to the Big Bang theory, such as the Steady State and Quasi-Steady State models. He served as the founding director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, significantly advancing India's position in global astrophysical research.
📚 A Prolific Writer and Educator
Beyond his scientific endeavors, Dr. Narlikar was a prolific writer, authoring numerous books in English, Marathi, and Hindi. His works encompassed both non-fiction and fiction, aiming to make complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public.
Non-Fiction Works
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English:
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An Introduction to Cosmology (2002)
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A Different Approach to Cosmology (2000)
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Fred Hoyle’s Universe (2003)
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Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist from Vedic to Modern Times (2003)
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Seven Wonders of the Cosmos (1995)
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From Black Clouds to Black Holes (1996)
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Marathi:
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आकाशाशी जडले नाते (Akashashi Jadale Nate)
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नभात हसरे तारे (Nabhat Hasare Tare)
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Fiction Works
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English:
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The Return of Vaman (1990)
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The Adventure
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The Comet
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Marathi:
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वामन परत न आला (Waman Parat Naa Aala)
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यक्षांची देणगी (Yakshanchi Denagi)
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अभयारण्य (Abhayāranya)
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व्हायरस (Virus)
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प्रेषित (Preshit)
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अंतराळातील भस्मासूर (Antarālatīl Bhasmāsūr)
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टाईम मशीनची किमया (Ṭā'im Maśīnchī Kimayā)
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उजव्या सोंडेचा गणपती (Ujavyā Sonḍēcā Gaṇapathī)
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Hindi:
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पार नज़र के (Pār Nazar Ke)
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His contributions to science education extended to his role as a consultant for NCERT's science and mathematics textbooks, shaping curricula that continue to influence students across India.
🏅 Honours and Recognition
Dr. Narlikar's exemplary work earned him numerous accolades, including:
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Padma Vibhushan (2004)
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Padma Bhushan (1965)
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Maharashtra Bhushan Award (2010)
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Kalinga Prize from UNESCO for science communication (1996)
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Sahitya Akademi Award for his autobiography Chaar Nagarantale Maze Vishwa (2014)
His death marks the loss of a distinguished scholar and beloved science communicator.
🧬 A Lasting Impact
Dr. Narlikar's dedication to bridging the gap between complex scientific theories and public understanding has left an indelible mark. His writings continue to serve as valuable resources for those interested in the cosmos and the wonders of science.
📘 Recommended Reads
For those interested in exploring Dr. Narlikar's works, consider starting with:
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An Introduction to Cosmology – A comprehensive guide to the universe's origins and structure.
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The Return of Vaman – A science fiction novel blending mythology with astrophysics.
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Scientific Edge – An exploration of India's scientific heritage and contributions.Infogalactic+1Wikipedia+1
These works offer a glimpse into the mind of a scientist who not only explored the universe but also made it accessible to all.
📘 Sources
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Wikipedia – Jayant Narlikar: A comprehensive overview of Dr. Narlikar's life, contributions, and bibliography.
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The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction: Detailed entries on Dr. Narlikar's science fiction works.
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The Economic Times: News article on Dr. Narlikar's passing and his contributions to science.
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Wikipedia – Geeta Narlikar: Information on Dr. Narlikar's daughter, Geeta Narlikar, a biochemist.
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Wikipedia – Amrita Narlikar: Information on Dr. Narlikar's daughter, Amrita Narlikar, an academic.
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Report on Knimbus Training Session: "Effective Use of Subscribed Resources” - 16th May 2025
The Learning and Information Resource Centre (LIRC) of St. Francis Institute of Technology organized a hands-on training session on 16th May 2025 titled “Effective Use of Subscribed Resources” in collaboration with Knimbus Digital Library Services. The training was aimed at enhancing awareness and usage of the digital resources subscribed to by the institute through the Knimbus platform.
Resource Person:
The session was conducted by Ms. Kanishka Jindal, Senior Executive from Knimbus. With a clear and practical approach, she engaged participants through a live demonstration of the platform's capabilities.
Key Highlights of the Session:
• Introduction to the Knimbus dashboard and user-friendly search features • Tips on advanced filtering, keyword optimization, and citation tracking • Accessing publisher-specific content such as IEEE, Springer, and McGraw-Hill • Exploring personalized features like Saved Searches, Alerts, and Notes • Overview of remote access options for off-campus research
• Q&A interaction to address participant-specific queries and technical issues
The training on "Effective Use of Subscribed Resources" successfully met its objectives of enabling participants to confidently utilize SFIT's digital library through Knimbus. It reinforced the role of digital platforms in supporting research, teaching, and learning, aligning with the institute’s commitment to academic excellence.
