Cell Biologist

  Researchers have identified a new orchid species in the high ranges of Kerala, adding to the botanical richness of the Western Ghats. The species was discovered in Kanthalloor near Marayoor in Idukki district and belongs to the Diplozentrum genus, which is endemic to the southern Western Ghats. Taxonomy and Scientific Naming The newly identified orchid has been scientifically named “Diplozentrum papillosum”. The genus Diplozentrum is known for its limited geographical distribution, making the discovery significant from both taxonomic and conservation perspectives. The species has been formally documented in the latest issue of the scientific journal “Species”. Distinct Morphological Features “Diplozentrum papillosum” is distinguished by its unbranched flower clusters and striking pink-and-white blooms. The petals show a distinctive structure that clearly differentiates it from other known species within the genus. The flowers are noted for their fragrance as well as their visual ...

  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a set of targeted tax and duty exemptions in the Union Budget 2026, aimed at strengthening India’s clean energy, manufacturing, and regional development agenda. The proposals focus on easing input costs for advanced battery production, renewable energy components, and cleaner transport fuels, while aligning with the broader goal of building domestic industrial capacity. Customs Duty Relief for Battery Manufacturing The Budget proposes the extension of basic customs duty exemption on capital goods used for manufacturing lithium-ion cells for battery storage. This move is intended to support domestic value addition in advanced energy storage technologies, which are critical for electric mobility and grid-scale renewable energy integration. By lowering the upfront cost of specialised machinery, the measure seeks to improve the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers and attract further investment into battery cell production. Support...

  Researchers from Nagaland University have recorded a new plant species in the high-altitude forests of Nagaland, reinforcing the northeastern region’s status as a biodiversity hotspot. The discovery also highlights the critical role played by community-protected forests in conserving rare and undocumented flora. Discovery in community-managed forests The newly identified species, named “Hoya nagaensis”, was found during botanical surveys in remote forest areas that have remained largely unexplored by scientists. Nagaland’s forests are distinct because many are owned, protected and managed by local communities rather than the State. While this traditional stewardship has preserved large forest tracts, limited scientific surveys have meant that much of the region’s biodiversity remains undocumented. Scientific study and identification process The research was led by Gyati Yam from the Department of Forestry at Nagaland University, along with researchers Vieneite-o Koza and Joynath ...

  Kerala has created a national first by officially declaring a microorganism as its State Microbe, underlining the growing importance of microbiome research in health, agriculture , and sustainability. The announcement reflects the State’s focus on science-led development and innovation-driven economic growth. Bacillus subtilis Gets Official Recognition Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared “Bacillus subtilis” as the State Microbe at a function held in Thiruvananthapuram. With this move, Kerala became the first State in India to formally recognise a microbe as part of its official identity. “Bacillus subtilis” is a probiotic bacterium commonly found in soil, fermented foods, and the human gut, known for its beneficial role in health and agriculture. Centre of Excellence In Microbiome Launched The declaration coincided with the dedication of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) to the public. The centre has been established by the State government to scientifically stud...

  India is facing a rapidly intensifying diabetes epidemic, with Tamil Nadu emerging as a major hotspot. Recent evidence highlights a sharp rise in both diabetes and prediabetes, signalling deep-rooted lifestyle and dietary challenges. Experts warn that without urgent policy and behavioural interventions, the burden of non-communicable diseases could overwhelm health systems. Alarming Rise in Diabetes and Prediabetes India currently has around 101 million people living with diabetes and nearly 136 million with prediabetes. Tamil Nadu shows one of the steepest increases. According to the ICMR–INDIAB study, diabetes prevalence among adults above 20 years in the state rose from 11.1% in 2008–2010 to 22.7% in 2022–2023, a 104% increase. Prediabetes nearly doubled from 12.2% to 24.8% during the same period. This places nearly 12 million people in Tamil Nadu with diabetes, with another 10 million at high risk of developing it within a few years. Rural Areas Catching Up Fast The diabetes ...

  The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24 reveals a trend that sits uneasily with India’s expanding welfare and healthcare ambitions: tobacco consumption is rising rapidly, spreading across regions and income groups, and is increasingly concentrated among poorer households. This shift has profound implications — not only for public health outcomes, but also for the long-term fiscal sustainability of publicly funded healthcare and for India’s broader social policy priorities. What the HCES data shows — rising spend and widening reach Adjusted for inflation, per capita spending on tobacco has risen sharply over the past decade. Between 2011–12 and 2023–24, tobacco expenditure increased by 58% in rural India and by an even steeper 77% in urban areas. Tobacco now accounts for about 1.5% of monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) in rural areas and around 1% in urban India. These percentages may look modest in isolation. But the real concern lies in the exp...