ID: 66576
Title: A dual-platform approach to DNA methylation profiling in blood and tissue for non-invasive diagnosis of urinary bladder cancer
Author: Amandeep Singh , Bhasker Mukherjee , G. Rahul , Mukesh Singh , Jyothsana Vardhani Pabbineedi and Rattan Deep Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (10) 25 Nov. 2025 894-899 (2025)
Subject: A dual-platform approach to DNA methylation profiling in blood and tissue for non-invasive diagnosis of urinary bladder cancer
Keywords: Biomarkers, epigenetics, methylation, sequencing, urothelial.
Abstract: The present study evaluated DNA methylation as a
non-invasive biomarker for urinary bladder cancer
(UBC) by comparing blood and matched tumour tissues from 243 patients and 200 controls (110 matched
tissues). Methylation of P16, CALCA, CCNA1,
TMEM106A and AL021918.2 was profiled using whole genome bisulphite sequencing (WGBS) and validated
by methylation-specific PCR. In blood, the five-gene
panel achieved 92.3% sensitivity and 88.1% specificity;
in tissues, sensitivity was 100% with 92.7% specificity.
High blood–tissue concordance supports blood-based
methylation assays as viable, cost-effective alternatives
to cystoscopy for early detection and monitoring of
UBC.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sung, H., Ferlay, J., Siegel, R. L., Laversanne, M., Soerjomataram, I.,
Jemal, A. and Bray, F., Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN
estimates of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. CA Cancer J.
Clin., 2021, 71, 209–249; doi: 10.1186/s13148-022-01240-8
Babjuk, M. et al., European Association of Urology guidelines on non muscle-invasive bladder cancer (Ta, T1, and carcinoma in situ). Eur.
Urol., 2022, 81(1), 75–94; doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2021.08.010
Literature cited 2: Kamat, A. M. et al., Bladder cancer diagnosis and surveillance: contemporary challenges and future strategies. Nat. Rev. Urol., 2022, 19,
231–244.
Kim, S. Y. and Kim, Y., DNA methylation biomarkers in urological
cancers: a review. Cancer Sci., 2021, 112, 3915–3925.
ID: 66575
Title: Advanced hybrid deep learning methodology for Alzheimer’s disease detection
Author: Tulip Das, Chinmaya Kumar Nayak and Parthasarathi Pattnayak
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (10) 25 Nov. 2025 886-893 (2025)
Subject: Advanced hybrid deep learning methodology for Alzheimer’s disease detection
Keywords: Adam optimiser, Alzheimer’s detection, convolutional neural network, deep learning, long-short term memory
Abstract: The neurological condition known as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is typified by amyloid buildup, neuronal atrophy and mental, behavioural and cognitive changes.
The complex prodromal period of moderate cognitive impairment (MCI) has been the focus of recent research on a variety of machine learning (ML)
and deep learning (DL) techniques for AD identification. The present study shows a hybrid deep learning model combining convolutional neural networks
(CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) for early
detection of AD using magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and neuropsychological test scores. Using a test set including 60% of all the data, m = 512 MRI scans and 112
PET images, the suggested DL methods are evaluated. The model is optimised using the Adam optimiser, achieving a classification accuracy of 98.5% in
distinguishing early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI)
from cognitively normal. Results demonstrate the
model’s effectiveness in identifying early-stage AD
through automated imaging biomarker extraction.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Alickovic, E., Subasi, A. and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative., Automatic detection of Alzheimer disease based on histogram
and random forest. In International Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering, Springer, Cham, 2019, Vol. No. 73, pp. 91–96.
Adjei, P. O., Pattnayak, P., Mohanty, A., Das, T., Patnaik, S.,
Ansah, P. and Manneh, M., Deep learning for Alzheimer’s diagnosis: ResNet152V2 approach on MRI dataset. In 2024 1st International Conference on Cognitive, Green and Ubiquitous Computing (ICCGU), Bhubaneswar, India, 2024, pp. 1–6.
