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STAFF WRITERArtificial Intelligence is not a challenge%u2014it is a catalyst for change, said Dr. Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), setting the tone for the launch of the International Conference on AI for the Oceans 2025 (ICAIO 2025) at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur. The conference was organised in collaboration with the Marine Technology Society (MTS) India Section, the three-day conference brings together over 250 delegates including scientists, policymakers, academicians, and industry experts to explore more depth on AI-driven solutions for environmental challenges.ICAIO 2025 builds on the momentum of the 2023 MTS TechSurge %u201cAI for the Oceans.%u201d This year%u2019s conference spans 12 thematic tracks, covering areas such as marine conservation, autonomous systems, deepsea exploration, and global climate solutions.The release of the Conference Proceedings and a special IEEE CSI issue highlighted recent research and international collaboration in marine technology and AI.During the occasion, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, stated, %u201cThe ocean is not just a source of resources%u2014it holds solutions. Science, technology, and innovation must come together to tackle challenges and create sustainable outcomes in food, energy, and health.%u201dDelivering the Special Address, Dr. Balaji Ramakrishnan stated, %u201cAI is unlocking new frontiers%u2014from redefining job roles to exploring the deep sea. With nations investing in AI-driven ocean technologies, SRMIST%u2019s initiative comes at a critical time.%u201dIn his Presidential Address, Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor of SRMIST, said, %u201cAt SRMIST, we are moving towards an integrated model of education that combines AI-based learning, research, innovation, industry partnerships, and community service. Our focus is on addressing real-world issues in water, energy, environment, and healthcare.%u201dBringing global insights to the forum, Mr. Hans Van Sumeren, Senior Director, Ocean Enterprise Initiative, MTS, and Dr. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, also addressed the gathering. Dr. Kamakoti emphasised, %u201cAI amplifies our ability to understand and engage with the oceans. It helps us access unexplored regions and build sustainable coastal systems. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be key to long-term impact.%u201dA highlight of the event was the MTS India Section%u2019s Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, which honoured outstanding contributions in the marine field.International Conference on AI for the Oceans 2025SRMIST Team Triumphs at All India InterCollegiate SSN Trophy Tournament 2025STAFF WRITERSRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) reaffirmed its sporting excellence with a dominant performance at the prestigious All India Inter-Collegiate SSN Trophy Tournament 2025, held at SSN College, Chennai, from 25th to 28th February 2025.Their hard work and determination led to an incredible haul of four GOLD medals and a BRONZE medal in Men%u2019s Table Tennis, showcasing their dominance on the national stage.8 2025 | Spectrum | Volume 18 Number 4A New Grandmaster is Born!STAFF WRITERWe are elated to announce that Mr. L.R. Srihari, a brilliant III B.Com student of SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vadapalani Campus, and a core member of the SRMIST Men%u2019s Chess Team, has officially been crowned as the 86th Grandmaster of India and remarkably, the 17th Grandmaster from SRM!This extraordinary achievement reflects not only Srihari%u2019s relentless commitment, strategic mastery, and years of disciplined hard work, but also reinforces SRM%u2019s legacy as a breeding ground for excellence both in academics and sports. From checkmates to championships, GM Srihari%u2019s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His triumph brings immense honour to the SRM fraternity and ignites a spark of aspiration among our students and sports enthusiasts alike.Congratulations, Grandmaster L.R. Srihari!The SRM family celebrates your success and stands beside you as you rise to even greater heights on the global chess stage.L.R. SrihariGrand Master Pranesh of II- BSc CSE, triumphed at the prestigious 8th Cappelle la Grande International Rapid Open Chess Championship 2025, held in France, February 2025.