M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in collaboration with the KIIT University, SRM University and Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development has rescheduled the 7th Indian Youth Science Congress for 26 - 28 February, 2016 at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

One of our great blessings is the adherence to secular democracy expressed through our Parliament. Unfortunately off late disruptions of Parliamentary work are becoming more frequent as often pointed out by our Rashtrapati.

New Species Identified by MSSRF adds fillip to biodiversity conservation. Dendrobium anilii (Orchidaceae), a new species from the Southern Western Ghats, India has been identified adding fillip to M S Swaminathan Research Foundation’s contribution to the study of Angiosperm plant diversity. The new species identified by MSSRF staffer P M Salim has been named in recognition of Dr N Anil Kumar Director, MSSRF’s Biodiversity programme. Dr Anil has contributed to conservation of a number of species for over two decades.

On 13th October the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away. He was a much loved President and was a stabilising force in Thailand.

Most of the media reports relating to farmers and farming in our country usually relate to agrarian distress and farmer suicides.

We are currently in the midst of Make in India week (13-18 February 2016) This is a welcome revival of the Swadeshi Approach of Mahatma Gandhi of which the Charka and Khadi became the most powerful symbols.

Indian Public Library Movement's (IPLM) partners the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the P N Panicker Foundation (PNPF) organised a knowledge exchange visit to three public libraries in Kerala. On 06 - 08 February, 2017, MSSRF organised the first convening for its INELI India Cohort - 2 at Poovar Island, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The event saw participation of more than 20 public librarians from various parts of India.

Dr Bruce Alberts, one of world’s leading biological scientists and former President of the US National Academy of Sciences, has emphasised the urgency of empowering great teachers’ in order to improve the quality of education.

According to the intergovernmental panel on climate change, a rise in sea level will be one of the consequences of global warming. More than 25% of the global population live near the sea.

The concept of the Anthropocene makes clear humans’ current geological role in making resources, and not just using them.

The Centenary of Bharat Ratna M S Subbulakshmi is being marked across the world and in India. As a tribute to the musician and the person, a programme is being held at M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

The 29th Annual General Body Meeting of the Centre for Research on Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (CRSARD) was held at MSSRF, Chennai on September 20, 2016.