Friday, April 25, 2025
📚 World Book and Copyright Day -23rd April 2025: Report
Date: 23rd April 2025
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: 2nd Floor, B Wing, LIRC
✨ Event Overview
On the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day, SFIT Library organized a Book Exhibition and Takeaway as well as a Quiz on Plagiarism. The initiative aimed to cultivate a strong reading habit, educate students about the importance of respecting intellectual property, and highlight the significance of honest academic work.
🎯 Objectives
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Encourage and foster reading habits among students.
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Promote awareness about copyright issues.
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Educate students on plagiarism and its prevention.
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Enable sharing of knowledge through book donations from staff and ex-students.
👥 Participation
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Book & Magazine Takeaway: 82 Beneficiaries
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Quiz on Plagiarism: 68 Responses
🏁 Outcome
The initiative was well-received and sparked interest in both reading and academic integrity. Suggestions were made to organize more such events, to further engage students and staff.
🌌 Discovery Alert: Evidence of Life 120 Light-Years Away!
Indian-origin astrophysicist Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan and his team at the University of Cambridge have detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b, located 120 light-years from Earth. On Earth, DMS is produced by marine life, suggesting the possibility of biological activity on this distant world.
Using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, the researchers found DMS alongside methane and carbon dioxide, indicating a hydrogen-rich, ocean-covered environment—characteristics of a "Hycean" planet.
While the findings are promising, Dr. Madhusudhan emphasizes the need for further observations to confirm the presence of life. This discovery opens new avenues in the search for extraterrestrial life beyond our solar system.
📚 For more details, read the full article: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/who-is-indian-origin-dr-nikku-madhusudhan-the-scientist-who-found-evidence-of-life-120-light-years-away-from-earth/articleshow/120369180.cms
#SpaceDiscovery #Exoplanet #LifeBeyondEarth #DrNikkuMadhusudhan #HyceanPlanet #JamesWebbSpaceTelescope
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Krishna Bharat: The Mind Behind Google News
Krishna Bharat: The Mind Behind Google News
Meet Krishna Bharat, the visionary behind Google News. A frustration with the cluttered, unreliable news on the internet led him to create one of the most popular and influential platforms we use today.
As an IIT Madras graduate, Bharat joined Google and used the company’s “20% time” policy—where employees could work on their own ideas—to build Google News. The platform, launched in 2002, became a game-changer in how we consume news.
Bharat’s other contributions include shaping products like Google Translate, Gmail, and Google Sky. He has since moved on to inspire innovations in AI and technology, but his work remains at the core of many services we rely on every day.
Read more about his journey and the frustrations that sparked this revolutionary idea:
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Meet Rajeev Motwani — the Indian mind whose ideas helped build Google as we know it!
📚 Unsung Genius Behind Google! 🇮🇳💡Meet Rajeev Motwani — the Indian mind whose ideas helped build Google as we know it!
🧠 Mentor to tech giants like Google & PayPal
📊 Co-author of the original PageRank paper
💡 Co-inventor of Locality-Sensitive Hashing
🏆 Gödel Prize winner (2001)
📚 Stanford professor & author of iconic CS textbooks
From Jammu to IIT Kanpur, then on to UC Berkeley and Stanford — his journey was filled with groundbreaking work and visionary mentorship.
Sergey Brin once said:
"Whenever you use a piece of technology, there's a good chance a little bit of Rajeev Motwani is behind it."
Though he tragically passed in 2009, his legacy continues through every search algorithm and through the Motwani Jadeja Foundation supporting global innovators.
🔍 A true legend whose impact you feel every time you Google something!
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
📖 Celebration of World Book and Copyright Day
Date: April 23, 2025
Venue: Learning and Information Resource Centre
Each year, World Book and Copyright Day reminds us of the profound impact books have on shaping ideas, preserving culture, and respecting intellectual creativity. This year, the SFIT Library, in collaboration with the SFIT NDLI Club, is proud to host a vibrant celebration to honor books, authors, and the importance of copyright.
📚 Highlights of the Celebration:
📘 1. Book Exhibition & Takeaway Corner
Explore a specially curated collection of books across genres—ranging from timeless classics to modern thought-leaders.
