** Bihar youth seeks AI’s help to spread climate awareness

A keen observer of global climate-related occurrences since his school days, he is set to launch a podcast in Bhojpuri dialect called ‘Dharti Maiya’.

Bihar-born Siddhant Sarang, 21, is an undergraduate student of history at Delhi University’s Satyawati College. A keen observer of global climate-related occurrences since his school days, he is set to launch a podcast in Bhojpuri dialect called ‘Dharti Maiya’

** Fuel from chicken waste! Kerala vet doc gets patent for biodiesel

A veterinary doctor in Kerala’s Wayanad claims to have invented a type of biodiesel from slaughtered chicken waste.

John Abraham, an associate professor at the Pookode Veterinary College, near Kalpetta says he has received the patents for inventing the biodiesel that offers mileage of over 38 km a litre.

** Gujarat engg students develop motorbike that runs on petrol and electricity, netizens say ‘good job’

VVP Engineering College students came up with the idea of a hybrid motorbike that can run about 40 kilometres with fully charged batteries.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Dr Maniar, dean of the Mechanical Department of the college, said that the reason behind coming up with the hybrid model was the skyrocketing fuel prices.

** Soon, Vellore’s spiny brinjal to get GI tag

The ‘spiny brinjal’ called ‘Ilavambadi Mullu Kathirikkai’ is up for the much-wanted GI (geographical indication) tag as officials of the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department have initiated procedures for bagging the tag.

“The procedure for applying for the GI tag for spiny brinjal has begun as per the instructions of our Agriculture Production Commissioner,” says PA Mohan, deputy director (DD) of Horticulture, Vellore.

** As fuel prices rise, TN man spends Rs 20,000 to make e-bike that goes up to 50 km

With fuel prices increasing every day, people are desperate for an alternative and more affordable mode of transport. And answering the demand, 33-year-old S Baskaran has designed an electric cycle that can travel up to 50 km with just one unit of current. And what is more, it cost him just Rs 20,000 to make it! 

A resident of Pakamedu village in Villupuram, Baskaran is a diploma holder in mechanical engineering. He had to quit his job due to the pandemic last year and has been focussing on agriculture. During his free hours, Baskaran researched electric cycles and bought an old cycle for Rs 2,000, which he turned into an e-cycle. All he needed were spare parts for Rs 18,000.

** Senator Logistics donates 100 oxygen concentrators

Philanthropists have resumed donating to the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to help fight COVID-19.

Senator Logistics India will donate 100 oxygen concentrators costing ₹1.43 crore. Its managing director Oliver Nees handed over the letter to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

Medical and Family Welfare Minister Ma. Subramanian handed over ₹77 lakh to Mr. Stalin. The amount was donated by various organisations and individuals. Chennai Nadar Peravai chipped in with ₹30 lakh, and district president Ernavur A. Narayanan handed over the sum to the Chief Minister. Nellai-Thoothukudi Nadar Magamai Paripalana Sangam, Chennai Vazh Nadar Sangam and Perambur Vattara Nadargal Aikkiya Sangam contributed ₹25 lakh. Tirunelveli Dakshan Mara Nadar Sangam chipped in with a like sum. Kovai and Madurai Nadar Sangam Trusts donated ₹20 lakh.

** 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.

** 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.