Two new species of Fabaceae-Papilionoideae are described and illustrated. Crotalaria suffruticosa from Karul Ghat region of Maharashtra is morphologically close to C. albida and C. epunctata. C. multibracteata from Panhala region of Maharashtra resembles C. vestita. C. suffruticosa differs from C. albida and C. epunctata in its habit, leaf, inflorescence, callosity, keel type, stigma, style morphology and number of seeds/pod. To test if the new species differ from their morphologically most similar species, we measured various traits and performed a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This analysis shows that the new species differs from similar species in gross morphology for several diagnostic traits and showed correlations between the variables or distance among groups and estimated the contribution of each character. Phylogenetic analyses were also conducted based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK) markers. The analyses revealed nucleotide differences between the new species and their close allies attributing to their distinctiveness. A map and key including all species of Crotalaria from Maharashtra state are provided. Conservation status of the two new species have also been assessed.

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The outbreak of novel corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic possesses the potential to arise an unprecedented growth of mental health care needs among the general population. The present study aims to understand the knowledge of possible symptoms, stress and anxiety triggers and mental health care needs related to COVID-19 pandemic among the general population of India. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted across India. In order to conduct the survey, an online survey tool (semi-structured questionnaire) was prepared using google forms. Apart from having an informed consent, the survey tool comprised 42-item questions addressing the background characters of the participants and the pertinent issues related to the study. Snowball sampling technique was adopted in the study, and the questionnaire was sent to the contacts of the surveyors. All the participants were further requested to forward the tool in their respective contacts. A total 284 respondents were covered under the survey. More than 50% of participants reported having some professional loss in the current pandemic lockdown phase and 74% of the respondents reported having stress about their business or employment in the coming times. Majority (77%) of respondents agreed on the importance of professional mental help but 40% reported not likely to take professional help if they experience extreme stress and anxiety due to COVID-19. The educated people realise the significance of mental health care needs but majority of them decline to take a professional help even after realising the extreme anxiety. It is imperative for the government to amplify the awareness programmes addressing the mental health care needs and its importance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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