ESMT Berlin and BMW Group’s ‘Change Maker Fellowship 2026’ opens for MBA, MSc applicants globally

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The BMW Group and ESMT Berlin have opened applications for the 2026 Change Maker Fellowship, offering eight scholarships across MBA and MSc programs. The initiative, now in its fifth year, targets STEM graduates from select countries including India, the United States, and Germany. The fellowships aim to train future leaders in digital transformation and mobility innovation. Applications are tied to academic intakes beginning September 2026 through January 2027.

The push to build leaders for a digital economy is increasingly moving inside corporate boardrooms and business schools. This year, BMW Group is doubling down on that effort with a new round of fellowships designed to connect engineering talent with executive training.

The automaker, working with ESMT Berlin, is offering eight Change Maker Fellowships for the 2026 academic cycle. The program is structured across three tracks, each aligned with a different stage of professional development.

Two fellowships are reserved for the full-time Master of Business Administration program starting in January 2027. Two more will support students entering Master of Science programs in September 2026. The remaining four are allocated to the Global Online MBA beginning in October 2026.

BMW ESMT fellowship eligibility and program structure

The fellowship targets candidates with strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, often referred to as STEM. Applicants are expected to either hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or demonstrate work experience in areas such as information technology, automation, or digital systems.

The program reflects a growing demand for leaders who can navigate both technical systems and business strategy. Participants will combine formal management education with exposure to digital transformation challenges, particularly those shaping the future of mobility.

“We are proud to be entering the fifth year of our partnership with ESMT,” said Ilka Horstmeier, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for People and Real Estate. “Especially now, we need leaders who take responsibility and use technology and digitalization to shape the future.”

Eligibility is limited to applicants from countries where BMW maintains IT hubs, including Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, the United States, and South Africa. Individuals with recognized refugee status in Germany are also eligible.

For applicants to the full-time MBA and MSc tracks, an age cap applies. Candidates must be under 30 years old as of September 1, 2026.

Focus on digital transformation and mobility leadership

The fellowship sits at the intersection of two shifts in global business. One is the increasing importance of artificial intelligence and digital systems in decision-making roles. The other is the transformation of the mobility sector, where traditional automakers are expanding into software-driven ecosystems.

BMW Group employs more than 10,000 IT and software specialists worldwide and operates a network of technology hubs across multiple continents. That footprint shapes both the geographic eligibility and the program’s focus on real-world digital challenges.

At ESMT Berlin, the curriculum integrates business fundamentals with emerging technologies. The aim is to prepare candidates for leadership roles that require both technical fluency and strategic thinking.

“We thank BMW Group for its sustained partnership in advancing this initiative,” said Jörg Rocholl. “Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are changing the capabilities required in leadership roles.”

Applicants will also be required to respond to a central essay question during the selection process: “The BMW Group actively shapes the future of mobility: what aspect of a digital future fascinates you most, and why?”

Why companies are investing in leadership fellowships

Programs like the Change Maker Fellowship reflect a broader shift in how companies build talent pipelines. Rather than relying solely on recruitment, firms are investing earlier in education and training, particularly in fields tied to digital transformation.

For BMW, this includes aligning academic training with its global operations. The company’s IT hubs in regions such as India and the United States play a role in shaping both the talent pool and the skills required for future roles.

The fellowship also underscores the increasing overlap between engineering and management. As industries digitize, technical expertise alone is often not enough for leadership positions. Business education is becoming a complementary requirement.

The partnership with ESMT Berlin, now entering its fifth year, reflects a sustained effort to bridge that gap.

Applications for the 2026 Change Maker Fellowship are currently open through ESMT Berlin’s admissions process. Candidates must meet the entry requirements of their chosen program in addition to the fellowship criteria.

Ghost Forests Reveal Hidden Climate Threats Along U.S. Coasts, Study Finds

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Researchers from the University of Delaware presented findings on March 26, 2026, in Atlanta, showing how “ghost forests” are reshaping coastal ecosystems. The phenomenon, driven by sea level rise along the eastern United States, is killing salt-sensitive trees and altering underground nutrient cycles. Scientists say studying water flow through these forests could help predict how coastal regions respond to climate change. The research was presented at the ACS Spring 2026.

Along stretches of the eastern United States coastline, the landscape is shifting in ways that are both stark and unsettling. Where dense green forests once stood, clusters of pale, lifeless tree trunks now rise from the soil. These are “ghost forests,” a visible imprint of rising seas pushing saltwater inland.

For researchers walking through these areas, the change is not abstract. It is immediate, physical, and accelerating.

“Walking through these coastal forests, surrounded by nature, is beautiful,” said Samantha Chittakone, an undergraduate researcher at the University of Delaware. “However, it is disheartening to see the healthy trees becoming less prevalent as you approach the shoreline.”

Her team’s work, presented this week at ACS Spring 2026, focuses on a less visible but critical process unfolding beneath those skeletal trees. It centers on how water moves through them and what that reveals about ecosystem health.

Ghost forests and saltwater intrusion along US coasts

Ghost forests form when saltwater from rising seas seeps into coastal soils, poisoning trees that cannot tolerate salinity. Over time, the trees die but remain standing, creating the haunting landscapes now increasingly common along the mid-Atlantic coastline.

The phenomenon has drawn attention as a clear signal of climate change’s local impact. But beyond their visual effect, these forests may hold deeper clues about how ecosystems respond to environmental stress.

The research team focused on sweetgum trees, a species common in these coastal regions. By comparing healthy, stressed, and dead trees, they sought to understand how forest systems transition under pressure from saltwater intrusion.

Their approach looked at “stemflow,” the rainwater that travels down a tree’s branches and trunk to the soil below. Scientists consider this flow a key pathway for delivering nutrients and organic material to the forest floor.

“Stemflow is basically injecting nutrients and really important chemicals into the forest ecosystem so the microbiome there can thrive,” said Yu-Ping Chin, a researcher involved in the study.

That process, the team suggests, begins to break down as forests transition into ghost forests.

Stemflow changes reveal disruption in forest carbon cycles

By collecting stemflow samples from trees in different stages of decline, the researchers identified measurable changes in how water and nutrients move through the ecosystem.

One finding stood out. Dead trees allowed significantly less stemflow to reach the forest floor. Instead, much of the water appeared to be absorbed into the decaying wood itself.

“The stemflow’s being absorbed by the dead trees. They’re acting like sponges,” Chin said.

That shift has cascading effects. When less water, nutrients, and dissolved organic carbon reach the soil, the entire ecological balance belowground can change.

The team also detected unexpectedly high sugar concentrations in the stemflow of stressed and dying trees. According to Delphis Levia, another researcher on the project, this could reshape microbial communities in the soil near tree trunks.

“Our results signify that the transition from healthy trees to ghost forests changes the magnitude and chemistry of stemflow,” Levia said. “Further research will better contextualize these changes in stemflow chemistry on the overall cycling of carbon in coastal forests.”

These changes matter because coastal forests play a role in carbon storage. Alterations in how carbon moves through these systems could influence how effectively they act as carbon sinks.

Why ghost forests matter for climate resilience planning

The implications extend beyond individual forests. As sea levels continue to rise, more coastal ecosystems are expected to undergo similar transitions.

Understanding which forests can adapt, and which are likely to collapse into ghost forests, is a growing priority for scientists and policymakers.

This research suggests that stemflow could serve as an early diagnostic signal. Changes in water flow and chemistry may indicate stress in forest systems before visible die-off becomes widespread.

The findings also connect to broader efforts to model climate resilience. Coastal forests act as buffers against storms, store carbon, and support biodiversity. Their decline could amplify the impacts of climate change in already vulnerable regions.

Chittakone said the work is part of a larger push to better understand these processes, including how factors like wildfires interact with stemflow and nutrient cycling.