Literature cited 2: Cui, R., Liu, M. and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.,
RNN-based longitudinal analysis for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Comput. Med. Imaging Graph., 2019, 73, 1–10.
Fritsch, J., Wankerl, S. and Noth, E., Automatic Diagnosis of
Alzheimer’s Disease Using Neural Network Language Models. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing (ICASSP), Brighton, UK, 2019, pp. 5841–5845
ID: 66574
Title: Satellite remote sensing-based analysis of agricultural stubble burning and its impacts on air quality in Haryana
Author: Anshul Yadav, Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath and G. S. Gopikrishnan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (10) 25 Nov. 2025 876-885 (2025)
Subject: Satellite remote sensing-based analysis of agricultural stubble burning and its impacts on air quality in Haryana
Keywords: Agriculture, Haryana, HYSPLIT, stubble burning, trajectory
Abstract: The present study assesses the agricultural stubble
burning activities in Haryana, India, using satellite derived enhanced vegetation index (EVI), fire counts
and ultraviolet aerosol index (UVAI) data for the
year 2024. Haryana, situated in the northwestern Indo-Gangetic Plain, is one of the states where
the seasonal stubble burning following wheat and
paddy harvests contributes significantly to regional
air pollution. Using the monthly EVI, fire counts
and UVAI analysis, we observe two separate periods
of prominent stubble burning activities, during May
and October–November. These months show very low
EVI values close to 0, high fire counts (5746 and 2118
respectively) and UVAI values peaking above 1.0 in several regions in the state, directly related to the wheat
(May) and paddy (November) harvesting seasons. In
contrast, the monsoon season (July–September) is
characterised by persistently low UVAI values, often
below −0.75, indicating minimal aerosol loading due to
reduced burning activity and effective wet deposition of
particulates. Transitional months such as April (0.45)
and October (0.80) show a gradual increase in UVAI,
serving as precursors to the main burning phases. The
December UVAI values show a steep post-burning
decline from about 0.60 to −0.05 units, completing
the seasonal cycle. Trajectory analysis indicates that
during January and May, forward air parcel movements are directed toward the National Capital Region,
potentially exacerbating the already severe air pollution
in the area. Therefore, the present study demonstrates
the seasonal cycle of stubble burning and its impact on
the air quality of Haryana, and the potential of satellite
measurements to be used for real-time monitoring of
fire, smoke and pollution events for mitigating the
pollution.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhuvaneshwari, S., Hettiarachchi, H. and Meegoda, J. N., Crop
residue burning in India: policy challenges and potential solutions.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health, 2019, 16, 832;
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050832.
Crippa, M. et al., High resolution temporal profiles in the emissions
database for global atmospheric research. Sci. Data, 2020, 7, 121;
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-020-0462-2.
Literature cited 2: Behera, M. D. et al., COVID-19 slowdown induced improvement in air quality in India: rapid assessment using Sentinel5P TROPOMI data. Geocarto Int., 2022, 37, 8127–8147;
https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2021.1993351.
Gopikrishnan, G. S., Kuttippurath, J., Raj, S., Singh, A.
and Abbhishek, K., Air quality during the COVID–19 lockdown and unlock periods in India analyzed using satellite and
ground-based measurements. Environ. Process., 2022, 9, 28;
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-022-00585-9.
ID: 66573
Title: Mainstreaming Ayurveda healthcare modalities for the management of insomnia in geriatric populations: a scoping review of current evidence and future directions
Author: Niranjan Ram, Lalita , Meena S. Deogade , Pradip Kumar Panda and Tanuja Manoj Nesari
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (10) 25 Nov. 2025 863-875 (2025)
Subject: Mainstreaming Ayurveda healthcare modalities for the management of insomnia in geriatric populations: a scoping review of current evidence and future directions
Keywords: Ayurveda, insomnia, older adults, scoping review, traditional medicine.
