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The Hindu
a day ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Biocon Foundation partners with NCBS and BeST Cluster to support 25 women in STEM
Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Biocon Group, in collaboration with The Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), announced the launch of BioWISE, an initiative aimed to help disadvantaged female science students from tier 2 and 3 universities across Karnataka, to build a career in life sciences. The programme aims to support 25 women students from diverse communities through scholarships, extended internships, and mentorship, thereby enhancing access, participation, and retention of women from underserved communities in STEM, particularly the life sciences. In the first State-level cohort, 15 postgraduates and 10 undergraduates from life sciences background will be supported. The students will be selected from colleges and universities across the State. Mentorship and exposure During the cohort duration, which is six months for PG students and three months for UG students, the students will be provided with exposure, training, and mentorship. Biocon Foundation will enable the initiative through funding, and experts from Biocon Biologics will support with mentorship. NCBS will serve as the host institute and academic mentoring partner. BeST Cluster will contribute to the programme's design, management, and implementation. In a statement from Biocon Foundation, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group, said, 'Empowering women in STEM through our program BioWISE, is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic investment in our nation's future. Our commitment to supporting women in science stems from our broader vision of enabling equitable access to health, education, research, and opportunity.' Identifying pockets During the cohort, participants will engage in mentorship sessions with experts from Biocon Biologics, NCBS, and other institutions to gain insights into research and career opportunities. They will also get the opportunity to visit the research labs of NCBS, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Jyoti Nivas College, and bio-incubators and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Focused workshops, wet-lab experiences, research-oriented seminars and soft skills and communication training are the other features of the programme. 'It is important to work with the government to identify pockets from where we can pick up students,' saidAnupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, speaking to The Hindu during the launch event at NCBS. 'Where do we focus in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, which are the colleges where there is a larger women representation and good pass rates - these are some insights we need, and that is how we would be planning the community outreach,' she added. R Anantharaman, CEO, BeST Cluster, noted that the initiative is a commitment to ensure that career breaks do not translate into career ends.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Rajasthan: 70-year-old temple guard killed by tiger in Ranthambhore
Jaipur: A 70-year-old temple guard was mauled to death by an unidentified tiger from Rajasthan's Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR) early Monday morning, officials said. This marks the third fatal tiger attack in the area in less than two months. The victim, Radheshyam Mali, a long-serving chowkidar at the Jain temple near the Trinetra Ganesh Mandir inside the historic Ranthambhore Fort, was attacked around 4.30 am when he stepped out to relieve himself. According to RTR field director Anoop KR, two other guards sleeping nearby heard his screams but were unable to intervene. He said the body was recovered about 30 to 40 meters from the site, following a trail of blood. 'The body bore deep neck wounds consistent with a tiger attack and was partially eaten around the buttocks and thighs.' Mali, a resident of Sherpur village, had served at the temple for over three decades and lived within the fort premises. A forest official familiar with the development said the RTR administration has installed camera traps in the area to identify the tiger. The hair sample from the body and nearby area has been collected and sent to National Sample for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, for DNA assessment to identify the tiger. The NCBS already has DNA records of many big cats including that of Arrowhead and her cubs. Just hours after the latest attack, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) issued a long-anticipated order approving the relocation of the cubs of tigress Arrowhead to other tiger reserves in the state. This decision follows the recommendations of a five-member committee constituted by the forest department on May 13 to investigate a string of fatal incidents believed to involve one of Arrowhead's female cubs. The committee was formed after a forest ranger was killed on May 11 near the same temple area. The same cub is also suspected in connection with the death of a 7-year-old boy in a nearby village on April 16. The panel was tasked with assessing whether the attacks were isolated or part of a behavioral pattern indicating that the animal had become habituated to killing humans. The committee has recommended shifting Arrowhead's daughter Kankati to Mukundra Hills, another daughter to enclosure in Karauli-Dholpur Reserve and the male cub to Ramgarh Vishdhari. Following Monday's incident, angry villagers blocked the Sawai Madhopur–Kundera road in protest. Police were deployed to the site and eventually managed to pacify the demonstrators and restore order. On Sunday, after tiger movement was reported today inside the Ranthambore Fort, the authorities had closed the Trinetra Ganesh route and stopped devotees at the entrance gate near Ganesh Dham. 