“Stemflow is a significant transporter of nutrients and other important chemicals in these coastal forests,” she said. “It’s something that we should study more and not overlook whenever it comes to carbon cycling.”

The ghost forests now lining parts of the U.S. coastline are often described as warnings. This research suggests they are also records, capturing the hidden changes reshaping ecosystems from the ground up.

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Humans gobble it, birds and bees sip alcohol

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

As pollinators move between flowers, they are not only consuming sugar-rich nectar but also small amounts of alcohol. A new study by biologists at the University of California, Berkeley found detectable ethanol in the nectar of 26 out of 29 plant species tested.

The research, published in Royal Society Open Science, represents one of the first broad analyses of alcohol content in floral nectar. Scientists attribute the presence of ethanol to yeast fermentation of sugars within the nectar.

Most samples contained very low alcohol concentrations, though one reached 0.056 percent ethanol by weight. This level is roughly equivalent to one-tenth proof alcohol.

While the concentration may appear negligible, the cumulative intake for nectar-feeding animals can be significant due to their high consumption rates.

Hummingbirds may ingest alcohol equivalent to a daily human drink

Hummingbirds rely heavily on nectar for energy, consuming between 50 percent and 150 percent of their body weight in nectar each day. Based on this intake, researchers estimated that an Anna’s hummingbird could ingest about 0.2 grams of ethanol per kilogram of body weight daily.

This level is comparable to a human consuming roughly one standard alcoholic drink per day, based on metabolic scaling. Despite this, the birds show no visible signs of intoxication.

The study suggests that nectar-feeding animals ingest alcohol in small doses throughout the day rather than in concentrated amounts. This pattern may influence how their bodies process ethanol.

Researchers previously observed that hummingbirds tolerate sugar solutions containing up to 1 percent alcohol but reduce their intake when concentrations reach 2 percent. This behavior indicates some capacity to regulate consumption.

Metabolism and behavior show adaptation to ethanol intake

The research team found evidence that hummingbirds metabolize alcohol in ways similar to mammals. In a related experiment, scientists detected ethyl glucuronide, a metabolic byproduct of ethanol, in bird feathers.

This finding suggests that ethanol is not only consumed but also processed biologically. Researchers noted that the rapid metabolism of hummingbirds, which require constant energy intake, may prevent alcohol from accumulating in their systems.

“Hummingbirds are like little furnaces. They burn through everything really quick, so you don’t expect anything to accumulate in their bloodstream,” said Aleksey Maro, a doctoral student involved in the study.

At the same time, researchers said the behavioral effects of low-level alcohol exposure remain unclear. Ethanol could influence feeding patterns or signaling processes, even if it does not produce visible intoxication.

Robert Dudley, a professor of integrative biology at UC Berkeley, said the birds are unlikely to experience inebriation but may still exhibit subtle physiological or behavioral responses.

Nectar alcohol part of broader ecological and evolutionary pattern

The study places nectar-derived alcohol within a wider ecological context. Other compounds commonly found in nectar, including caffeine and nicotine, are known to affect pollinator behavior.

Researchers suggest ethanol may play a similar role, though further investigation is needed to determine its effects.

The team also compared alcohol intake across species. They found that nectar-feeding birds consume between 0.19 and 0.27 grams of ethanol per kilogram of body weight daily. In comparison, the pen-tailed tree shrew consumes higher levels, while the European honeybee consumes less.

Interestingly, the study found that hummingbirds may ingest more alcohol from artificial feeders than from natural nectar. Fermented sugar solutions in feeders could result in slightly higher ethanol exposure.

The findings contribute to a broader hypothesis that many animals, including primates, may have evolved tolerance to dietary alcohol over time.

An Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) feeding on flowers of an Island Mallow (Malva assurgentiflora), which was one of the plant species included in the study/Ammon Corl/UC Berkeley

Long-term exposure raises new research questions

The researchers say their findings highlight the need to better understand how animals process ethanol over long periods. Unlike occasional alcohol consumption in humans, nectar-feeding species are exposed to low levels of ethanol consistently throughout their lives.

“This is chronic through the course of the day, but that’s a lifetime exposure,” Dudley said, adding that the biological implications remain unclear.

The study was conducted as part of a five-year project funded by the National Science Foundation, which aims to examine genetic adaptations among hummingbirds and sunbirds.

Scientists involved in the project are exploring how these species have evolved to handle high-sugar diets, varying altitudes, and naturally occurring compounds in nectar.

The researchers said the widespread presence of ethanol in nectar suggests that tolerance to alcohol may be more common across the animal kingdom than previously understood. Further studies will be needed to determine how these adaptations developed and what they reveal about metabolism and evolution.

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Emotional Blindness May Raise Risk of Short Video Addiction, TikTok: Study

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

No matter where we turn on social media, short videos are everywhere. Repeated exposure to this brief, information-dense, and rewarding content stimulates the brain in a way that tells us the experience is pleasurable or satisfying.

Emotional processing difficulties linked to short video addiction risk

The pull of short-form video platforms has become nearly unavoidable, especially for younger users navigating academic pressure, social expectations, and constant digital connectivity. A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that the risk of developing short video addiction may depend less on the content itself and more on how individuals process emotions.

Researchers surveyed 342 university students in China, aged between 18 and 22, to examine how psychological traits influence excessive short video consumption. The study focused on short video addiction, defined as a maladaptive pattern where individuals struggle to regulate their viewing habits, often at the expense of daily functioning and well-being.

The findings indicate that individuals who have difficulty identifying and expressing emotions, a condition known as alexithymia, are more likely to rely on short videos as a coping mechanism. According to the study, this emotional disconnect can drive people toward external distractions that offer quick relief or stimulation.

Haodong Su, a lecturer at Anhui Science and Technology University and the study’s lead author, said higher levels of attachment anxiety were consistently linked with increased vulnerability to short video addiction. Attachment anxiety refers to a fear of abandonment or insecurity in relationships, often rooted in early life experiences.

“Individuals with more severe alexithymia symptoms showed significantly higher levels of short video addiction,” Su said in the study, noting that emotional avoidance can push users toward digital escape.

How attention and anxiety shape digital habits

The research identified two key psychological pathways that help explain why some individuals are more prone to compulsive short video use: attentional control and emotional awareness.

Attentional control refers to the ability to focus on relevant tasks while ignoring distractions. The study found that individuals with higher attachment anxiety often exhibit weaker attentional control, making it harder to disengage from endlessly scrolling content.

At the same time, those with higher levels of attachment anxiety were more likely to display alexithymic traits, further limiting their ability to process internal emotional states. When both mechanisms are compromised, users may increasingly depend on short videos to regulate mood or distract from discomfort.

The study suggests that this combination creates a feedback loop. Reduced attention control can intensify emotional confusion, while emotional confusion drives greater reliance on short-form content. Over time, this pattern can develop into habitual or compulsive use.

Previous psychological research has similarly found that individuals experiencing emotional distress or uncertainty often seek external stimuli to stabilize mood. Short videos, with their rapid pace and high reward value, provide an easily accessible outlet.

Training attention may reduce addiction risk

While the study highlights vulnerabilities, it also points to potential protective factors. Strong attentional control appears to reduce the likelihood of developing addictive viewing patterns, even among individuals experiencing emotional difficulties.

“Young people who are better able to regulate and sustain their attention are less likely to develop addictive patterns of short video use,” Su said.

The findings suggest that improving focus and emotional awareness may be more effective than simply limiting screen time. Strategies such as mindfulness training, reducing multitasking, and scheduling periods of focused activity were identified as practical ways to strengthen attentional control.

Small behavioral changes can also play a role. Setting time limits for app usage, creating phone-free routines, and developing habits that encourage emotional reflection may help users regain control over their consumption patterns.

Importantly, the study emphasizes that attentional control is not a fixed trait. With consistent practice, individuals can improve their ability to manage distractions and regulate attention, potentially lowering the risk of addiction.

