Bhubaneswar: In a significant advancement for technology-driven wildlife conservation, an innovative device developed with the support of KIIT Deemed to be University has been granted a design patent. The invention, titled ‘Intelligent Sensor Device for Automated Wildlife Monitoring’, is designed to enhance biodiversity conservation through non-invasive and intelligent wildlife tracking.
Project Details and Development
The project was conceptualized under the guidance of senior Indian Forest Service officer Vishwanath Neelannavar, currently serving as the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) for Berhampur and General Manager of Berhampur OFDC Ltd. The device was developed by Manoj Ukamanal, Assistant Registrar (EAM) at KIIT University.
Designed to improve wildlife observation while minimizing human interference in natural habitats, the sensor-based device offers a smarter and more efficient approach to monitoring biodiversity in the field. Researchers believe that this technology could significantly strengthen conservation efforts by enabling continuous and automated tracking of wildlife activity. The project emerged from a collaboration between the forest innovation cell under the office of RCCF, Berhampur, and KIIT researchers.
Faculty Development Programme on AI in Education
In a separate event, DAV School of Business Management (DSBM) in Bhubaneswar recently organized a faculty development programme (FDP) on AI-enabled transformative teaching practices for commerce and management education. The program aimed to promote innovation and future-ready pedagogy in higher education. Principal D N Mishra inaugurated the programme and emphasized the need for educators to continuously upgrade their teaching skills in response to evolving industry demands and technological advancements.
Distinguished academic D V Ramana demonstrated practical applications of artificial intelligence in education through platforms such as ChatGPT and NotebookLM. He highlighted how AI can assist in creating case studies, designing classroom activities, and improving lesson planning.
SAI International Students Achieve Academic Excellence
SAI International School has recorded an impressive performance in the Cambridge IGCSE (Grade X) and A Level (Grade XII) Examinations 2026. The Grade X cohort achieved a remarkable school average of 86.9%. Notably, 75.7% of all grades were A* (95% and above), and every student secured an A grade or above.
Among the top performers, Afiya Noorain emerged as the school topper with 92.8% and five A* grades. Jyoti Maharana followed closely with 91.2%, securing four A* grades and one A grade. In the Cambridge A Level (Class XII) examinations, the school achieved an average score of 75%. Ishaan Mishra was among the standout performers, securing two A* grades and three A grades.
Anti-Tobacco Awareness Rally by NCC Cadets
Marking World No Tobacco Day, NCC cadets of 6(O) Battalion NCC, Puri, studying at the PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya-1 in Bhubaneswar, organized an awareness rally on Saturday to educate people about the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine addiction. The campaign, held under the global theme ‘Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction’, aimed to expose the marketing tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industry to attract children and adolescents through products such as e-cigarettes, flavored vapes, and nicotine pouches.
The cadets carried placards and raised slogans as they marched through Unit-IX in the city, spreading awareness about the dangers of tobacco consumption, nicotine dependence, and substance abuse. The rally focused on encouraging young people to adopt healthy lifestyles and support the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India).
