Dweep Tulika

Sri Vijaya Puram, June 22: In a significant addition to India's botanical knowledge, scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of wild brinjal in the evergreen forests of Middle Andaman . The discovery highlights the exceptional biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and their importance as a global ecological hotspot. The newly identified species, named Solanum pandeyi , was discovered by Dr. Lal Ji Singh , Head of the Botanical Survey of India's Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre. The plant was found growing naturally along forest edges in Middle Andaman and is locally known as the Wild Orange Eggplant . According to Dr. Singh, the species has long been used by the indigenous Great Andamanese community for both food and traditional medicine. The seeds and roots are reportedly used to treat tooth infections, while the ripe fruits are prepared into a sweet-and-sour sauce using jaggery, chilli, garlic, ginger and salt by Ranchi ...

New Delhi, 01 June 2026: In the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 31 May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India's mango growers and highlighted the global recognition enjoyed by Indian mangoes . Calling mangoes an important part of India's culture and agricultural identity, the Prime Minister credited farmers for helping Indian varieties gain popularity both within the country and abroad. However, even as the praise was being delivered, the 2026 mango season was facing significant challenges. Japan Suspends Indian Mango Imports Earlier in March 2026, a Japanese quarantine inspection team visited Indian Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) facilities and reportedly identified deficiencies in pest-control and disinfection procedures. Japanese authorities later announced that mango consignments certified on or after 25 March 2026 would not be accepted until corrective measures were implemented. On 29 May 2026, Japan suspended imports of fresh Indian mangoes for the remainder of ...