Study limitations and need for further research

The researchers caution that their findings are based on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. Participants’ responses about their behavior and emotional states could be influenced by perception or recall errors.

The study also used a cross-sectional design, capturing a single point in time. As a result, the findings establish associations but do not confirm direct cause-and-effect relationships between psychological traits and short video addiction.

Another limitation is the sample composition. Around 72 percent of participants were male, raising questions about whether the results apply equally across genders. Since attachment anxiety and attentional control can vary by gender, future studies with more balanced samples will be needed.

Long-term studies that track behavioral patterns over time may provide deeper insight into how these psychological mechanisms develop and interact.

A shift in how digital addiction is understood

The study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that digital addiction is not solely driven by technology design or screen exposure. Instead, internal psychological factors, including emotional awareness and cognitive control, play a central role.

“Our findings show that strengthening attentional control and emotional awareness, rather than relying solely on restricting technology use, can be effective to prevent short video addiction,” Su said.

As short-form video platforms continue to dominate online spaces, understanding the human factors behind their appeal may prove essential. For many users, the challenge may not be stepping away from the screen, but understanding what draws them back to it in the first place.

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Government enacted Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, aiming to provide safe,secure working environment for women

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The Union government has reaffirmed the expansive scope of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, stating that the law applies to all women regardless of age, employment status, or sector of work. The clarification was provided in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur in response to a parliamentary query.

The Act, commonly referred to as the Sexual Harassment (SH) Act, was enacted to ensure safe and secure working conditions for women and to uphold constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity, and the right to livelihood.

Sexual harassment at the workplace, the government noted, constitutes a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution of India, as well as the right to practice any profession under Article 19(1)(g). Such conduct creates unsafe work environments and can limit women’s participation in economic activity, affecting broader goals of inclusive growth.

Sexual harassment law definition of aggrieved woman and employee scope

A key clarification highlighted by the government concerns the definition of an “aggrieved woman” under Section 2(a) of the Act. The provision defines an aggrieved woman as any woman, of any age, whether employed or not, who alleges sexual harassment at a workplace. This ensures that protection is not limited to formally employed individuals.

Officials said this broad definition reflects legislative intent to extend protection to all women present in a workplace environment, including visitors or those indirectly associated with the workplace.

The Act also adopts an expansive definition of “employee” under Section 2(f). It includes individuals employed on regular, temporary, ad hoc, or daily wage terms, as well as those engaged through agents. The definition explicitly covers contractual workers, apprentices, trainees, consultants, volunteers, and unpaid interns.

This provision ensures that formal employment or economic dependence on an employer is not a prerequisite for protection under the law.

Workplace and employer definition under Sexual Harassment Act explained

The term “employer” under Section 2(g) is defined to include heads of government departments, organizations, and institutions, as well as individuals responsible for management, supervision, and control in private workplaces. The definition also extends to those fulfilling contractual obligations and, in the case of domestic workers, households employing such workers.

The Act further defines “workplace” in broad terms under Section 2(o), covering government bodies, private enterprises, non-governmental organizations, and institutions engaged in commercial, professional, educational, industrial, or health-related activities.

The definition includes both organized and unorganized sectors and extends to home-based workers, field assignments, and situations where women are in transit for work.

The government described the legislation as inclusive and intersectional in design, aimed at addressing workplace realities across diverse sectors and employment arrangements.

Judicial interpretation has reinforced this wide scope. In the 2013 case of Jaya Kodate v. Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University, the Bombay High Court observed that the definition of workplace was deliberately kept broad to ensure no instance of sexual harassment goes unaddressed.

The clarification in Parliament comes as workplace safety continues to be a central issue in discussions on women’s workforce participation and economic empowerment.

The government maintained that the law’s framework is intended to ensure that no woman, irrespective of her role or employment status, is excluded from protection against sexual harassment in any workplace setting.

Akashvani to Broadcast Full Version of “Vande Mataram” from 26th March

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

For decades, mornings on Akashvani began with a familiar sequence. The signature tune played, followed by a brief, two-stanza rendition of “Vande Mataram,” lasting just over a minute.

That routine changes this week.

Starting March 26, all stations of Akashvani, the national public radio service under Prasar Bharati, will broadcast the full six-stanza version of the National Song. The shift follows a guideline issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 28, 2026, which references the complete composition of the song.

The new broadcast extends the duration to 3 minutes and 10 seconds, replacing the earlier 65-second version that had been in place since 1947.

Ministry guideline prompts nationwide broadcast shift

The Ministry of Home Affairs, the central government body responsible for internal security and administrative policy, issued the directive earlier this year outlining the structure of the National Song in its full form.

While “Vande Mataram,” written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the late 19th century, contains multiple stanzas, only the first two had been widely used in official and public settings for decades.

Akashvani officials said the new directive prompted a review of existing broadcast practices. The decision was then taken to align daily programming with the full six-stanza version referenced in the guideline.

The change applies uniformly across all Akashvani stations, ensuring that listeners nationwide hear the extended version as part of the morning broadcast sequence.

New recordings introduce regional musical diversity

The initial version to be aired from March 26 has been recorded by Pandit Chandrashekhar Vaze, a Hindi classical vocalist, in Raag Des, a melodic framework commonly associated with patriotic compositions.

Officials said this version will serve as the standard rollout across stations in the initial phase.

At the same time, Akashvani has begun producing multiple regional adaptations of the song. These recordings incorporate local musical instruments and styles, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of different states.

Stations in various regions are expected to adopt versions that align with their local musical traditions while maintaining the structure of the six-stanza composition.

The effort, according to officials, is aimed at presenting the National Song in a way that resonates with regional audiences without altering its core form.

A shift from brevity to full composition

The earlier two-stanza format had been a practical choice for broadcast constraints and programming schedules. Its 65-second duration allowed it to fit seamlessly into fixed time slots at the start of the day.

The extended version, at over three minutes, marks a notable change in pacing for morning programming.

Officials have not indicated any reduction in other segments to accommodate the longer duration, though programming adjustments may vary by station.

The move also places renewed emphasis on the full lyrical and musical structure of “Vande Mataram,” which has historically been performed in both abbreviated and complete forms depending on context.

With the rollout set for March 26, listeners tuning in to Akashvani’s morning broadcast will encounter a familiar song presented in its most complete form, marking a shift in a routine that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

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Who’s Watching Matters: Honey Bees Change Their Famous Dance in Surprising Ways

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

For decades, the honey bee waggle dance has been treated as a near-perfect example of one-way communication in nature. A foraging bee returns to the hive, performs a patterned movement, and nearby bees decode the message to locate food.

The new study challenges that long-held assumption.

Researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, found that the dance itself changes depending on who is watching and how many potential followers are present. Their findings were published March 23 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Waggle dance behavior changes with audience size

To test whether bees adjust their dance based on an audience, researchers designed controlled experiments inside active hives. They manipulated the number of potential observers by removing certain nestmates and, in a separate setup, increasing the number of very young bees that were not yet capable of following the dance.

This approach allowed the team to keep the overall hive population stable while altering the number of bees that could meaningfully respond to the signal.

The results showed clear behavioral shifts. When fewer suitable followers were present, bees performing the waggle dance reduced the number of dance circuits and encoded direction and distance with less precision.

“Dancers with fewer followers performed fewer dance circuits and encoded direction and distance less precisely,” said Dong Shihao of XTBG. “They appeared to be actively seeking an audience.”

The study found that when followers were scarce, dancing bees spent more time moving across the honeycomb and covered greater distances during the return phase of the dance. The behavior resembled a search pattern, as if the bees were trying to attract more attention before committing to a precise signal.

Feedback from followers shapes communication

The researchers also observed that the presence of appropriately aged bees, those mature enough to interpret the dance, played a critical role. Even when the total number of bees in the hive remained constant, the quality of communication shifted depending on how many of those bees could actually follow the signal.

