Author: Neel Achary

Government Proposes Five-Year Extension for Cleaner Commercial Vehicles Under National Permit Rules

New Delhi, Aug 18: The government has proposed extending the permissible age of battery-operated, hydrogen-powered and natural gas-driven commercial vehicles by five years under the national permit system, a move aimed at encouraging cleaner transport and making alternative-fuel vehicles more attractive to fleet operators.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed the changes through draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The proposal applies only to vehicles covered under the national permit framework and would not extend the age limit for all commercial vehicles.

If approved, the move could give operators more time to recover the higher upfront cost of cleaner vehicles. This could be particularly helpful for businesses that are considering electric, hydrogen or natural gas vehicles but remain concerned about initial investment and financing costs.

The draft amendments also seek to simplify the national permit system. Operators could be allowed to obtain permit authorisation electronically for up to five years at a time, while the annual fee would remain at Rs 16,500. This would allow operators to avoid the need for annual renewal.

The government also plans to expand the use of the VAHAN database to reduce paperwork. Vehicle and registration details already available on the portal could be automatically retrieved during applications, allowing users to provide only information that is not already recorded.

Additional changes have been proposed for vehicle registration and documentation. These include information related to insurance, pollution certificates, fitness certificates, pending challans and previous national permits.

The draft also proposes bringing eligible automotive component manufacturers involved in research and development within the trade certificate framework, which could support testing and development activities in the automobile sector.

The proposed reforms come as India seeks to modernise its commercial transport system while encouraging greater adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies.

For transport operators, a longer operating life could improve the economics of investing in alternative-fuel vehicles. At the same time, a more digital permit system could reduce administrative delays and make compliance easier.

The government has invited objections and suggestions on the draft amendments for 30 days. The proposals will become effective only after their final publication in the Official Gazette.

If approved, the changes could give cleaner commercial vehicles a longer operating window while supporting investment, reducing paperwork and accelerating India’s transition towards more sustainable road transport.

Different Genes, Same Result: How Flies Evolved Multiple Ways to Define Heads and Tails

One of the most important milestones in the early life of an organism is when the embryo breaks symmetry and arranges itself to form the head (anterior) at one end and tail (posterior) at the other end. Scientists have used the common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) for decades as a model species to study the process for forming the anterior-posterior body axis, along with countless other early developmental and genetic processes.

In fruit flies, a gene called bicoid controls this process. This is a unique gene that only exists in some fly species, but in 2019, Urs Schmidt-Ott, PhD, Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago, and his team discovered three unrelated and more widely conserved genes that adopted the same job in other fly species. This is an extreme example of developmental systems drift—when developmental gene networks diverge while preserving the outcome—in this case, the head-to-tail axis.

Since then, Schmidt-Ott and his lab developed new genetic tools to study these genes in different fly species. They hope to understand whether the genes work like bicoid or have a different mechanism, and how such substitutions affect the embryo’s gene network further downstream.

In a new study published recently in PLOS Biology, they examined the mechanism by which a gene called odd-paired establishes the head-to-tail axis in a moth fly, Clogmia albipunctata. Also known as a drain fly, this harmless species can be found hanging around hot, moist environments like sewer drains, plant pots, or stuffy public restrooms in the summer. To better handle their muggy habitats, they have a dense coat of hair that makes them look like little moths, hiding the fact that they hold keys for understanding how new axis determinants, acting like the well-known bicoid gene, emerged in the course of evolution. 

“We knew that the majority of flies lack this bicoid gene, although it’s super important in Drosophila,” Schmidt-Ott said. “That triggered our search for such factors in other fly species. It turns out each of these other species has its own interesting story.”

Taken together, these stories reveal the principle of an evolutionary process in which a different version of the same protein produced from a single gene (known as an alternative transcript isoform) is co-opted as a cue for the embryo’s developmental gene network. 

In both moth fly and fruit fly embryos, expression of the odd-paired gene ensures that the correct number of body segments form as the larval body plan develops. However, moth fly mothers also express odd-paired earlier, during formation of the egg. This transcript provides a nearly identical protein but at a different time and in a different location—the prospective head region of the egg. This localized early activity of odd-paired is what lets it be reused to break axial symmetry in moth flies.

But the researchers also wanted to know how odd-paired functions at the molecular level in moth flies to break the symmetry. The new study provides answers to their questions about its downstream targets, and if they are the same as the targets of bicoid in fruit flies.

