Ficus septica, also known as the septic fig or hauili, is a significant plant with diverse uses. It plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a food source for various animals and helps with soil stabilization. Additionally, it has a history of medicinal uses, particularly in traditional medicine, and is studied for potential anticancer and antimicrobial properties.
Ecological Significance:
Food Source:
Ficus septica's fruits are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other animals, contributing to biodiversity.
Soil Stabilization:
The tree's extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion, particularly in disturbed areas.
Habitat:
It provides shelter and habitat for various species, supporting the overall ecosystem.
Keystone Species:
In some regions, it's considered a keystone species, meaning its presence significantly impacts the structure and function of the ecosystem.
Medicinal Significance:
Traditional Medicine:
Ficus septica has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and rheumatism.
Anticancer Potential:
Studies have explored its potential anticancer properties, particularly against breast cancer cell lines.
Antimicrobial Properties:
Extracts from Ficus septica have shown antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi.
Other Potential Benefits:
Research has also investigated its potential in treating other conditions like liver cancer and dengue fever.
Other Significance:
Air Purification: Some sources suggest it has air-purifying qualities when grown indoors.
Edible Fruit: The fruits of Ficus septica are edible and can be used to make jams.
Traditional Uses: It's been used in various traditional practices, like treating skin ulcers and dysentery.
Ficus septica: Introduction – THE FIGS OF BORNEO
In summary, Ficus septica is a valuable plant with ecological, medicinal, and cultural significance. Its role in supporting biodiversity, its potential medicinal properties, and its traditional uses highlight its importance in various contexts.
Centre Grants Section 54EC Tax Benefit Status to IREDA Bonds
ReplyDeletePosted On: 10 JUL 2025 12:57PM by PIB Delhi
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under the Ministry of Finance has notified bonds issued by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) as ‘long-term specified asset’ under section 54EC of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The notification came into effect from July 9, 2025.
As per the notification, bonds redeemable after five years and issued by IREDA on or after the notification date will qualify for tax exemption benefits under section 54EC, of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which allows capital gains tax exemption on investments in specified bonds. The proceeds from these bonds will be utilised exclusively for renewable energy projects capable of servicing debt through their project revenues, without dependence on State Governments for debt servicing.
Eligible investors can save tax on Long Term Capital Gain (LTCG) up to Rs. 50 Lakhs by investing in these Bonds in a Financial Year. IREDA will get benefit in terms of lower cost of funds, which is a significant development for the renewable energy sector, in turn to support the expeditious development of RE sector.
Welcoming the notification, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, IREDA, said, “We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and Central Board of Direct Taxes for this valuable policy initiative. This recognition by the Government reinforces IREDA’s pivotal role in accelerating renewable energy financing in the country. The tax-exempt status for our bonds will offer an attractive investment avenue while ensuring increased capital availability for green energy projects, contributing to India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2030.”
This move is expected to attract wider participation from investors seeking tax-saving instruments and strengthen the renewable energy financing ecosystem in the country.
25 Crore Soil Health Cards Distributed; Kisan Credit Cards Ensuring Wider Credit Access: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal
ReplyDeletePM-KISAN Benefitted Crores of Farmers; 1,400 Mandis Linked with e-NAM to Strengthen Market Access: Shri Piyush Goyal
FTAs with Australia, UAE, EFTA Nations, and UK Along with Supportive Policies Driving Agricultural Growth: Shri Goyal
Farmers are Key Contributors to Atmanirbhar Bharat and “Local Goes Global” Vision: Shri Piyush Goyal
Posted On: 10 JUL 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, during his address at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave in New Delhi yesterday stated that 25 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers to promote balanced fertiliser usage, and crop loans have been made accessible through the Kisan Credit Card initiative.
Further Shri Goyal said that, the Government has consistently placed the agricultural sector at the forefront of its development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a large number of farmer families have benefitted from the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme. Additionally, 1,400 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM platform, enabling farmers across the country to access real-time information on crop prices and enhance market linkages.
In the fertiliser sector, the Central Government has provided substantial subsidies to ensure that farmers receive fertilisers at affordable prices. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, timely fertiliser supply to farmers was ensured.
He noted that India’s agricultural sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience—even amid global market turbulence and declining export trends. The efforts of Indian farmers have contributed to a stable agri-export performance, with agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries exports reaching ₹4 lakh crore. The farming community has played a key role in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and turning the “Local Goes Global” vision into a reality.
Shri Goyal said that India’s farmers have been instrumental in the global success of products such as basmati and other varieties of rice, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables, horticulture and floriculture produce, as well as in the fisheries and poultry sectors. With supportive policies, fiscal incentives, reduced tariff barriers, and new market access through Free Trade Agreements developed countries including Australia, the UAE, the EFTA nations, and the UK, the agriculture sector has witnessed significant progress.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that further development would take place in seed production and quality, natural and organic farming, and irrigation—including drip irrigation. He emphasised the Government’s focus on promoting digital agriculture by introducing Artificial Intelligence, geospatial technology, weather prediction systems, vertical farming, and AI-enabled tools. These innovations, he noted, would support Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and cooperatives.
The Minister further stated that value addition through food processing, along with improvements in design, branding, and packaging, will boost agriculture's contribution to the economy. Various government schemes and programmes, along with funds allocated to agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, are aimed at strengthening warehousing and storage infrastructure.
Shri Goyal affirmed that the Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains fully committed to ensuring a secure and prosperous future for India’s farmers, reaffirming that agriculture remains a key engine in the journey of Viksit Bharat.