Prakash Kumar

AUTHOR(S): Prakash Kumar, Rajesh Baitha, Mukesh Kumar, Shikandar Prasad, Anand Prakash, Raushani Suman ABSTRACT

Composer G.V. Prakash Kumar and Sivakarthikeyan of Parasakthi fame also took to social media to express their disappointment …read more

Enterprise IT is being redefined as hybrid work, data growth, and cybersecurity demands push organisations to build scalable, secure, and integrated digital infrastructure.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of steroid molecules perceived at the cell surface that act as plant hormones. The BR receptor BRASSINOSTEROID I...

BackgroundFirst-trimester combined screening using biochemical and ultrasonographic markers is widely employed for early identification of pregnancies at increased risk for fetal screening-based high risk status. However, contemporary Indian data evaluating the performance of these screening markers and their follow-up outcomes remain limited.ObjectivesTo evaluate the association of maternal clinico-demographic characteristics and first-trimester biochemical and ultrasonographic markers with chromosomal anomaly risk status and to assess follow-up outcomes of high-risk pregnancies.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional analytical study included 164 pregnant women who underwent first-trimester aneuploidy screening between 11 and 13+6 weeks of gestation at a tertiary care centre. Maternal demographic characteristics, biochemical markers [free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A)], and ultrasonographic parameters [nuchal translucency (NT) and crown-rump length (CRL)] were analysed. Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact test, Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate the discriminatory performance of biochemical markers for identifying pregnancies classified as high risk by first-trimester screening.ResultsOf the 164 participants, 10 (6.1%) were classified as high risk for chromosomal anomalies. Maternal clinico-demographic variables showed no significant association with high risk of chromosomal anomaly, except for the gravida category (p=0.026). High-risk pregnancies demonstrated significantly higher free β-hCG levels and free β-hCG multiples of the median (MoM) values and significantly lower PAPP-A and PAPP-A MoM values compared with low-risk pregnancies (all p<0.01). NT thickness also differed significantly between groups (p=0.042), whereas CRL showed no significant difference. ROC analysis demonstrated good predictive performance for free β-hCG MoM (AUC=0.76, p=0.006), while low PAPP-A MoM showed excellent discriminatory performance after inversion of direction [area under the curve (AUC)=0.937], indicating a strong association with screening-based high-risk status. All 10 high-risk pregnancies underwent non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT); one pregnancy had a high-risk NIPT result that was subsequently confirmed by amniocentesis as a chromosomal anomaly, resulting in medical termination of pregnancy.ConclusionCombined first-trimester screening using free β-hCG, PAPP-A, and ultrasonographic assessment effectively identified pregnancies at increased screening risk for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. These findings should be interpreted cautiously because only one chromosomal abnormality was confirmed.

The Telugu film industry is abuzz with praise for veteran actor Mohan Babu, following heartfelt comments from director Ajay Bhupathi. Bhupathi, known for his stylish filmmaking, has openly lauded Mohan Babu’s exceptional talent and dedication to the craft, marking a significant moment of admiration between two generations of filmmakers. This appreciation comes ahead of the release of their collaborative project, ‘Sreenivasa Mangapuram,’ scheduled for a grand release on July 30th. The director’s enthusiastic words have sparked considerable excitement surrounding the film and rekindled appreciation for Mohan Babu’s decades-long career. Bhupathi’s admiration isn’t merely professional courtesy; it’s a deeply felt recognition of a cinematic icon whose influence stretches across several generations of moviegoers. The anticipation surrounding ‘Sreenivasa Mangapuram’ has undoubtedly soared following this public endorsement, promising a compelling cinematic experience enhanced by the combined creative energies of a celebrated director and a legendary actor. This isn’t just a film release; it’s a celebration of artistic talent and a testament to the enduring power of impactful filmmaking. It underscores the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the pillars of the Telugu cinema industry, figures like Mohan Babu who have consistently delivered memorable performances and contributed significantly to the evolution of the art form. The buzz surrounding the film goes beyond just the cast and crew; it’s a community-wide excitement for a potential masterpiece.

Wheat productivity is increasingly threatened by inefficient irrigation practices and declining groundwater resources.

Vishal’s directorial debut, *Makutam*, released on August 14, 2026, arrives with considerable anticipation. Vishal, a well-established name in South Indian cinema, takes on the dual responsibility of leading the cast and helming the direction, a bold move that unfortunately doesn’t quite pay off. The film, starring Vishal alongside Anjali and Dushara Vijayan, attempts to weave a tale of family, betrayal, and revenge, but ultimately falters under the weight of a predictable plot, sluggish pacing, and a lack of compelling narrative innovation. While Vishal’s commitment to the project is evident, and certain performances shine, *Makutam* feels like a missed opportunity, a film that promises much but delivers little in the way of genuine cinematic excitement. The initial premise, hinting at a man leading a double life and the tragic consequences that unfold, held potential, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The film’s rating of 2/5 reflects these shortcomings, indicating a viewing experience that is ultimately disappointing, particularly for those familiar with Vishal’s previous work. It’s a film that struggles to distinguish itself within the crowded landscape of action dramas, relying too heavily on tropes and clichés rather than forging its own unique identity. The weight of expectation, coupled with the challenges of a first-time director, appears to have hampered the film’s overall impact.

Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) is an economically and nutritionally important aquatic crop. In recent years, rapid progress in genomic and transcriptomic studies has advanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying growth, development, stress tolerance, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in this species. The availability of a high-quality reference genome and developmental stage-specific transcriptome datasets has facilitated the identification of key structural and regulatory genes involved in flavonoid, lignin, and starch biosynthesis, as well as in physiological and evolutionary adaptation to the aquatic environment. Despite these advances, molecular studies on E. ferox remain limited, and functional validation research is largely lacking. In addition, genetic diversity analysis has been performed using RAPD and SSR markers, which are useful for crop improvement programs. However, to date, no review in the public domain specifically focuses on molecular studies of E. ferox; therefore, this review presents a novel synthesis of current molecular knowledge and emerging research directions. Future prospects emphasize the integration of multi-omics approaches, genome-wide association studies, and modern gene-editing platforms such as CRISPR-Cas9 to improve metabolite production, enhance stress tolerance, increase yield, and develop improved genotypes or superior accessions. Such knowledge will help to accelerate genetic improvement strategies and promote sustainable utilization of E. ferox.