This distinction proved important. It showed that communication was not influenced simply by crowd size, but by the composition of the audience.

The team hypothesized that increased movement and frequent interruptions during the dance may disrupt the bee’s ability to maintain consistent motion patterns. That disruption, in turn, could lead to less accurate encoding of direction and distance information.

In effect, the dancer’s performance becomes less precise when the intended audience is absent or limited.

“The waggle dance is not just the sender broadcasting a message; it’s a two-way interaction,” said Tan Ken of XTBG. “The signal itself is shaped by the receivers, demonstrating a bidirectional information flow within the colony.”

Rethinking animal communication systems

The findings introduce what researchers describe as an “audience effect” in honey bee communication. While such effects have been studied in other animals, they have largely been overlooked in insects, particularly in systems considered highly structured or instinct-driven.

The waggle dance has long been cited in biology textbooks as a fixed communication system, where information flows from one individual to others without feedback altering the signal itself.

This study suggests a more dynamic process. The sender adjusts in real time, responding to social cues within the colony.

The implications extend beyond honey bees. Scientists studying animal communication often look for patterns that can explain how signals evolve, how information is transmitted and how group behavior is coordinated.

A system once thought to be rigid now appears flexible and responsive. That shift could influence how researchers interpret communication in other social species, including insects and vertebrates.

The study does not claim that all aspects of the waggle dance are variable. Core elements of the dance still convey direction relative to the sun and distance to food sources. What changes, according to the findings, is how precisely that information is delivered under different social conditions.

Researchers noted that further studies will be needed to understand how widespread this audience-dependent behavior is and whether similar mechanisms operate in other bee species or social insects.

For now, the work reframes a familiar image. Inside the hive, the waggle dance is not just a broadcast. It is a conversation shaped by those who are watching.

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Photo by Patrick Campbell/University of Colorado

Viral Posts Of LPG Refill Booking New Timelines Spark Confusion, Government Issues Clarification

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Confusion over cooking gas refill rules spread quickly this week, driven by viral posts claiming new waiting periods for booking LPG cylinders.

The Government of India stepped in with a clarification, stating that no such revisions have been introduced. The claims, widely shared online, suggested differentiated timelines based on connection types, including Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries and non-PMUY consumers.

Officials said the information is incorrect.

According to the government, the existing refill booking timelines remain unchanged.

It is clarified that no such changes have been made. The existing refill booking timelines remain unchanged and continue to be:

25 days in urban areas, and
45 days in rural areas, irrespective of connection type.

LPG Refill Booking Rules India Remain Unchanged Across Connection Types

The clarification addresses specific claims that had circulated online. These posts alleged that PMUY users would face a 45-day waiting period, while non-PMUY users would have different timelines based on the number of cylinders they hold.

Government officials said no such categorization exists under current policy.

The uniform timeline applies across all connection types. This includes households enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the flagship scheme launched in 2016 to provide subsidized LPG connections to low-income families, as well as regular domestic consumers.

Authorities emphasized that the refill system continues to function as before, with no policy shift or operational change.

Government Advises Public Against Panic Booking Amid Misinformation

Officials also cautioned citizens against reacting to unverified claims. Panic booking, they said, could strain distribution systems unnecessarily, even when supply remains stable.

The government reiterated that adequate LPG stocks are available across the country. There is no reported shortage or disruption in supply chains at this time.

Misinformation related to essential commodities often spreads quickly, particularly when it affects household necessities such as cooking gas. In past instances, similar rumors have triggered sudden spikes in demand, leading to localized delivery delays.

Authorities urged consumers to rely on official communications and verified sources for updates on LPG policies.

For now, the message from policymakers is direct. There has been no change in refill booking timelines, and there is no need for concern.

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‘SHE Marts’ Scheme To Support Rural Women Entrepreneurs Under NRLM Announced

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

For many women in rural India, the challenge is not producing goods but finding a reliable place to sell them.

The government has announced a new initiative called Self Help Entrepreneur Marts, designed to give women led enterprises a direct link to consumers. [1]

The proposal focuses on women working within Self Help Groups, or SHGs, which are community based collectives that support savings, credit and small scale enterprise activity.

The update was shared in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. [1]

SHE Marts scheme under NRLM for SHG market access

The initiative will operate under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission, a flagship program aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods for rural households. [1]

SHE Marts are envisioned as structured retail outlets where products made by SHG members can be displayed and sold directly to customers.

Officials said the model is intended to improve visibility for locally produced goods and create stronger market linkages.

The marts are expected to function as community owned retail platforms managed through cluster level federations of SHGs. [1]

These federations bring together multiple groups to coordinate production, financing and marketing activities.

Rural women entrepreneurs transition from credit to enterprise ownership

The government said the initiative is part of a broader effort to support women in moving beyond credit linked livelihood activities.

The focus is on enabling them to become enterprise owners capable of scaling their businesses.

Support under the program will include market access and capacity building, aimed at strengthening business skills and operational capabilities. [1]

Officials said this transition is critical for improving income stability and long term economic participation among rural women.

The initiative also seeks to strengthen institutional structures within the SHG ecosystem by integrating production and retail functions.

SHE Marts funding model and implementation status

According to the government, the marts will be set up using enhanced and innovative financing mechanisms.

These are expected to support the establishment of retail infrastructure at the community level.

No funds have been sanctioned or spent on the initiative so far, indicating that it remains at the proposal stage. [1]

The announcement outlines a framework that combines institutional support, market access and financing tools to expand opportunities for rural women entrepreneurs.

Thousands of crores lie unclaimed; how RBI, SEBI and IRDAI help citizens reclaim it [See measures]

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Money left untouched in bank accounts, insurance policies and investments is accumulating across India. Regulators say they are now moving to return it to rightful owners.

The Reserve Bank of India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India have outlined a series of measures to help citizens reclaim unclaimed financial assets.

As of late February 2026, unclaimed deposits transferred by public sector banks to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund stood at ₹60,518 crore.

Unclaimed insurance amounts total ₹8,973.89 crore, while unclaimed mutual fund assets are valued at ₹3,749.34 crore.

The update was provided by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in the Rajya Sabha.

RBI DEA Fund unclaimed deposits and banking sector reforms

Under existing rules, banks transfer balances from accounts that remain inactive for 10 years or more to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund, managed by the Reserve Bank of India.

These amounts remain a liability of the banks and can still be claimed by depositors or their legal heirs.

To accelerate claim settlements, the central bank has introduced a set of reforms, including consolidated directions under the Responsible Business Conduct Directions, 2025.

An incentive scheme launched on October 1, 2025 offers banks payouts ranging from 5 percent to 7.5 percent of the unclaimed deposit amount, subject to a cap, for successfully resolving claims.

Banks have also been directed to conduct periodic drives to trace depositors, nominees and legal heirs, and to publish lists of unclaimed accounts.

The Banking Laws Amendment Act, 2025 has enabled multiple nominations in bank accounts, allowing up to four nominees in successive or simultaneous formats.

The Indian Banks’ Association has introduced a common application form and standard operating procedures to streamline claims through bank portals.

RBI

UDGAM portal and integrated platforms to track unclaimed financial assets

The Reserve Bank of India has launched the Centralised Web Portal UDGAM, which allows users to search for unclaimed deposits across multiple banks in one place.

As of March 1, 2026, the portal had 18.86 lakh registered users, according to the government.

Other regulators have developed similar platforms.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India operates the Bima Bharosa portal to help policyholders trace unclaimed insurance proceeds.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has introduced the MITRA platform for tracking unclaimed mutual fund investments.

An inter regulatory working group has also been set up to develop a unified portal that would allow citizens to search and claim all types of unclaimed financial assets through a single interface.

Nationwide campaign returns thousands of crores to rightful owners

Authorities have also undertaken a nationwide outreach campaign to raise awareness and facilitate claims.

