Category: Business & Economy

** India’s first cryptogamic garden opens in Dehradun

India’s first cryptogamic garden housing nearly 50 species of lichens, ferns and fungi was inaugurated in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district on Sunday.

Located in the district’s Chakrata town, the garden was inaugurated by social activist Anoop Nautiyal.

Around 50 species have been grown in the garden at Deoban in Chakrata at a commanding height of 9,000 ft, Chief Conservator of Forest (research) Sanjiv Chaturvedi said.

Cryptogamae means “hidden reproduction” referring to the fact that no seed, no flowers are produced. Thus, cryptogams represent the non-seed bearing plants, Chaturvedi explained.

Algae, bryophytes (moss, liverworts), lichens, ferns and fungi are the best-known groups of cryptogams that require moist conditions to survive, he said.

** HAL set to deliver first batch of 3 Light Combat Helicopters to IAF

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to deliver the first batch of three Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) once acceptance tests are completed. These are part of the 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) helicopters approved for the Army and the IAF.

“HAL has received Letter of Intent for five Air force and five Army LCH for delivery pending contract finalisation of 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) LCH. HAL has produced and signalled out three LSP LCH for the IAF. Same will be subjected to customer acceptance and training shortly,” a HAL source said.

** Diamonds in India’s stepwells

These architectural beauties are the inspiration for Titan Zoya’s new Samāvé collection

Climb down winding steps made of diamonds into a well of Indian craftsmanship — on your fingers! Who knew that our earthy stepwells could inspire a new twist in the world of diamond jewellery?

Zoya, the diamond boutique from the House of Tata, has come up with a setting inspired by these architectural wonders found in the arid western states of India, which, they claim, is the first of its kind worldwide.

The intricate and challenging ‘Zoya Baoli Setting’ is patent pending.

** Sikkim blossoms: smallest State home to 27% of India’s flowering plants

Botanical Survey of India publication lists 4,912 naturally occurring flowering plants in the tiny Himalayan State

Sikkim, the smallest State with less than 1% of India’s landmass, is home to 27% of all flowering plants found in the country, reveals a recent publication by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). Flora of Sikkim – A Pictorial Guide, released earlier this week, lists 4,912 naturally occurring flowering plants in the tiny Himalayan State.

“The total number of naturally occurring flowering plants in the country is about 18,004 species, and with 4,912 species, the diversity of flowering plants in Sikkim, spread over an area of 7,096 sq. km. is very unique,” Rajib Gogoi, Scientist and Regional Head, BSI, Gangtok, and the lead author of the publication, said.

** Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 16 projects in Manipur

he projects include a ₹45-crore RCC bridge over the Makru river in Tamenglong district.

Mr. Gadkari read out some of the projects and said funds had been sanctioned.

Mr. Biren said the bridge over the Barak river would be completed by September and the third bridge over the Irung river was likely to be completed by December this year.

** Indian youngster creates 3D printer for just Dh1,000

But Melvin George, 24, from Kannur in north Kerala, the southernmost Indian state, has come up with an innovative and inexpensive way of developing a 3D printer amid the raging Covid-19 pandemic that is evoking widespread enthusiasm in the UAE.

** Cloud Physician: The smart ICU designed by a Malayali doctor

Meet Dileep Raman, a young doctor who passed out from Trissur Medical college with a gold medal and and went to America for his higher studies.

Cloud Physician is the startup he created in partnership with friends Dhruv Joshi and Dhruv Sood, who is an engineer.

** In a first, Himalayan yaks to be insured

National Research Centre on Yak in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dirang terms it a landmark development

The high-altitude yak, feeling the climate change heat across the Himalayan belt, will now be insured.

The National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY) at Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district has tied up with the National Insurance Company Ltd. for insuring their livestock.