'Tigress Ridhi appears to have expanded her territory to include the fort as well. She finds easy prey like sambar and chital there, and her two male cubs are also frequently accompanying her,' said the official. The RTR administration has made several correspondences with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), requesting repairs to the boundary wall of the fort, which is damaged in many places. The administration had informed the ASI that tigresses with cubs and other wild animals are entering the fort premises, increasing the risk of human-animal conflict. Even after the recent incidents, the ASI was reminded again in April. The area surrounding Jogi Mahal has long been a cradle for tigresses raising their young. Tigers such as Machli, Sundri, and Krishna all chose this landscape for its water, cover, and prey. Today, three tigresses with three cubs each, along with two adult males, inhabit this 85 sq km zone. A senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) official familiar with the situation shed light on the challenges facing Ranthambore. 'Big cats are currently concentrated in Zones 2, 3, and 4 due to the abundance of water bodies and grasslands there,' he explained. 'Improving the habitat and developing more grasslands will encourage a more uniform distribution of tigers across the reserve.' He also noted that tigers are naturally dispersing toward the Dholpur and Ramgarh-Vishdhari reserves. Emphasising on congestion, he said a female tiger needs around 12-15 sq km area and male needs double the size of a female area. At present, near the temple area around 14 tigers are making movements, which include three tigresses (Arrowhead, Ridhi and Sultana) with their cubs. The official raised concerns about the large number of devotees visiting the numerous temples within the reserve. Apart from the famous Ganesh Temple, there are nearly 150 smaller temples spread across RTR. 'Strict regulations are necessary — no permission for cooking inside the reserve, and movement should be restricted to forest vehicles only,' he said. He further highlighted the importance of relocating big cats to ease pressure on Ranthambore, promote natural dispersal, and provide new territories.
Business Upturn
a day ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Biocon launches BioWISE program to empower women in STEM across Karnataka
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on June 9, 2025, 17:01 IST Biocon Foundation, the CSR arm of Biocon Group, has announced the launch of its new BioWISE (Women in STEM Empowered) program in partnership with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster. The initiative aims to support 25 women science students from tier 2 and 3 universities across Karnataka to build careers in life sciences through internships, mentorships, and training. This first-of-its-kind program will support 15 postgraduate and 10 undergraduate students from underserved communities, offering six-month and three-month mentorship and hands-on exposure respectively. The initiative is structured to include lab visits, bio-incubation centre tours, soft skills training, and continuous mentor-mentee sessions with experts from Biocon Biologics, NCBS, and other partner institutions. Chairperson Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw emphasized that empowering women in STEM is a strategic investment in India's future. The program will be hosted at NCBS, while BeST Cluster will oversee design and implementation. Biocon Biologics will also provide professional mentorship. The launch event witnessed participation from various dignitaries and scientists, with all stakeholders committing to building an inclusive scientific ecosystem that ensures equitable access to research, education, and opportunity. Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Sunday Read: Nature's wingmen
Butterfly migration Bangalore Butterfly Club . native vegetation . Every year, during pre-monsoon months, butterflies pass through the city in large numbers. Intrestingly, years with intense butterfly activity often coincide with higher rainfall. This suggests butterflies may be responding to wind and rain patterns using nature's cues as their navigation –Haneesh M, Bangalore Butterfly Club When migration is mentioned, images of thundering herds across Africa's Masai Mara often come to mind. Yet, right here in Bengaluru, a quieter, more delicate spectacle unfolds every year — the seasonal migration of butterflies gliding across South India's Western and Eastern despite their fragile appearance, are powerful bio-indicators of a region's ecological health. Their presence reflects the diversity and condition of local flora. Bengaluru, situated along a crucial migratory corridor, witnesses thousands of butterflies each year during their seasonal journey, according to Haneesh KM, a founding member of the. The community actively documents butterfly sightings and contributes its data to the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).'Every year, during pre-monsoon months, butterflies pass through the city in large numbers. Interestingly, years with intense butterfly activity often coincide with higher rainfall,' Haneesh observed. 'This suggests butterflies may be responding to wind and rain patterns, using nature's cues as their navigation system.'India is home to an estimated 1,200 butterfly species, of which more than 170 have been recorded in Bengaluru alone. Karnataka's Western Ghats boast over 340 species. The city's common migratory species belong to the Danainae subfamily, including the Dark Blue Tiger, Blue Tiger, Common Crow, and Double Banded Crow. While the average lifespan of a butterfly is one to two weeks, migration can extend this to three or even four recent uptick in butterfly sightings aligns with pre-monsoon showers, says Sammilan Shetty, founder of the Butterfly Park, Belvai.'Butterflies tend to move just ahead of the southwest monsoon. This could be an evolutionary strategy to escape the harsh conditions of the monsoon, particularly in the higher elevations of the Ghats.' He notes that certain species, like the Common Emigrant, follow a coastal route along the Arabian Sea and then head inland just before the rains arrive. 