The Department of Financial Services organised the campaign titled “Aapki Poonji Aapka Adhikar” between October and December 2025, in coordination with the three regulators.

Special camps were conducted across 748 districts to assist citizens in filing claims and verifying records.

As of February 28, 2026, financial assets worth ₹5,777 crore linked to 22.95 lakh claims had been returned to rightful owners through these efforts.

Insurance and mutual fund reforms to simplify claims process

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has mandated that insurers collect nominee details at the proposal stage and proactively contact customers regarding pending claims.

Insurers have been directed to improve outreach efforts and ensure timely disbursement of unpaid amounts.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has introduced simplified procedures for transmission of mutual fund investments, including reduced documentation for claims up to ₹5 lakh.

Asset management companies are required to implement image based processing systems to speed up claim handling and maintain dedicated help desks for investors.

The measures across regulators reflect a coordinated push to reduce the stock of unclaimed assets and prevent further accumulation.

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Illegal Fishing Intrusions Reported Off Andhra Coast, Centre Details Action

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Fishing boats crossing invisible maritime boundaries have triggered recurring tensions along India’s eastern coast.

The Union Government told the Lok Sabha that Andhra Pradesh has reported occasional illegal fishing by mechanized vessels from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry inside its territorial waters.

The incidents include operations in traditional fishing zones and in the ecologically sensitive Pulicat Lake area, a brackish water lagoon shared by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, provided the details in response to a parliamentary question.

Marine fishing regulation India territorial waters and EEZ framework

Fishing governance in India is divided between states and the Union government based on maritime zones.

Coastal states and Union Territory administrations regulate fishing within territorial waters extending up to 12 nautical miles under Entry 21 of the State List in the Constitution of India.

Beyond that, the Union Government manages fishing activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone, or EEZ, under Entry 57 of the Union List.

States enforce their respective Marine Fishing Regulation Acts, which often include provisions to protect traditional fishermen.

Several coastal administrations have designated exclusive zones for non motorized and small motorized craft, restricting access for mechanized vessels in those areas.

These rules are intended to reduce conflicts and protect livelihoods dependent on near shore fishing.

Andhra Tamil Nadu fishing dispute Pulicat Lake and RFMC intervention

According to the government, Andhra Pradesh has raised concerns about incursions by vessels from neighboring regions.

To address such inter state disputes, the Department of Fisheries under the Government of India established three Regional Fisheries Management Councils, or RFMCs, through an order dated March 29, 2023.

These councils are divided into western, eastern and southern regions and serve as coordination platforms for states and Union Territories.

The Indian Coast Guard, India’s maritime security force responsible for coastal surveillance and law enforcement at sea, is represented in all three councils.

Issues flagged by states are placed before the relevant council for discussion and resolution.

Following concerns raised by Andhra Pradesh at a Southern RFMC meeting on August 19, 2023, Tamil Nadu initiated additional steps.

On January 31, 2024, the Tamil Nadu government constituted a district level committee involving officials from Thiruvallur, Chennai and Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu, and SPSR Nellore, Prakasam and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

The committee has been tasked with sensitizing fishermen and addressing disputes between the two states.

Tamil Nadu has also stated that enforcement action is taken against offending vessels under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, based on evidence such as photographs and video recordings shared by Andhra Pradesh.

Inter state coordination and action against illegal fishing vessels

The Union Government said coordination mechanisms are already in place to manage such disputes and prevent escalation.

Tamil Nadu has indicated that it works with neighboring coastal states and Union Territories through institutional channels to ensure uninterrupted fishing activities.

The state has also highlighted measures aimed at strengthening safety and livelihood protections for fishermen.

In cases involving Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh refers incidents of illegal fishing to the Union Territory administration for appropriate action.

At the same time, Andhra Pradesh is pursuing amendments to its Marine Fishing Regulation Act of 1994.

The proposed changes aim to introduce stricter provisions to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, often referred to as IUU fishing, within its territorial waters.

The government’s response outlines a system that relies on coordination, enforcement and legal reforms to manage shared marine resources across state boundaries.

Union Public Service Commission announces February 2026 Recruitment Results, Candidates Informed By Post

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The Union Public Service Commission, India’s central recruiting agency for civil services and other government posts, has released its recruitment results for February 2026.

The commission said the selection process for various positions conducted during the month has been completed, with final recommendations made.

Candidates who have been recommended for appointment have been informed individually through postal communication, according to the official statement.

The UPSC conducts recruitment for a wide range of posts across ministries and departments of the Government of India, following a multi stage evaluation process that typically includes screening, interviews, and final selection.

UPSC recruitment selection process and candidate communication details

In its announcement, the commission stated that all applications received for the advertised posts were duly examined before shortlisting candidates for further stages.

Only those who met the eligibility criteria and cleared the evaluation process were called for interviews and considered for final recommendation.

Candidates who were not shortlisted or recommended have not been selected for the respective posts, the commission said.

The UPSC noted that while all applications were reviewed, it was not possible to call every applicant for interviews due to the competitive nature of the selection process.

The commission did not release individual marks or detailed cutoffs as part of this announcement.

Recruitment results are typically published periodically, with the commission issuing separate notifications for different months depending on the completion of selection cycles.

UPSC recruitment results February 2026 implications for applicants

The announcement marks the conclusion of recruitment processes for positions finalized in February 2026.

For selected candidates, the next steps usually involve verification of documents and formal appointment procedures carried out by the respective government departments.

For others, the process ends at this stage, with no further action required unless reapplication is made in future recruitment cycles.

The UPSC emphasized that the selection process is based on merit and established criteria, with applications assessed at each stage before final recommendations are made.

The commission continues to conduct recruitment examinations and interviews throughout the year for various posts.

Click here to see result

(https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2026/mar/doc2026324832401.pdf)

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Lead levels only in food? Tests now find it in Children’s fast fashion clothing above Federal limits

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

A brightly colored shirt, soft to the touch and designed for everyday wear, may carry more than dye.

Preliminary tests conducted by researchers at Marian University, a private university in Indianapolis, found elevated levels of lead in children’s fast fashion clothing, exceeding federal safety limits.

The findings were presented March 23 at the American Chemical Society Spring 2026 meeting in Atlanta, a major scientific conference featuring thousands of research presentations.

Researchers tested 11 children’s shirts from four retailers, including fast fashion and discount brands, and found that all samples exceeded the U.S. regulatory limit for lead in children’s products.

Lead levels in children clothing exceed U.S. safety limits

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the federal agency responsible for product safety standards, sets a lead limit of 100 parts per million for children’s items such as toys and clothing.

Each of the tested shirts surpassed that threshold, according to the researchers.

Cristina Avello, a student researcher involved in the project, said the findings are particularly concerning for younger children.

“Not only are children the most vulnerable to the effects of lead, but they’re also the population that is going to be putting their clothes in their mouths,” she said. [1]

Lead exposure is considered harmful at any level. Health agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have linked it to neurological damage, behavioral problems, and developmental issues, especially in children under six years old.

The study found that brightly colored garments, particularly red and yellow fabrics, tended to contain higher levels of lead than more muted tones.

Researchers said this may be tied to the chemicals used in dyeing processes.

Some manufacturers use lead(II) acetate, a compound that helps dyes adhere to fabric and maintain bright colors over time.

(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Vano3333)

Simulated ingestion tests show potential exposure risk for children

In a second phase of testing, researchers simulated stomach digestion to estimate how much lead could become bioaccessible if fabric is chewed or sucked.

The analysis modeled how gastric acid might break down the material and release lead into the body.

The results suggest that even brief mouthing behavior could expose children to lead levels exceeding daily intake limits set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Researchers described the estimates as conservative, meaning actual exposure could vary depending on behavior and frequency.

They said repeated chewing over time could raise blood lead levels to a point where clinical monitoring is recommended.