Both bicoid and odd-paired affect chromatin accessibility in the genome, which describes how open or closed a region of DNA is inside the cell nucleus. DNA is packaged with associated proteins to form material called chromatin. Open chromatin is loosely packed and more accessible to be expressed and regulated; closed chromatin is tightly packed and less accessible to genetic machinery.

Fruit flies and moth flies both break symmetry by managing chromatin accessibility in regions of the genome that promote the expression of genes required for developing the head, but their target genes differ. While bicoid has dozens of direct target genes (the earliest and best studied is one called hunchback), the odd-paired substitute of moth flies may not target this gene at all. Instead, moth flies start developing the head by activating two different genes called homeobrain and sloppy-paired.

It is still unclear if these two genes are sufficient to break axial symmetry in most fly species, or if the early embryonic gene networks of other flies are far more diverse. If so, researchers hope that comparing the developmental gene networks of many fly species will help to answer questions about which of these genetic network features are most resistant to change, and why.

Schmidt-Ott said the example of axial patterning in fly embryos shows the value of studying multiple species, even when there is such a well-established model as the fruit fly. “One big benefit of going with these multi-species approaches is that you can see how nature solved the same problem in different lineages,” he said. “There are 150,000 described fly species out there, and there is a huge variation in how they achieve the same job of establishing head tail polarity of the embryo. By looking into these natural experiments, I think we can better understand principles of how these mechanisms work and change in the course of evolution.”

The study, “Asymmetric chromatin accessibility underlies anterior-posterior axis specification in moth fly embryos,” was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. Additional authors include Ezra E. Amiri, Muzi Li, Ayse Tenger-Trolander, Maxwell Devine, and Koray Kasan from UChicago; Alexander Thomas Julian from the Illinois Institute of Technology; Sheri A. Sanders from the University of Notre Dame; and Shelby A. Blythe from Northwestern University.

SEBI Launches Two Portals to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Incident Reporting

Mumbai, August 18: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched two new portals aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, improving cyber-incident reporting and facilitating information sharing across the securities market ecosystem.

The SEBI Incident Reporting Portal is designed to make reporting of cyber incidents more structured, timely and actionable. It also aligns incident reporting with the Common Information Framework for Incidents (CIFI), helping bring greater uniformity to reporting and facilitating coordination, including in cross-border incidents.

The Cyber Suraksha Portal will serve as a central platform for sharing cybersecurity knowledge, vulnerability alerts, policy measures and insights from incidents.

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, speaking at the regulator’s five-day Cyber Defence Symposium in Mumbai, called for a shift from periodic cybersecurity compliance to continuous, risk-driven cyber resilience.

The symposium, being held from August 17-21, brings together participants from India and 15 IOSCO jurisdictions for cybersecurity exercises, tabletop simulations and cyber-range activities. Pandey stressed that financial institutions must focus not only on preventing attacks but also on quickly detecting, containing and recovering from them.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Hands Over Approval for 2.89 Lakh PMAY-G Houses Worth Rs.3,473 Crore in Rajasthan

Baran, August 18: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday handed over approval for 2,89,355 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) to Rajasthan, involving an outlay of ₹3,473 crore.

Chouhan, who was visiting Rajasthan, participated in a state-level PMAY-G programme in Baran along with Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. He also handed over an approval letter for ₹340.59 crore under agricultural development initiatives and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to providing pucca houses to poor families in Rajasthan was being fulfilled.

“Today, approval is being given for 2,89,355 houses at a cost of ₹3,473 crore,” Chouhan said, adding that the initiative would bring a positive transformation in the lives of families living in kutcha houses.

Chouhan said the survey of 29,13,749 new beneficiaries had been completed. Following physical verification, houses would be sanctioned for the remaining eligible beneficiaries.

He directed authorities to display transparent beneficiary lists at district and panchayat levels, hear objections and ensure that eligible families are not excluded because of errors or procedural shortcomings.

The Union Minister announced three significant changes in the eligibility criteria for housing assistance.

Under the revised norms, families owning a two-wheeler will also be eligible for a pucca house. The monthly income ceiling for women has been increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, while small farmers owning up to five acres of unirrigated land or 2.5 acres of irrigated land will also qualify for housing assistance.

Highlighting the government’s focus on women’s economic empowerment, Chouhan said 16 lakh women in Rajasthan had so far become Lakhpati Didis. The target would now be doubled to 32 lakh.

He said women had received ₹13,400 crore through various banks to support entrepreneurial activities.

Referring to the newly introduced Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Yojana, Chouhan said Rajasthan had been given a target of ₹12,000 crore in investment over the next nine months.

