M’luru: Workshop on project selection, AI-based literature review, funding schemes held at BIT
Mangaluru: A workshop on “Project Selection, Literature Review Using AI Tools and Funding Schemes” was organised by the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering at Bearys Institute of Technology, Mangalore, in association with the IQAC R&D Cell and the BIT IEEE student branch on March 16, 2026, at the International Seminar Hall.
The event was held under the patronage of Director Dr. S I Manjur Basha, who addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of research and innovation in engineering education. The workshop began at 10:30 AM with technical sessions led by resource persons Dr. Imran Mokashi, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Altamashuddin Khan Nadeemallah, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering.
Dr. Imran Mokashi initiated the session by explaining various funding schemes available for student projects and research initiatives. He spoke about government grants, institutional support, and private funding opportunities, and guided students on proposal writing, documentation, and the process of approaching funding agencies. He also explained how to prepare effective project proposals to secure financial support.
Dr. Altamashuddin Khan conducted a session on the use of AI-powered tools for literature review. He demonstrated the use of tools such as ChatGPT and other research assistance platforms, showing students how to identify relevant research papers, analyse trends, and organise information from multiple sources.
The workshop saw the participation of 85 students from Mechanical, Civil, ECE, and AI&DS Engineering departments, along with three faculty members.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks. 
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China asks Iran to ensure freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz
Beijing (PTI): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has asked Iran to ensure freedom and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a first such call issued by Beijing ever since Tehran started to put a squeeze on the critical waterway in the midst of its war with the US.
Wang has sought guarantees of freedom and safety of international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in a phone call with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday.
Wang’s call coincided with a Pakistan mediation delegation headed by Field Marshal Asim Munir reaching Tehran on Wednesday to discuss new peace proposals for a second round of talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad.
China, a close ally of Iran and the largest importer of Iranian oil, was also concerned over the energy crisis accentuated by the US blockade of the Strait, preventing ships from carrying oil and gas from Iran's ports.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital 55-km-wide maritime choke point between Iran and Oman, managing roughly 20 per cent of global oil trade.
Opening of the Strait was the second most important demand by US President Donald Trump, besides halting Iran's nuclear energy.
"The current situation has reached a critical stage of transition between conflict and peace, and a window for peace is opening,” Wang told Araghchi, according to a statement by the Chinese foreign ministry.
Wang said Iran, as a coastal state of the Strait of Hormuz, should have its sovereignty, security and legitimate rights and interests respected and safeguarded.
"At the same time, the freedom and safety of international navigation through the strait should also be ensured, and efforts to restore normal transit through the strait are a shared call of the international community,” he said.
Araghchi said Tehran expected China to play an active role in promoting peace and ending the conflict, and that Iran was willing to continue seeking a rational and realistic solution through peaceful negotiations, Hong Kong based South China Morning Post reported.
The US blockade followed an initial round of talks in Islamabad over the weekend that had aimed at permanently ending the conflict but failed to produce an agreement, with divisions remaining over thorny issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz.
The Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday sharply criticised the US blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible”, saying it risked escalating tensions and undermining the shaky ceasefire.
