Aging is a universal biological process that affects all living organisms. New findings in cellular and molecular biology show that aging is not just a passive decline. It?s an active process and is highly regulated. It includes key pathways like mTOR, sirtuins, and NAD? metabolism. This article looks at new interventions that aim to delay aging and extend healthspan by targeting specific pathways. Traditional Indian medicine, particularly Ayurveda, has long advocated practices for promoting longevity. Here, we examine how modern science is beginning to support these ancient ideas and how Indian labs are playing a pivotal role in helping the world understand and alter the biology of aging.

Forest farming, a form of agroforestry, is a sustainable agricultural practice that integrates trees with other high-value crops. Sustainable soil enrichment is essential for the success of forest farming, where ensuring both productivity and ecological balance depends on the complex interactions between plants and diverse soil microbial communities. The use of microbial biofertilizers and biostimulants offers a sustainable, eco-friendly strategy to enhance soil health and stimulate plant growth by improving nutrient availability, strengthening tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and reducing dependence on synthetic chemicals. Biofertilizers including nitrogen fixing bacteria, phosphate- and potassium-solubilizing microbes, and mycorrhizal fungi play a key role in nutrient cycling. Furthermore, the microbes or microbial consortia involved in organic matter decomposition and carbon sequestration contribute to improving soil health and formation of beneficial soil structures. Likewise, biostimulants such as microbial consortia, protein-based compounds, compost, and humic substances enhance soil microbial activity, encourage root development, and improve overall plant vigor. Incorporating these biological amendments into forest farming promotes long-term soil fertility, fosters biodiversity, and strengthens ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and water retention. This strategy supports sustainable land management, providing an effective means to boost productivity while safeguarding the integrity of forest ecosystem. This article highlights the role of different microbes in forest farming and the effect of application of different biofertlizers and biostimulants on growth and development of various tree crops under normal as well stress conditions.

Micronutrients are essential for optimal growth and productivity in plantation crops such as tea, coffee, rubber and coconut. These elements, including zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron and molybdenum, serve as cofactors in enzymatic reactions and play critical roles in photosynthesis, nutrient assimilation and stress response mechanisms. Deficiencies disrupt metabolic pathways, leading to physiological disorders that compromise yield and crop quality. Scientific studies demonstrate that targeted micronutrient management-through soil amendments, foliar applications and precision fertilization, can significantly enhance nutrient use efficiency. Research indicates that optimized micronutrient regimens increase productivity by 15-30% while reducing environmental impacts associated with conventional fertilization. This synthesis highlights the importance of evidence-based micronutrient strategies to address the unique nutritional demands of perennial cropping systems under changing climatic conditions.