He said the programme would extend to every gram panchayat, with an objective of providing approximately ₹80 lakh annually to each panchayat. Development priorities, he said, would be decided locally rather than solely at the state or central level.

“The people themselves will decide development plans at the panchayat level,” Chouhan said.

On urea availability, Chouhan said the government was taking steps to shield farmers from international price fluctuations. Although the cost of a bag of urea is around ₹3,000, farmers would continue to receive it at ₹266, he said.

He also assured farmers that strict action would be taken against black marketing of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.

Chouhan said the existing legal framework was inadequate to tackle the sale of fake pesticides and substandard seeds. He announced that stronger legislation covering pesticides and seeds would be introduced in the next session of Parliament, with provisions for stringent punishment for those involved in such malpractice.

The Union Minister said he would work with agricultural scientists and local farmers to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the Kota-Jhalawar region.

The roadmap would cover the entire agricultural value chain, including crop diversification, processing, marketing and exports, with the aim of improving farmers’ incomes from the farm gate to global markets.

Chouhan also called upon citizens to contribute to social causes, including tree plantation, education for daughters and efforts towards creating a drug-free society. He administered a pledge to those present and urged collective efforts to build a Viksit Rajasthan and Viksit Gaon.

Speaking on the significance of Vande Mataram, Chouhan said the song represents India’s freedom struggle, sacrifice and patriotism. He said respecting Vande Mataram was a duty of every Indian.

5 Protein Whey Supplements Worth Buying

Protein has become a key part of modern fitness, helping active individuals support recovery, build muscle and meet their daily nutritional needs. As more consumers invest in supplements, they are also becoming more conscious of what goes into their protein shake, looking beyond flavour and protein content to factors such as ingredient quality, digestibility, formulation and third-party testing. With so many options available, choosing the right whey protein can be overwhelming. Here’s a look at five whey protein supplements that stand out for different fitness goals.

1. MuscleBlaze: For Advanced Athletic Recovery 

Lifting weights needs structure, which can take in a gradual overload; MuscleBlaze has it covered with its primary product, Biozyme Gold 100% Whey, equipped with a proprietary Enhanced Absorption Formula (EAF) and fortified with probiotics to cater to a heavy training regimen. Independent third-party lab-certified, it’s the choice for athletes seeking reliable post-workout recovery. 

2. AS-IT-IS Nutrition: For Performance-Focused Training and Holistic Health

Whether you’re lifting weights, running, playing a sport or simply trying to meet your daily protein requirements, choosing the right whey protein can make a meaningful difference. ATOM Whey Protein by AS-IT-IS Nutrition combines Global-quality whey with a digestive enzyme blend to support better digestion and nutrient absorption. Backed by independent verification through Trustified and Labdoor, testing platforms widely recognised by performance athletes for quality assurance, it reflects the brand’s focus on ingredient transparency and quality assurance. Developed for athletes and individuals following structured training programmes, it supports muscle recovery, lean muscle development and an active lifestyle, making it suitable for both fitness enthusiasts and those looking to strengthen their overall nutrition routine.

3. Avvatar: For Farm-to-Gym Freshness

When you buy protein from raw material direct from milk farms, the protein is manufactured completely differently. Avvatar’s 100% Performance Whey in Cold Coffee is formulated focusing on liquid milk being processed to convert to whey that maintains native protein fractions and goes straight to manufacturing at their facility, ensuring strict quality norms on locally manufactured protein supplements. 

4. Nakpro: For Multi-Stage Protein Delivery 

Human muscles need a supply of amino acids round the clock to keep recovering. Nakpro’s Titanium Tri-Blend protein provides steady nourishment, using a mix of several whey strains and comes with the advantage of clean profile engineering and reliable safety tests. It’s your reliable go-to for every workout.

5. Nutrabay: For Customised Stack Integration 

Whether looking to bulk, cut, or boost their overall wellness, consumers are increasingly opting for products that align perfectly with their nutrition regime. Nutrabay Gold 100% Whey Protein Concentrate provides a high-quality whey concentrate formulation formulated for daily consumption, an excellent choice for customers looking to complete their supplement stack.

Choosing the right whey protein is about finding a supplement that aligns with your fitness goals while offering quality, transparency and a formulation you can trust. Whether your priority is recovery, performance or everyday nutrition, paying attention to ingredients, testing standards and nutritional profile can help you make a more informed choice. After all, the best supplement is one that complements consistent training, balanced nutrition and long-term fitness habits.