Abstract: Insomnia affects 30–48% of the elderly globally and
is often managed with sedatives despite polypharmacy concerns. The present scoping review assesses
Ayurvedic alternatives for geriatric insomnia. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, a systematic search conducted until August 2024 identified
672 studies, and 14 studies were included based on
the established inclusion criteria. Due to the limited availability of geriatric-specific research, studies with mixed-age and adult populations were also
considered. Ayurvedic approaches, such as Shirodhara, Nasya and herbal formulations (including Ashwagandha, Jatamansi, Mamsyadi Kwatha and Tagaradi
yoga), have shown efficacy. While promising, there
is a need for high-quality, geriatric-focused studies.
Future research should prioritise clinical trials to
integrate Ayurveda into mainstream geriatric care.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Riemann, D. et al., The European insomnia guideline: an update on the
diagnosis and treatment of insomnia 2023. J. Sleep Res., 2023, 32(6),
e14035; doi: 10.1111/jsr.14035.
Sateia, M. J., International classification of sleep disorders-third edition: highlights and modifications. Chest, 2014, 146(5), 1387–1394;
doi: 10.1378/chest.14-0970
Literature cited 2: APA, Sleep wake disorders. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5, American Psychiatric Publishing,
American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, 2013, p .181;
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-14907-000.
Bhaskar, S., Hemavathy, D. and Prasad, S., Prevalence of chronic insomnia in adult patients and its correlation with medical comorbidities.
J. Family Med. Prim. Care, 2016, 5(4), 780–784; doi: 10.4103/2249-
4863.201153.
ID: 66572
Title: Upgradation of aviation meteorological services through installation of advanced weather observing systems in India and its impact on the accuracy of aviation forecast
Author: Anoop Kumar Mishra Gajendra Kumar Sourav Adhikary Neeti Singh Krishna Kumar Shukla Srabanti Ballav
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (10) 25 Nov. 2025 859-862 (2025)
Subject: Upgradation of aviation meteorological services through installation of advanced weather observing systems in India and its impact on the accuracy of aviation forecast
Keywords: None
Abstract: Aviation meteorology plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, efficiency and reliability of air travel. In recent years,
India has taken significant steps to upgrade its aviation meteorological services by installing advanced weather-observing
systems. The present study examines these advancements and evaluates their impact on the accuracy of aviation forecasts.
Aviation meteorological services in India are enhanced through the installation of advanced weather observing systems,
including current weather instrument systems (CWIS) on flexible masts, runway visual range (RVR) measuring systems,
and the Helicopter Automatic Weather Observing System (H-AWOS). The number of RVR increased from 48 in 2021 to
169 in 2024, resulting in a significant improvement in the visibility forecast over aerodromes across India. The visibility
forecast has improved to 74% in 2024 from 71% in 2021. Significant improvements in the forecast of precipitation and
wind speed are also reported, due to an increase in the number of DCWIS from 56 in 2021 to 134 in 2024.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Tyagi, A., Suresh, R., Jenamani, R. K., Kumar, G. and Mishra, A. K., Evolution of
aviation meteorological services in India.
MAUSAM, 2025, 76(1), 269–286.
Behera, S. K., Indian civil aviation industry: current growth and challenges. Emerging Trends in Indian Tourism and Hospitality: Transformation and Innovation, 2019,
pp. 64–70.
Literature cited 2: Abeyratne, R., Air transport in India: some
legal, regulatory and economic issues. Air
and Space Law, 2018, 43(6), 543–560.
ID: 66571
Title: Cirriped barnacles: a major threat to the economically important marine crabs in its natural environment
Author: L. Bindu, P. Arya, Deepa R. Pillai and P. T. Aneesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference:
Subject: Cirriped barnacles: a major threat to the economically important marine crabs in its natural environment
Keywords: None
Abstract: Marine crabs are the highly preferred
seafood resources available in both
domestic and export markets in India.