Kamila Deavers, the project’s principal investigator, said the research grew out of personal experience after her child showed elevated blood lead levels linked to toy coatings before stricter regulations were in place.

“I started to see many articles about lead in clothing from fast fashion, and I realized not too many parents knew about the issue,” she said.

commons.wikimedia.org

Fast fashion textile safety concerns and next research steps

Previous studies have identified lead in metal components of clothing, such as zippers and buttons, leading to recalls.

The new research expands that concern to the fabric itself, suggesting contamination may be more widespread than previously understood.

The team plans to test additional clothing items and examine whether washing affects the presence of lead compounds.

Researchers are also exploring whether contaminated clothing could transfer lead to other garments during laundering or leave residues inside washing machines. [

They said alternative dye fixing methods already exist, including plant based compounds and mineral mordants such as alum, which are considered safer.

Adopting those alternatives would likely increase production costs, which could slow industry adoption without regulatory or consumer pressure.

The researchers said their goal is to raise awareness and encourage more rigorous screening of clothing products.

“Everything that we’re doing is only important and helpful if we talk about it,” Avello said.

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Global study finds the food commodities driving major global deforestation; Beef on top

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

A farmer clearing land for maize in one country, a rice field expanding in another. These local decisions, repeated millions of times, are now linked to a global pattern of forest loss.

New research from Chalmers University of Technology, a Swedish research institution, finds that staple foods consumed daily are driving more deforestation than many export crops long associated with environmental damage.

The study, published March 23, combines satellite land use data with agricultural statistics to map how 184 commodities have contributed to forest loss across 179 countries.

It offers what researchers describe as the most detailed global picture yet of how food production shapes deforestation.

Staple crops deforestation impact compared to cocoa coffee rubber

The analysis shows that maize, rice and cassava together account for about 11 percent of agriculture driven deforestation worldwide.

By comparison, cocoa, coffee and rubber combined account for less than 5 percent.

This contrasts with the dominant narrative that focuses heavily on export oriented commodities such as palm oil and soybeans.

Lead author Chandrakant Singh said earlier research has often centered on a narrow set of crops and regions.

“Deforestation’s links to food production have long been studied, but have often focused on some products, such as beef, soybeans and palm oil, which are well known in the context of deforestation,” Singh said in a statement released by Chalmers University of Technology.

The study confirms that beef production remains the single largest driver, responsible for about 40 percent of global deforestation linked to agriculture. Palm oil accounts for 9 percent, while soybeans contribute around 5 percent.

Staple crops differ in one key way. Their impact is spread across many regions rather than concentrated in a few hotspots.

Unlike palm oil in Southeast Asia or soybeans in South America, maize, rice and cassava are grown widely for domestic consumption, making their environmental footprint more diffuse and harder to track.

Agriculture driven deforestation global data and carbon emissions findings

The researchers estimate that 122 million hectares of forest were lost due to agriculture driven deforestation between 2001 and 2022. More than 80 percent of that loss occurred in tropical regions.

The study also examined carbon dioxide emissions linked to deforestation, often caused when forests are burned to clear land for farming or grazing.

Total emissions over the period were estimated at around 41 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, averaging close to 2 billion tonnes annually.

That figure is lower than previous global estimates, which had placed annual emissions at more than twice that level. Singh said the difference reflects a more detailed method of linking specific commodities to land use changes.

Even at the lower estimate, agriculture driven deforestation accounts for about 5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, according to the study.

wikipedia.org

Domestic food production role in deforestation policy response

Co author Martin Persson said the findings highlight the need to look beyond international trade when addressing deforestation.

“The debate on deforestation has circulated a lot around how people in rich countries like ours cause deforestation with our commodities imports, and this is absolutely important to get to grips with,” Persson said.

“But we mustn’t forget that a large proportion of deforestation is driven by agricultural production for domestic markets.”

The study suggests that policies focused only on supply chains linked to exports may overlook a significant share of forest loss driven by local food systems.

Researchers say their Deforestation Driver and Carbon Emissions model, known as DeDuCE, could help governments, companies and civil society identify where interventions are most needed.

The model links specific commodities to deforestation patterns, offering a tool for more targeted decision making.

Singh said future work will expand the model to include non food sectors such as mining and energy, which also contribute to forest loss.

For now, the study reframes a familiar issue. The drivers of deforestation are not only tied to global trade or distant markets.

They are also rooted in everyday food systems.

More about global deforestation
The figures relate to agriculture-driven deforestation between 2001 and 2022

Commodities driving global deforestation

Beef (40 per cent)
Palm oil (9 per cent)
Soy beans (5 per cent)
Maize (4 per cent)
Rice (4 per cent)
Cassava (3 per cent)
Cocoa (2 per cent)
Coffee (1 per cent)
Rubber (1 per cent)

Countries responsible for the biggest shares of global deforestation

Brazil (32 per cent)
Indonesia (9 per cent)
China (6 per cent)
Democratic Republic of Congo (6 per cent)
USA (5 per cent)
Ivory Coast (3 per cent)

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Moby Dick ‘ship sinking’ sperm whales caught headbutting, camera captures moments [Watch Video]

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The first sign came as two massive bodies turned toward each other just below the surface. Moments later, their heads met in a controlled strike.

That interaction, recorded on drone footage between 2020 and 2022, now forms the basis of a study led by the University of St Andrews, a research university in Scotland. [1]

The findings, published March 23 in Marine Mammal Science, mark the first systematic scientific documentation of sperm whales headbutting one another.

Researchers say the behavior has long been suspected but never directly observed in a structured, repeatable way.

Sperm whale headbutting behavior documented using drone footage

The footage was captured during fieldwork in the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean, and the Balearic Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea.

Scientists used aerial drones to observe whales from above, allowing them to track interactions that are difficult to detect from boats at sea level.

Lead author Dr. Alec Burlem said the observations confirmed a hypothesis that had persisted for decades without direct evidence.

“It was really exciting to observe this behaviour, which we knew had been hypothesised for such a long time, but not yet documented and described systematically,” Burlem said in a statement issued by the University of St Andrews.

The study found that sub adult whales, rather than large adult males, were most frequently involved in the headbutting interactions.

Earlier assumptions had linked such behavior to competition among dominant males. The new findings suggest a broader social function that may involve younger members of whale groups.

Researchers say the behavior appeared deliberate and repeated, often occurring alongside other forms of social interaction at the surface.

The function remains unclear. Scientists note that additional observations will be needed to determine whether the behavior relates to play, social bonding, or competitive practice.

(Courtesy: Popular Science Podcasts)

Moby Dick and Essex whale attack accounts gain scientific backing

Accounts of sperm whales using their heads as weapons date back to the 19th century, particularly during the era of open boat whaling.

One of the most widely cited incidents involves the Essex, a 27 meter sail powered whaleship that sank in 1820 after being struck by a sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean near the Galapagos Islands.

Owen Chase, the ship’s first mate, described the encounter in a contemporary account:

“I turned around and saw him about one hundred rods directly ahead of us, coming down with twice his ordinary speed of around 24 knots, and it appeared with tenfold fury and vengeance in his aspect. The surf flew in all directions about him with the continual violent thrashing of his tail. His head about half out of the water, and in that way he came upon us, and again struck the ship.”

The incident later inspired Herman Melville’s novel Moby Dick, which depicted a powerful whale attacking ships.

Other reports from the same period, including the sinkings of the Ann Alexander and Kathleen, describe similar head on strikes by whales.

Such accounts have often been treated cautiously in scientific contexts due to the lack of direct observational evidence.

The new study does not replicate ship attacks, but it provides evidence that sperm whales do engage in controlled head first contact with each other.

Evolutionary risks and questions about whale communication systems

The findings also raise questions about how such behavior fits within sperm whale biology.

Some researchers have suggested that headbutting may originate from physical contests, potentially linked to mating competition between males.

