CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The book in English by Nirmala James, E. K. Janaki Ammal: Life and Scientific Contributions (published by Enview Research and Development) was released on the scientist’s 125th birth anniversary at a function organised by the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation (CBC) under the Botany Department, University of Kerala.

Detailed explanation-2: -She produced many hybrid brinjal varieties (the Indian name for eggplant). Two awards were instituted in her name in 1999: EK Janaki Ammal National Award on Plant Taxonomy and EK Janaki Ammal National Award on Animal Taxonomy.

Detailed explanation-3: -Janaki Ammal Edathil Kakkat was an Indian botanist who conducted scientific research in cytogenetics and phytogeography. Her most notable work involves those on sugarcane and the eggplant. She has collected various valuable plants of medicinal and economic value from the rain forests of Kerala.

Detailed explanation-4: -To celebrate her remarkable career and contribution to plant science, two Indian plant breeders, Girija and Viru Viraraghavan have bred a new rose, which they have named ‘E.K. Janaki Ammal’.