They are habitat-specific, ecologically
significant, and great bio-indicators of
environmental health. Most of them
belong to the family Portunidae. Barnacle infestation seems to be a major problem that affects their health
and marketability1 monly called stalked barnacles, and
among them, Octolasmis Gray, 1825
species (family: Poecilasmatidae) are
common in marine and brackishwater
ecosystems
. The impact of
barnacle infestations and related economic losses on the shellfish industry
seems to be very small or undocumented. Most studies in portunid
crabs concentrated on the rhizocephalan barnacle Sacculina spp that causes
sterilisation
. Cirripeds are com
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Saravanan, K. et al., Are we overlooking
the impact of cirriped barnacle, Octolasmis
spp. infestations on decapod crustaceans?
Morphological and molecular insights from
the disease investigation. Biologia, 2025,
80, 1353–1366; Doi: 10.1007/s11756-025-
01899-3.
Sumpton, W. D., Potter, M. A. and Smith, G.
S., Parasitism of the commercial sand crab
Portunus pelagicus (L.) by the rhizocephalan Sacculina granifera Boschma, 1973 in
Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Aust.
J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 1994, 45(2),
169–175; Doi: 10.1071/MF9940169
Literature cited 2: Ihwan, M. Z. Ikhwanuddin, M. and Marina, H., Morphological distribution of
pedunculate barnacle Octolasmis angulata(Aurivillius, 1894) on wild mud crab
genus Scylla from Setiu wetland, Terengganu coastal water, Malaysia. J. Fish. Aquat.
Sci., 2014, 9, 366–371.
Jeffries, W. B., Voris, H. K. and Yang, C.
M., Diversity and distribution of the pedunculate barnacle Octolasmis in the seas adjacent to Singapore. J. Crust. Biol., 1982, 2,
562–569.
ID: 66570
Title: Strengthening India’s energy security in a changing global context
Author: S. Dasappa
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (10) 25 Nov. 2025 851-852 (2025)
Subject: Strengthening India’s energy security in a changing global context
Keywords: None
Abstract: India, in its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by
2070, has a major goal of installing 500 GW of non-fossil
fuel capacity by 2030—an effort expected to lower cumulative CO2 emissions by approximately one billion tons.
In FY 2024–25, India generated about 1,824 TWh of electricity, with non-fossil sources accounting for around 45%.
With current annual generation at about 1,800 BU, projections for 2030 indicate energy demand could reach 2,473
TWh at a 6.4% CAGR, or 2,377 TWh at 5.8% CAGR.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66569
Title: Assessing the impact of farm ponds on agricultural resilience and economic outcomes: a drone-based analysis in Bandlapalle, Andhra Pradesh, India
Author: Stutee Gupta , Runjhun Chandra, Rajiv Kumar and M. A. Fyzee
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (9) 10 Nov. 2025 824-830 (2025)
Subject: Assessing the impact of farm ponds on agricultural resilience and economic outcomes: a drone-based analysis in Bandlapalle, Andhra Pradesh, India
Keywords: Bandlapalle, drone, farm ponds, GIS, rural livelihood
Abstract: The present study uses drone-based survey to evaluate
the effectiveness of farm ponds in Bandlapalle village.
One hundred three farm ponds across 13.7 sq. km were
mapped using high-resolution drone data. Pond boundaries were delineated from ortho-rectified images, and
water storage capacities were calculated using surface
area and depth derived from a digital elevation model
(DEM). The results showed an average pond depth of
2.73 m and a total water storage capacity of 27,810.30
cubic metres. The cost–benefit analysis demonstrates
farm ponds’ economic advantages, with significant
electricity cost reductions compared to tubewell irrigation. The stored water could irrigate approximately
25.03 ha of paddy and 62.72 ha of groundnut, resulting in an additional income of | 500,600 for paddy
and | 1,034,880 for groundnut. The present study
emphasises the value of integrating drone technology
with geospatial tools for effective farm pond monitoring and management. It offers a scalable solution to
improve water security and agricultural resilience in
drought-prone regions, with important implications for
watershed management policies and rural development
programmes
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rockström, J., Barron, J. and Fox, P., Rainwater management for increased productivity among small-holder farmers in drought-prone environments. Phys. Chem. Earth, Pt A/B/C, 2002, 27(11–22), 949–959.