Others have argued that repeated use of the head as a weapon could pose risks. The sperm whale head contains structures critical for producing sound, including clicks used for echolocation and social communication.

Damage to these structures could affect navigation and group coordination, making the behavior potentially costly.

The study does not resolve these competing explanations. It documents the behavior and outlines possible interpretations based on observed patterns.

Burlem said drone technology is likely to expand what scientists can observe at the ocean surface.

“This unique overhead perspective for observing and documenting near surface behaviour is just one of the ways drone technology is transforming the study of wildlife biology,” he said.

He added that researchers are seeking additional footage from other observers to better understand how widespread the behavior may be.

For now, an observation once confined to maritime history and literature has entered the scientific record.

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TikTok’s mental health ‘minefield’ may be unreliable or misleading: Study

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Social media platforms have become a go-to source for mental health information, especially among young users. But a new study suggests that much of what people encounter online, particularly on TikTok, may be unreliable or even misleading.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) found that a significant share of posts related to conditions such as ADHD and autism contain inaccuracies or lack proper evidence. Their analysis, which covered multiple platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X, points to a broader issue: misinformation around mental health is widespread, and in some cases, alarmingly high.

The study reviewed more than 5,000 posts across a range of mental health topics, from anxiety and depression to schizophrenia and eating disorders. It found that misleading content could make up as much as 56 per cent of posts in certain areas, highlighting how easily unverified claims can spread in highly engaging formats like short videos.

Among all platforms, TikTok stood out for having the highest levels of questionable content. According to the researchers, over half of the ADHD-related videos analysed, and around 52 per cent were found to be inaccurate. For autism-related content, the figure stood at 41 per cent. By comparison, misinformation rates were lower on YouTube, averaging about 22 per cent, and even lower on Facebook at under 15 per cent.

Experts say this matters because social media is increasingly shaping how young people understand their mental health. Many turn to these platforms to interpret symptoms or self-diagnose conditions. While this can sometimes prompt useful self-reflection, it also carries risks when the information is incomplete or incorrect.

Misleading content can blur the line between normal behaviour and clinical conditions, potentially leading people to wrongly believe they have a disorder, or, conversely, delay seeking help when they actually need it. It may also reinforce stigma, create unnecessary fear, or promote treatments that lack scientific backing.

The study also highlights a stark divide between who is creating content and how reliable it is. Posts made by healthcare professionals were consistently more accurate, but they represent only a small fraction of what users see. For instance, just 3 per cent of ADHD-related videos by professionals contained misinformation, compared to 55 per cent among non-professional creators.

wikipedia.org/

At the same time, the researchers acknowledge that personal stories and lived experiences shared by individuals can play a valuable role in raising awareness and helping others feel understood. The challenge lies in ensuring that such content is complemented by clear, evidence-based guidance from qualified experts.

Another key factor driving misinformation is the way platforms like TikTok operate. Their algorithms tend to prioritise content that is engaging and widely shared, regardless of its accuracy. Once users show interest in a topic, they are often fed a steady stream of similar videos, creating echo chambers where misleading ideas can quickly gain traction.

There are, however, some exceptions. The study found that YouTube Kids performed notably better, with no misinformation detected in content related to anxiety and depression, and relatively low levels, and around 8.9 per cent for ADHD. Researchers attribute this to stricter moderation and content controls.

Overall, the findings point to a growing need for stronger safeguards. The authors call for better moderation systems, clearer standards for identifying misinformation, and more active participation from clinicians and health organisations in creating accessible, trustworthy content.

As social media continues to shape public understanding of mental health, the study makes one thing clear: while these platforms can be powerful tools for awareness, without reliable information, they can just as easily become a source of confusion.

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Summer Travel Time: Full List of India’s UNESCO World Sites

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

There are 44 World Heritage Properties in the country, while the Government has sent the following proposals to the World Heritage Centre for consideration for inclusion in the World Heritage List two more sites:

Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath (2025-26)
JingkiengJri / Lyu Charai Cultural Landscape (2026-27)

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertakes conservation and maintenance of 3,686 monuments, including 27 World Heritage properties, along with the provision of amenities for tourists such as drinking water, toilet blocks, pathways and landscaping etc. for protected monuments/sites under the ASI’s jurisdiction. Conservation and maintenance of these monuments/sites is a continuous process and is carried out based on the needs of the monuments and the availability of resources.

(https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1570/gallery/–Author: ASI)

Properties on World Heritage List (44)

Cultural World Heritage Properties in India : 36
Natural World Heritage Properties in India : 07
Mixed World Heritage Properties in India : 01

CULTURAL SITES:

Under Protection of Archaeological Survey of India (27)

S. No	Name of Site	State	Year of inscription
	Agra Fort	Uttar Pradesh	1983
	Ajanta Caves	Maharashtra	1983
	Ellora Caves	Maharashtra	1983
	Taj Mahal	Uttar Pradesh	1983
	Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram	Tamil Nadu	1984
	Sun Temple, Konarak	Odisha	1984
	Churches and Convents of Goa	Goa	1986
	Fatehpur Sikri	Uttar Pradesh	1986
	Group of Monuments at Hampi	Karnataka	1986
	Khajuraho, Group of Temples	Madhya Pradesh	1986
	Elephanta Caves	Maharashtra	1987
	Great Living Chola Temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram	Tamil Nadu	1987 & 2004
	Group of Monuments at Pattadakal	Karnataka	1987
	Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi	Madhya Pradesh	1989
	Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi	Delhi	1993
	QutbMinar and its Monuments, Delhi	Delhi	1993
	Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka	Madhya Pradesh	2003
	Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park	Gujarat	2004
	Red Fort Complex, Delhi	Delhi	2007
	Hill Forts of Rajasthan (Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer and Ranthambhore, Amber and Gagron Forts) (Amber and Gagron Forts are under protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums)	Rajasthan	2013
	Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan	Gujarat	2014
	Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara(Nalanda University) at Nalanda	Bihar	2016
	Dholavira: A Harappan City	Gujarat	2021
	Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana	Telangana	2021
	Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas	Karnataka	2023
	Moidams-the Mount-Burial system of the Ahom Dynasty	Assam	2024
27.	Maratha Military Landscapes of India	Maharashtra	2025

Under Protection of Ministry of Railways (2)

28.	Mountain Railways of India ( Darjeeling,1999), Nilgiri (2005), Kalka-Shimla	West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh	2008
29.	Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)	Maharashtra	2004

Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (1)

30.

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya

Bihar

2002

Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums (1)

31.

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Rajasthan

2010

Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration (1)

32.

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement

Chandigarh

2016

Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (1)

33.

Historic City of Ahmedabad

Gujarat

2017

Under Protection of Bombay Municipal Corporation (1)

34.

Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai

Govt of Maharashtra

2018

Under Protection of Jaipur Municipal Corporation (1)

35.

Jaipur City, Rajasthan

Govt of Rajasthan

2019

Under Vice Chancellor, Visva Bharati (1)

36.

Santiniketan

Visva Bharati

2023

NATURAL PROPERTIES: (7)

Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes

37.	Kaziranga National Park	Assam	1985
38.	Keoladeo National Park	Rajasthan	1985
39.	Manas Wildlife Sanctuary	Assam	1985
40.	Sunderbans National Park	West Bengal	1987
41.	Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks	Uttarakhand	1988, 2005
42.	Western Ghats	Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu	2012
43.	Great Himalayan National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2014

MIXED PROPERTIES: (1)

Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes

44.

Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)

Sikkim

2016

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Want to shift a group’s opinion? Encourage opponents to sit on the fence

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Efforts to change strongly held opinions often hit a wall. Push too hard, and people tend to dig in further, making consensus even harder to achieve. But a new study suggests a counterintuitive approach: instead of trying to convert opponents, it may be more effective to encourage them to step back and remain neutral.

