Utkal University is a public university in Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Odisha, and is the oldest university in the state, and the 17th-oldest university in India. It is a teaching-cum-affiliating university. The present campus at Vani Vihar located on a sprawling 399.9 acre area in the heart of Bhubaneswar. At present the university has twenty-seven Post-Graduate teaching and research departments located within the campus, viz. Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education, University Law College at Vani Vihar. Besides the regular courses, twenty-six sponsored courses are offered under the direct academic control of the P.G. Council of the university. The university is located in the middle of the city. It is 5 km from the airport, 3 km from the railway station. Sainik school is to its north. Mancheswar industrial area is to its east.In 2016, Utkal University adopted its theme song from "tunga sikhar chula" (1st 3 stanzas) poem of Godabarish Mishra, one of its founder members.G.
Chlorpyrifos (CP), a persistent organophosphate pesticide, poses significant environmental and health risks, which necessitate sustainable detoxification strategies. TiO2@ZIF-8 nanocomposite was prepared by a combined hydrothermal-ultrasonication approach and characterized using XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman, XPS, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, BET, DRS, and DLS analyses and TGA to gain insights into its structural characteristics. Moreover, the interfacial charge separation was further confirmed through Mott-Schottky and EIS measurements. Photocatalytic degradation studies showed that similar to 90% of CP (100 mg L-1) was removed within 90 min under solar light using 0.6 g L-1 of the catalyst. RSM-CCD optimisation resulted in 86% CP degradation at 90 mg L-1 of CP, 20 mg of adsorbent, and 86 min of solar light. A band energy diagram was constructed based on Tauc plot and Mott-Schottky analyses to determine the VB and CB positions of ZIF-8, TiO2, and TiO2@ZIF-8, indicating the probable formation of a type-II heterojunction, which facilitated efficient charge-carrier separation, broadened the light-absorption range, and suppressed electron-hole recombination. The kinetic analysis revealed that the degradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Radical scavenging study confirmed that holes, superoxide radicals, and hydroxyl radicals were the preferentially active reactive species in the system. A plausible degradation mechanism was proposed accordingly. The composite exhibited excellent reusability by maintaining similar to 85% activity over four cycles. The nanocomposite demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, suggesting multifunctional applicability in water purification. These results demonstrate that the TiO2@ZIF-8 nanocomposite possesses both photocatalytic and antibacterial capabilities independently, enabling its potential for multifunctional applications in the future.
This paper describes a numerical study of thermosolutal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection in a vertical porous pipe using the Chebyshev spectral collocation method. The flow is assumed to be fully developed, electrically conducting, and subjected to internal heat generation or absorption in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. Fluid motion is driven by combined effects of thermal and solutal buoyancy forces together with an imposed axial pressure gradient. The porous medium is modeled using the non-Darcy Brinkman–Forchheimer extended formulation to incorporate both viscous diffusion and inertial resistance effects. A systematic parametric analysis is performed to examine the influence of the Hartmann number (Ha), heat generation/absorption parameter (q), buoyancy ratio (N), and Forchheimer number (F) on the velocity and temperature fields. The results show that increasing the Hartmann number from 0 to 40 suppresses the peak velocity by 42% due to Lorentz damping. For moderate magnetic field strength ( Ha < 30 ), the velocity profile exhibits inflection points near the wall, indicating potential instability, whereas for larger Ha the profile becomes smoother and nearly uniform across the core region. Heat generation beyond a critical threshold ( q > 9.8 ) induces backflow, with reverse velocity reaching 16% of the forward peak at q = 15 . Increasing q from 0 to 50 elevates the centerline temperature by 47% , while the near-wall temperature increases by only 15% , creating a non-uniform thermal field that promotes profile distortion and potential breakdown of the base flow. In contrast, heat absorption ( q < 0 ) stabilizes the system and prevents such deviations. A decrease in the Forchheimer number reduces inertial drag and enhances the maximum temperature within the pipe. Comparison with benchmark solutions under limiting conditions demonstrates excellent agreement, confirming the reliability and accuracy of the present spectral approach.
Groundwater chemistry of the Saharpada block of Keonjhar District, Odisha, is chiefly managed by alteration of the rockforming minerals present in the underground as well as by human activities. The water is alkaline and hard, but most of the chemical constituents are within allowable limits for drinking and domestic use. Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, HCO3- and F- are derived from the underlying basement granite, dolerite and their weathered soil. Na+, K+, Cl-, SO42-, NO3- and F- are anthropogenic substances being contributed by chaotic disposal of household and animal wastes, seepage from septic tanks, irrigation return flow, manures, fertilizers and soil amenders used in agriculture to increase crop production. HCO3-, which is the dominant ion, is a byproduct of mineral alterations and a result of the reaction between water and CO2 present in the atmosphere and soil zone. Commensurate with the chemical composition and population density, the quality of groundwater varies from good to moderate. It is recommended to reduce anthropogenic activities, adopt groundwater-recharge methods, check the groundwater chemistry intermittently and educate the public regarding the management of groundwater quantity and quality in the Saharpada block of Odisha.
India is experiencing rapid population ageing, with the elderly population projected to reach 138 million by 2031 (MoSPI, 2021). Despite widespread digital connectivity, many older adults experience emotional isolation. This study examines the intersection of technology, social change, and ageing among elderly residents of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Objectives: This study explores (i) how elderly Indians engage with digital technologies and how digitisation reshapes traditional family bonds, and (ii) how gender, class, and family structures influence the “Hyper-connectivity Paradox” of being digitally connected yet emotionally isolated. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, involving 30 participants and 5 purposively selected case studies. Data collection included in-depth interviews, participant observation, and key case studies, which were thematically analysed using Social Capital Theory and Critical Gerontology. Findings: Smartphones and social media provide access to communication, but often create a “veneer of connection” that cannot replace tactile interpersonal bonds. Emotional isolation was most pronounced among elderly women and those with limited “techno-capital.” Case studies reveal how digital communication can create an “illusion of presence” while widening intergenerational gaps. Implications: The study highlights the need for age-friendly digital literacy programmes and intergenerational community initiatives. Integrating technology with supportive community networks can transform ageing in India’s digital era from a paradox of isolation into opportunities for meaningful engagement and dignity.