'It's a carefully timed survival tactic,' he butterfly migration is not a newly observed phenomenon, public awareness has grown significantly in recent years. But this awareness has also brought challenges. Shetty warns against replacingwith ornamental plants in artificial butterfly gardens. 'Such interventions can harm butterflies, whose breeding cycles depend on indigenous host plants. Preserving native flora is crucial,' he enthusiasts, like Sahana M, have been tracking butterfly behaviour for years. 'I've always been drawn to birds and fragile, yet vibrant,' she shares. This year, Sahana observed an early migration of Danaid butterflies. 'That often signals an early monsoon,' she points out, reinforcing the idea that butterfly patterns can act as a natural weather being cold-blooded, are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment. Kiran Kiggal, Associate Professor of Electronics and a keen wildlife photographer, notes that butterflies rely on sunshine and nectar. 'During heavy rains, nectar becomes scarce. So, they often shift eastward to avoid these conditions. Many begin migrating even before the monsoon sets in, sensing early showers caused by low-pressure systems,' he to Dr Abhijith APC from Team Saaliga, butterfly migration is not just about movement, but survival. 'They migrate to preserve their lineage. It's an instinctive intelligence,' he explains. Many butterflies are host-specific; the Common Lime butterfly relies on citrus plants, while the Common Crow prefers Ficus trees. The pre-monsoon season offers fresh vegetation, making it ideal for and nature lovers agree: Butterfly migration is more than a visual delight; it's a strategic and essential survival mechanism deeply tied to ecological too can play a role in this natural phenomenon. Planting native species, especially host and nectar plants, can provide critical support to migrating such green corridors not only aids their journey but also helps reduce roadkill. Citizen participation in recording butterfly movements can further contribute valuable data to scientists tracking their the heart of India's Silicon Valley, the flutter of delicate wings tells a timeless story of survival, adaptation, and harmony with nature, a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary migrations happen right in our backyard.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Predators' DNA traces at livestock kill sites can aid better human-wildlife conflict management: National Centre for Biological Sciences
Bengaluru: Researchers from Bengaluru's National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) have shown that trace DNA left by large carnivores at livestock kill sites can be used to reliably identify individual predators. This approach offers a powerful tool to effectively manage human-wildlife conflict and understand predator behaviour and ecology, NCBS said Thursday. The study was recently published in the journal Biological Conservation."In communities that live in proximity to large carnivores, livestock depredation might cause conservation challenges. Systematic understanding of individuals involved in conflict is a critical first step towards a solution," said Prof Uma Ramakrishnan, senior author of the out that around the world, managing human-wildlife conflict often involves relocating or removing the suspected predator, NCBS said typically, forest departments rely on field signs like pugmarks, scat, or claw marks to identify the animal involved. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far "However, these signs can be ambiguous, and removing the non-target individual may disturb carnivore populations and sometimes, further intensify conflict situations. More reliable and robust genetic identification of predators could be an effective strategy for conflict resolution," it researchers, in collaboration with Panthera and Madhya Pradesh forest department, investigated 198 kill sites across two of central India's key tiger habitats: Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves. At each site, researchers collected non-invasive genetic samples — saliva, scat, and shed hair as a potential source of predator DNA."Using genetic tools based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), they identified individual tigers present at these kill sites. Shed hair samples were the most effective for identification, followed closely by saliva and scat. Overall, tigers were successfully identified at 85% of the kill sites, with species-level identification exceeding 95% across all sample types," NCBS assess each tiger's likely involvement in a kill, the team developed a classification framework based on the type and location of genetic evidence. Each case was categorised as a "true predator" (high confidence), "circumstantial predator" (medium confidence), or "predator uncertain" (low confidence). Out of 198 cases studied, 72 were classified with high confidence, 34 with medium confidence, and 49 with low Chhattani, lead author of the study, said, "Genetic samples are often the only true evidence of a predation event. While identification is possible, there remains some possibility of misidentification, especially when multiple individuals are present at the kill site. That's why it's important to assign confidence levels in identification. We hope that such a classification scheme will help better represent the level of confidence provided by the genetic tools and further evidence-based conflict management."For wildlife managers and conservationists, this method adds a reliable, evidence-based tool to help address predator-livestock conflict, while contributing to long-term predator monitoring, benefiting both local communities and wildlife conservation efforts.