Researchers at the University of Bath, led by mathematician Professor Kit Yates, have found that creating space for neutrality — such as allowing people to abstain rather than choose sides — can make groups more flexible and open to change. Their findings, published in Advanced Science, point to a quieter but more effective path to shifting group opinion.

The idea is simple. When individuals are not forced into binary positions, they gain room to reassess their views. This “breathing space,” as the researchers describe it, can make it easier for a group to gradually move toward consensus or adapt when circumstances change.

Yates argues that neutrality should not be seen as indecision or weakness, but as a useful feature of how groups function. According to the study, once neutrality is allowed, even basic one-on-one interactions — where one person influences another — can lead to meaningful shifts in collective opinion without the need for complex social dynamics.

To understand this, the researchers built a mathematical model of group decision-making. It revealed two distinct pathways to consensus. The first is familiar: persuading undecided individuals to pick a side. The second, less explored route involves “de-escalation,” where disagreement pushes individuals into a neutral position before they later adopt a stance independently.

This second pathway turned out to be particularly powerful. When more people move into a neutral state, the number of active decision-makers shrinks. As a result, small influences or random shifts carry more weight, allowing a new consensus to emerge more quickly.

The team tested this theory beyond models, looking at both animal behaviour and human decision-making.

In swarms of locusts, they observed that when the group changes direction, it first goes through a brief pause. Many locusts stop moving altogether, effectively becoming neutral. During this moment, only a small number remain active, and their movements disproportionately shape the swarm’s new direction. This temporary pause amplifies small changes, helping the group realign بسرعة.

Human experiments showed a similar pattern. In voting-based games, groups that were given the option to abstain shifted their decisions more smoothly and quickly than those forced to choose between fixed options.

The implications extend well beyond the lab. From corporate boardrooms to online debates, the findings suggest that reducing intensity — rather than escalating persuasion — may be key to breaking deadlocks. Encouraging strongly opposed individuals to adopt a neutral stance, even temporarily, could help groups reset and move forward.

Co-author Professor Tim Rogers notes that while fence-sitting is often seen as frustrating, it may actually play a constructive role. By easing tension and reducing polarisation, neutrality can create the conditions needed for more responsive and adaptive decision-making.

In a world increasingly defined by sharp divisions, the study offers a subtle but important insight: sometimes, the fastest way to change minds is not to push harder, but to allow people the space to pause.

‘Mini New York in Punjab’: NRI’s Statue of Liberty Replica on Jalandhar Rooftop Takes Internet by Storm

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Srinivas Chakravarty

A quiet neighbourhood in Punjab’s Jalandhar has found itself at the centre of attention, thanks to an unexpected addition to the local skyline, a miniature replica of the iconic Statue of Liberty standing proudly atop a residential rooftop.

The unusual installation, built by NRI Gurjeet Singh Matharu, has quickly turned an ordinary home into a local landmark, drawing curious onlookers and sparking widespread discussion on social media.

Matharu, who lived in New York City for over two decades, placed the replica on the fourth floor of his house in the Kishanpura area. What began as a personal tribute to the city he called home for so many years has now become a talking point far beyond his neighbourhood.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the structure, Matharu explained that the idea came from his frequent encounters with the Statue of Liberty during his time in New York. The monument, for him, became deeply intertwined with memories of his life abroad. He decided to bring a piece of that memory back to India in a tangible form.

“The idea came from seeing the Statue of Liberty often in New York and keeping it as a memory of the city when I visit India each year,” he said.

Stopping-by Locals Catch a Glimpse

While the replica was intended as a personal reminder, it has since captured the imagination of locals, many of whom have been stopping by just to catch a glimpse of the rooftop structure.

As images and videos of the installation circulated online, reactions poured in from across the spectrum. Some users noted that unconventional rooftop structures are not entirely new to the region. One user commented, “Mostly in Chandigarh and Mohali they build water tanks in the shape of tractors, balls and other shapes; now he makes Statue of Liberty.”

Others, however, viewed the installation with appreciation. “This is such a unique way to stay connected to memories abroad,” one user wrote. Another added, “Looks like a mini New York in Punjab, quite creative.”

For Matharu, the replica of the world-renowned symbol of freedom and hope now serves as a bridge between his years in New York and his roots in Jalandhar—turning a simple rooftop into a testament of personal journey and cross-cultural connection.

Aquatic plant reduces antibiotics in water and genetic damage in fish, but risks remain

Posted on March 21, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

A new study from researchers at the University of São Paulo has shed light on a growing environmental concern: the presence of antibiotic residues in freshwater systems, and their impact on aquatic life and potentially human health.

The research, conducted in Brazil’s Piracicaba River basin, found traces of multiple commonly used antibiotics in water, sediments, and fish. Scientists also explored whether a floating aquatic plant, Salvinia auriculata, could help reduce this contamination. The findings suggest it can—but not without complications.

Pollution Builds Up in Dry Seasons

The team, led by Patrícia Alexandre Evangelista, monitored samples from a region near the Santa Maria da Serra dam, where pollutants from across the river basin tend to accumulate. The area receives runoff from urban sewage, agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock farming.

Twelve antibiotics, including tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and phenols, were tracked across both rainy and dry seasons. A clear pattern emerged: during the rainy season, most antibiotics were barely detectable, likely diluted by higher water volumes. In the dry season, however, concentrations rose significantly as water levels dropped and pollutants became more concentrated.

Sediments, rich in organic matter and minerals, acted as reservoirs for these compounds, storing them and potentially releasing them back into the environment over time.

Contaminated Fish Raise Health Concerns

One of the study’s most striking findings was the detection of chloramphenicol, a banned veterinary antibiotic, in lambari fish collected from local fishermen. The substance appeared only during the dry season, but at levels significant enough to raise concern.

Because this species is widely consumed in the region, researchers flagged a possible route of human exposure through food.

A Plant-Based Solution, With Limits

The study also tested whether Salvinia auriculata, a fast-growing floating plant often considered a nuisance, could help remove antibiotics from contaminated water.

In controlled experiments, the plant proved highly effective at absorbing enrofloxacin, eliminating more than 95% of it within days under certain conditions. Its performance was less impressive with chloramphenicol, removing only 30% to 45%, and over a longer period.

The antibiotics were found to accumulate mainly in the plant’s roots, suggesting that filtration and absorption at the root level play a key role.

A Complex Ecological Trade-Off

However, the picture is not straightforward. Even when the plant reduced antibiotic levels in the water, fish did not always benefit. In some cases, absorption rates in fish actually increased, possibly because the plant altered the chemical form of the antibiotics, making them easier for organisms to absorb.

Chloramphenicol, in particular, showed a strong tendency to persist in fish tissue, with a half-life exceeding 90 days. Enrofloxacin, by contrast, was eliminated more quickly and showed lower accumulation.

The study also examined genetic damage in fish. Chloramphenicol exposure led to increased DNA damage, but this effect was reduced when the plant was present, suggesting a possible protective role. No similar benefit was observed for enrofloxacin.

Not a Silver Bullet

Researchers caution against viewing Salvinia auriculata as a simple fix. While it can reduce antibiotic levels, it may also change how these substances behave in the ecosystem. There are additional concerns about how to safely dispose of contaminated plant biomass, which could otherwise reintroduce pollutants.

Still, the findings point to the potential of low-cost, nature-based solutions in regions where advanced water treatment technologies are not feasible.

Bigger Picture: A Growing Environmental Threat

The presence of antibiotics in rivers is more than just a local issue. It contributes to the broader global challenge of antimicrobial resistance, raising the risk of so-called “superbugs” emerging in natural environments.

As co-author Valdemar Luiz Tornisielo noted, the study underscores both the scale of human impact on ecosystems and the need for integrated solutions that consider not just pollutant removal, but long-term ecological effects.

In essence, the research reveals a problem that is measurable and widespread—and solutions that are promising, but far from simple.

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