What’s more? Selected books will be available for a takeaway—yes, you read that right! You can pick a book to keep, read, and cherish, absolutely free. It's our way of spreading the joy of reading.
"A room without books is like a body without a soul." — Cicero
❓ 2. Quiz on Understanding Plagiarism
Organized by the SFIT NDLI Club, this short and engaging quiz aims to spread awareness about plagiarism—what it is, why it matters, and how to avoid it in academic and professional life.
✅ Open to all students, faculty, and staff
🎁 E-certificates for all participants
🕒 Duration: Just 5–10 minutes
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/49va8wv3
Let’s build a culture of academic honesty and originality—because every great idea deserves credit.
We invite every member of the SFIT family to join us in this celebration. Whether you're a lifelong reader, a curious learner, or someone discovering the joy of books—there’s something here for you.
📅 Join us in the Library on April 23rd
🎉 Let’s celebrate the written word and the rights of those who create it.
#WorldBookDay #SFITLibrary #SFITNDLIClub #ReadRespectReflect #CopyrightMatters #SayNoToPlagiarism
NDLI Quiz: Understanding Plagiarism
📚 SFIT NDLI Club Presents: Quiz on Understanding Plagiarism
🗓️ On the Occasion of World Book and Copyright Day
In the spirit of celebrating the power of books and the importance of intellectual property, the SFIT NDLI Club invites you to participate in a short, insightful quiz on plagiarism awareness.
🔍 Why take the quiz?
Plagiarism isn't just copying—it's a violation of creativity and ethics. This quiz will help you understand what constitutes plagiarism, how to avoid it, and why it matters in both academic and creative spaces.
🎯 Who can participate?
All students, faculty, and staff of SFIT are encouraged to join!
📝 Quiz Duration: 5-10 minutes
🏅 E-certificates for all participants!
📌 Let's promote originality and respect for intellectual effort.
Take the quiz and be a part of the change!
👉https://tinyurl.com/49va8wv3
#SFITNDLIClub #WorldBookDay #CopyrightAwareness #SayNoToPlagiarism #ReadResponsibly
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Marathi Bhasha Diwas - 27th February 2025
Celebrating Marathi Bhasha Diwas at St. Francis Institute of Technology: A Tribute to Our Language and Culture
At St. Francis Institute of Technology (SFIT), Marathi Bhasha Diwas was celebrated with great enthusiasm and heartfelt participation. This annual event is a significant occasion that honors the rich heritage of the Marathi language, encouraging both students and faculty to reflect on the importance of their cultural roots. The celebration included engaging activities such as poem and story writing competitions, a display of Marathi books, and discussions on the relevance of preserving the language.
Here’s a closer look at how SFIT celebrated this day and the outcomes it achieved:
The Heart of the Celebration: Competitions and Creative Expression
One of the key highlights of the Marathi Bhasha Diwas celebration at SFIT was the Poem Writing and Story Writing Competitions. These events allowed students and staff members to showcase their creative talents while reflecting on themes related to their love for the motherland and Marathi culture.
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Poem Writing Competition:
The theme for the poem writing competition was “Mazi Matrubhoomi” (My Motherland), which invited students to express their emotional connection to their roots. The winning poem, penned by Dr. Kavita Sonawane, beautifully conveyed her affection for her homeland. The powerful imagery and poignant words used in her poem left a lasting impact on all who read it. -
Story Writing Competition:
In addition to poetry, the story writing competition provided participants a chance to weave a story around a given theme. Ms. Vaishnavi Pradhan was the winner of this competition.
Celebrating Marathi Literature: A Book Display
A display of Marathi books was set up in the library to further promote the beauty and richness of Marathi literature. This collection included works from celebrated Marathi authors, poets, and novelists, showcasing a range of genres—from poetry to history and philosophy. It was an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of Marathi literature and rediscover the wealth of knowledge available in their native language.
Why Marathi Bhasha Diwas Matters
Marathi Bhasha Diwas, celebrated annually on February 27th, is a day dedicated to honoring the legacy of Marathi language and literature. The date also marks the death of Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar (Kusumagraj), a renowned Marathi poet and social reformer. The day reminds us of the crucial role regional languages play in shaping cultural identity, fostering emotional connections to one’s roots, and promoting the diversity of languages in India.
Here’s why Marathi Bhasha Diwas holds immense importance:
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Preserving Our Language: The day serves as a reminder of the need to protect and promote regional languages that form the foundation of cultural identity.