López-Felices, B., Aznar-Sánchez, J. A., Velasco-Muñoz, J. F. and
Piquer-Rodríguez, M., Contribution of irrigation ponds to the sustainability of agriculture. A review of worldwide research. Sustainability,
2020, 12(13), 5425
Literature cited 2: Wisser, D., Frolking, S., Douglas, E. M., Fekete, B. M., Schumann,
A. H. and Vörösmarty, C. J., The significance of local water resources
captured in small reservoirs for crop production–A global-scale analysis. J. Hydrol., 2010, 384(3–4), 264–275.
Cofie, O. and Amede, T., Water management for sustainable agricultural intensification and smallholder resilience in sub-Saharan Africa.
Water Resour. Rural Develop., 2015, 1(6), 3–11
ID: 66568
Title: Exploring the relationship between mode selection and usage frequency in multi-day mode choice patterns for commute trips
Author: Ganesh Ambi Ramakrishnan, Karthik K. Srinivasan , Shobhit Saxena , Abdul Rawoof Pinjari , Chandra R. Bhat and Ram Pendyala
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (9) 10 November 25 806 -823 (2025)
Subject: Exploring the relationship between mode selection and usage frequency in multi-day mode choice patterns for commute trips
Keywords: Alternative-specific gamma profile, MDCEV model, multi-day mode choice, multivariate mode frequency, unimodal and multimodal segments, primary and secondary sustainable mode choice
Abstract: The present study introduces a comprehensive multiple
discrete-continuous extreme value (MDCEV) framework to study multi-day mode choice decisions among
workers in Chennai, India. Unlike the popular crosssectional models, this framework accounts for both
mode selection and mode usage dimensions simultaneously. Specifically, individuals are assumed to select a portfolio of modes with varied frequencies to
meet their diverse activity and travel requirements.
The mode shares and frequencies vary considerably
between primary (regular) and secondary (alternative)
modes. Primary modes have a high mode use frequency
(85–94%) but comprise only 38% sustainable mode
share. In contrast, secondary modes have a larger
sustainable mode share (59%) but a lower frequency
(12–18%). The proposed MDCEV model is superior to
existing models in predicting primary mode frequency
by 42–50% and secondary mode frequency by 22–29%.
The improvement in the discrete component is also substantial, ranging from 55% to 56% in terms of mode
adoption, 30–31% for primary mode shares, and about
66–67% for secondary mode shares. The MDCEV results show a complex and non-linear relationship between the mode usage intensity and the mode selection
dimensions. Specifically, the multiple-discrete nature of
mode choice and the multiple peaks in mode use frequency are represented. Additionally, the set of influential factors varies across dimensions of mode selection
and mode use frequency. Non-commute activities and
micro-access to transit influence both the likelihood of
adopting a mode and its subsequent usage frequency,
whereas features such as first- and last-mile connectivity primarily affect how often the mode is used once it
has been chosen. Furthermore, sensitivity to the ‘translation parameters’ satiation effects differs substantially
across modes, unlike in prior literature. Additionally, the model results indicate potential complementarity and substitution effects in the usage frequency
across modes. Neglecting these complex relationship can lead to a poor model fit and biased coefficients.
The models and results have significant practical implications. By utilising richer multi-day data and models, planners can differentiate the roles of key factors
in mode adoption or consideration, primary and secondary mode choice, and mode usage frequency dimensions. Illustrative policy analysis reveals that various
policy levers can be employed to encourage intensities
of primary and secondary mode usage. For instance,
improving train service network coverage affects the
frequency of primary mode, whereas direct bus services
can enhance the frequency of secondary mode usage
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Carrel, A., Vij, A. and Walker, J. L., Capturing modality styles using behavioral mixtures and longitudinal data. In International Choice
Modelling Conference 2011, Leeds, UK, 2011, pp. 1–29.
