Carnivorous plant

A tiny flowering plant found at Shirui Kashung peak, the natural habitat of Manipur state flower Shirui Lily (Lilium Mackliniae) in Ukhrul district has turned out to be a carnivorous plant, according to a report in the Guwahati-based Assam Tribune. The plant, which grows up to nine cm to 32 cm with finger-nail size five-petal white flowers, was spotted by a team comprising of nature lovers during their recent visit to Shirui Peak, 2,835 metres above sea level, in the first week of June.

The identity of the flower has been established as Shield Sundew (Drosera peltata), a carnivorous plant. It is popularly known as Paamgaa in Nepali and Kitas in Hindi. It is also available in other places including the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand.

The upper leaves are the strangest leaves one would get to see. They are shaped like shields, which probably is the origin of its common name. These shield-shaped leaves have hundreds of tentacles, which hold a gland that produces the dew. When an insect gets stuck to some dew, more tentacles move to get the dew covered glands against the insect to keep it from escaping. The glands atop the tentacles then secrete acids and enzymes, which dissolve the insect, the website www.flowersofindia.net says.

The glands then re-absorb the nutrient-rich fluid. The leaf stalk attaches to the centre of the shield. Generally, each short stem has one or two leaves and a terminal single flower, which is flat, the website added.

New fellowship

In a first, YouthNet in collaboration with Godrej launched the “Salon-I Fellowship” in Kohima with the aim of empowering women entrepreneurs in the area of beauty and wellness through life skills and gender sensitisation, says a report in the Dimapur-based Morung Express. Lezo Putsure, director, YouthNet, mentioned that their partnership with Godrej is only growing stronger each year and this year, they will focus on building leadership and entrepreneurship skills for women entrepreneurs.

Keneingunuo, a beneficiary of the “beautypreneur” project thanked Godrej and YouthNet for providing the platform. The event was graced by Hindi film director, Imtiaz Ali, compered by Anini Nyenga and a brief glimpse of the project was given by Moainla Jamir and a highlight of the project was presented by Velütalü Puro. Under the YouthNet- Godrej Salon-I Fellowship, 20 entrepreneurs now will have a nine month-journey of learning new skills as well as business know-how.

A press note added that the project specifically aims at equipping micro- entrepreneurs in the space of beauty with up-skilling and helping them grow and develop a sustainable business model.

Rahman on board

The Assam Tribune reports that Academy Award-winning music composer AR Rahman has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Sikkim government, an official notification said. Rahman will promote the state’s achievements nationally and globally, the notification added.

Sikkim, with its natural and pristine beauty, has over the last two decades emerged as a world famous eco-tourism destination, besides attaining a distinct identity as the first fully organic farming state of the country, it said on Monday.

The state government had earlier this year made Rahman its brand ambassador of tourism and business.