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Celebrating Cultural Heritage: The event fosters a sense of pride in one’s language and culture, inspiring future generations to embrace and protect their linguistic legacy.
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Promoting Literacy and Literature: It encourages students to delve into the world of Marathi literature, enriching their lives with the wisdom of past generations.
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Linguistic Pride: The day celebrates linguistic diversity and inspires people to respect and appreciate all regional languages across India.
Conclusion: A Successful Celebration of Language and Culture
The Marathi Bhasha Diwas celebration at SFIT was a resounding success, achieving its goals of promoting the Marathi language, celebrating literary creativity, and fostering a deeper connection with cultural heritage. The event was more than just a competition—it was an opportunity for the entire SFIT community to come together, reflect on the importance of their native language, and celebrate the power of words in shaping our identity.
As the students and faculty members look forward to future celebrations, it is clear that Marathi Bhasha Diwas will continue to be a cherished tradition, helping to preserve and promote the beauty of Marathi for generations to come.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Monday, February 24, 2025
24 February 2025: Daily Current Affairs Quiz
1. From which state did PM Modi release the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Assam
2. Who has been recently appointed as PM Modi’s Principal Secretary-2?
(a) Nripendra Misra
(b) Ajay Bhalla
(c) Shaktikanta Das
(d) Rajeev Sinha
3. Who holds the record for the fastest 14,000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Rohit Sharma
(c) Steve Smith
(d) Virat Kohli
4. Who launched the Financial Literacy Week?
(a) SBI
(b) RBI
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) SEBI
5. Where is the Global Investor Summit 2025 being organized in Madhya Pradesh?
(a) Indore
(b) Jabalpur
(c) Bhopal
(d) Gwalior
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Assam
2. Who has been recently appointed as PM Modi’s Principal Secretary-2?
(a) Nripendra Misra
(b) Ajay Bhalla
(c) Shaktikanta Das
(d) Rajeev Sinha
3. Who holds the record for the fastest 14,000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Rohit Sharma
(c) Steve Smith
(d) Virat Kohli
4. Who launched the Financial Literacy Week?
(a) SBI
(b) RBI
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) SEBI
5. Where is the Global Investor Summit 2025 being organized in Madhya Pradesh?
(a) Indore
(b) Jabalpur
(c) Bhopal
(d) Gwalior
Answers:
1. (b) Bihar
On February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Bhagalpur, Bihar. Under this installment, ₹22,000 crore was directly transferred to the bank accounts of 9.8 crore eligible farmers.
2. (c) Shaktikanta Das
Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has been recently appointed as PM Modi’s Principal Secretary-2. This position has been created for the first time, and his tenure will be concurrent with the Prime Minister’s term or until further orders, whichever comes earlier. Das served as the 25th Governor of the RBI from 2018 to 2024.
3. (d) Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli became the fastest batsman to score 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He achieved this milestone during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan. Kohli reached this landmark in just 287 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 350 innings and Kumar Sangakkara’s 378 innings.
4. (b) RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the Financial Literacy Week 2025 from February 24 to February 28, focusing on the theme “Financial Literacy – Women’s Prosperity.” This initiative aims to enhance financial awareness and empowerment among women, aligning with broader national objectives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision.
5. (c) Bhopal
On February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. This two-day event is designed to showcase Madhya Pradesh as a global investment hub, highlighting its potential in industries, innovation, and infrastructure.
1. (b) Bihar
On February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Bhagalpur, Bihar. Under this installment, ₹22,000 crore was directly transferred to the bank accounts of 9.8 crore eligible farmers.
2. (c) Shaktikanta Das
Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has been recently appointed as PM Modi’s Principal Secretary-2. This position has been created for the first time, and his tenure will be concurrent with the Prime Minister’s term or until further orders, whichever comes earlier. Das served as the 25th Governor of the RBI from 2018 to 2024.
3. (d) Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli became the fastest batsman to score 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He achieved this milestone during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan. Kohli reached this landmark in just 287 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 350 innings and Kumar Sangakkara’s 378 innings.
4. (b) RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the Financial Literacy Week 2025 from February 24 to February 28, focusing on the theme “Financial Literacy – Women’s Prosperity.” This initiative aims to enhance financial awareness and empowerment among women, aligning with broader national objectives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision.
5. (c) Bhopal
On February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. This two-day event is designed to showcase Madhya Pradesh as a global investment hub, highlighting its potential in industries, innovation, and infrastructure.
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