Cherchi, E., Meloni, I. and Ortúzar, J. D., The latent effect of inertia in
the choice of mode. In 13th International Conference on Travel Behavior Research, 15–20 July 2012, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto,
Canada, 2014, pp. 517–534
Literature cited 2: Cherchi, E. and Cirillo, C., A mixed logit mode choice model on panel
data: accounting for systematic and random variations in responses and
preferences. In 87th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research
Board, 13–17 January 2008, Washington, D. C., USA, 2008, p. 20.
Bhat, C. R., Incorporating observed and unobserved heterogeneity in
urban work travel mode choice modelling. Transp. Sci., 2000, 34(2),
228–238; https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.34.2.228.12306
ID: 66567
Title: Detection and mitigation of radio frequency interference in ISRO’s P-band airborne synthetic aperture radar
Author: Vetal Akshay Pandit , Prantik Chakraborty, Yogendra Sahu, Pankaj Kanti Nath and Ch. V. Narasimha Rao
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (9) 10 November 25 800-805 (2025)
Subject: Detection and mitigation of radio frequency interference in ISRO’s P-band airborne synthetic aperture radar
Keywords: P-band, RFI, SAR, spectrum, standard deviation, threshold.
Abstract: Radio frequency interference (RFI) significantly degrades the quality of synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
signals, particularly in lower-frequency bands. The
present study presents an algorithm designed to suppress RFI in P-band SAR (450 MHz) signals, thereby
improving image quality. The algorithm for RFI mitigation is not band-specific. The proposed method
identifies RFI signatures in the frequency domain by
analysing the magnitude of the complex fast Fourier
transform (FFT) for each radar pulse. RFI detection relies on statistical analysis of mean and standard deviation within defined spectral regions, flagging anomalies
that exceed a dynamic threshold. Mitigation is achieved
through the targeted replacement of spectral components for narrowband interference (NBI) and masking
for wideband interference (WBI), while strictly preserving phase information. Additionally, a calibrated
noise signal, with its own RFI components removed, is
coherently subtracted in the FFT domain to enhance
the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The algorithm was rigorously tested using data collected by the Indian Space
Research Organisation’s (ISRO) first P-band airborne
SAR during flight campaigns near Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Results demonstrate the algorithm’s effectiveness in suppressing RFI, leading to a notable 8 dB
improvement in noise equivalent sigma zero (NESZ)
and significant visual enhancements in SAR imagery.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Wegmuller, U., Werner, C. and Strozzi, T., SAR interferometric and
differential interferometric processing chain. In 1998 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Sensing and Managing the Environment, Symposium Proceedings. (Cat. No. 98CH36174), IEEE,
1998, vol. 2, pp. 1106–1108.
Van Zyl, J., Synthetic aperture radar polarimetry. John Wiley & Sons,
2011, pp. 201–287.
Literature cited 2: Almeida, M. M. R., Miranda, J. S. and Rodrigues, J. C. M., Review of
P-band SAR for forest biomass estimation: challenges and opportunities. Remote Sens., 2020, 12(18), 2963.
Quegan, S., The BIOMASS Mission: understanding Earth’s forest carbon cycle. ESA Bulleti
ID: 66566
Title: Assessing NO2 pollution in Delhi, India: a geospatial approach to urbanisation and land use impacts
Author: Shilpi , Saiveena Suresh , T. Jayanthi and S. V. S. R. Krishna Kishore
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (9) 10 November 25 794 -799 (2025)
Subject: Assessing NO2 pollution in Delhi, India: a geospatial approach to urbanisation and land use impacts
Keywords: Air pollutants, air quality, geographically weighted regression, Google Earth Engine, LULC, Sentinel-2.
