SNIPPETS 02 MARCH 2026

Impatiens nagorum: Scientists discovered a flowering plant species, Impatiens nagorum, in Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaland+ It belongs to the family Balsaminaceae, commonly known as “balsams” or “touch-me-nots“+ The epithet nagorum honours the indigenous Naga tribes of the region+ The species has distinctive purple flowers, serrated leaves, and hairy lateral sepals+ It thrives in moist temperate broadleaf forests at an elevation of 2,336 m+ It serves as a specialised nectar source for high-altitude pollinators.

White-rumped Vulture: Mostly plains with open areas, light woodland, villages and cities. Occasionally found in hilly regions+ Obligate scavenger feeding on fresh and decaying carcasses (dead animals) + Native to India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Cambodia+ Conservation Status: IUCN – Critically Endangered+ Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I+ Threats: Rapid population decline due to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, aceclofenac, and ketoprofen

C. V. Raman: Born in – 7th November 1888, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu+Conducted research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science during spare time+ Later Years – Optics, crystal dynamics, diamond structure, colours of flowers, human vision+ Founded Raman Research Institute in 1948+ Major Discovery – Raman Effect (1928)+ Nobel Prize – Nobel Prize in Physics (1930), first Indian and person of colour to receive it in Physics.