Abstract: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major air pollutant in
cities, significantly affecting air quality and public
health. The present study examines the spatial link
between NO2 levels and different land use/land cover
(LULC) in Delhi, India, for the year 2023. The study
explores the connection between NO2 pollution and
six types of LULC: cropland, tree cover, shrubland,
grassland, built-up areas, and permanent water bodies. The land cover product for the mentioned LULC
types was taken from the Sentinel-2 and handled in
Google Earth Engine. Then, each LULC type was
approximated to determine its effect on NO2 distribution. The findings will help improve the understanding of NO2 pollution in Delhi. They will also
provide useful information for urban planning, environmental management, and policy development
to reduce air pollution and its related health risks.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: WHO, WHO global air quality guidelines: particulate matter (PM2.5
and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2021.
Apte, J. S., Brauer, M., Cohen, A. J., Ezzati, M. and Pope, C. A.,
Ambient PM2.5 and NO2 air pollution exposure and global burden of
disease. Lancet Planet. Health, 2022, 6, e494–e516.
Literature cited 2: Gurjar, B. R., Butler, T. M., Lawrence, M. G. and Lelieveld, J., Evaluation of emissions and air quality in megacities. Atmos. Environ., 2016,
40, 5832–5846.
Singh, P., Ghosh, S. K. and Kumar, R., Spatio-temporal analysis of
NO2 pollution in Delhi using satellite remote sensing and groundbased observations. Environ. Pollut., 202
ID: 66565
Title: Optimisation and implementation of an ANN-based model for adsorption of ferrous ion from groundwater using banana stem-derived activated carbon
Author: Reenarani Wairokpam, Lairenlakpam Helena and Potsangbam Albino Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (9) 10 November 25 780 -793 (2025)
Subject: Optimisation and implementation of an ANN-based model for adsorption of ferrous ion from groundwater using banana stem-derived activated carbon
Keywords: Activated carbon, adsorption, artificial neural network, banana stem, kinetics
Abstract: The present study examines the potential of banana
stem-derived activated carbon (ACBS) for removing
ferrous ions from groundwater, supported by artificial neural network modelling. Batch experiments
were conducted to evaluate adsorption performance.
Kinetic studies indicated that adsorption followed
Lagergren’s pseudo-order and intra-particle diffusion mechanisms, while equilibrium data fitted best
with the Langmuir isotherm, suggesting monolayer
adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated
the process to be spontaneous and endothermic,
with positive entropy change indicating enhanced
disorder at the solid–solution interface. The artificial neural network (ANN) model effectively predicted
adsorption behaviour, achieving a mean squared error of 0.00173 for ACBS, confirming its reliability.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ketsela, G., Animen, Z. and Telema, A., Adsorption of lead (II), cobalt
(II) and iron (II) from aqueous solution by activated carbon prepared
from white lupine (GIBITO) HSUK. J. Thermodyn. Catal., 2020,
11(1), 1–8.
Oktrianty, M., Palapa, N. R., Mohadi, R. and Lesbani, A., Effective
removal of iron (II) from aqueous solution by adsorption using Zn/Cr
layered double hydroxides intercalated with Keggin ion. J. Ecol. Eng.,
2020, 21(5), 63–71
Literature cited 2: Aziz, H. A., Shakr, S. N. M., Akbar, N. A. and Alazaiza, M. Y. D., The
removal efficiency of iron and manganese from pre-ozonated groundwater using limestone filter. Water Qual. Res. J., 2020, 55(2), 1–17.
Salimi, A. H., Shamshiri, A., Jaberi, E., Huang, Y. F., Ahmed, A. N.
and Elshafie, A., Total iron removal from aqueous solution by using
modified clinoptilolite. Ain Shams Eng. J., 2022, 13, 101495–101508
ID: 66564
Title: Optimising the resilience of wheat to a changing climate in North Kashmir, India
Author: S. Sheraz Mahdi, Rukhsana Jan , Owais Ali Wani , Alexandre S. Gagnon , M. Anwar Bhat , F. A. Bahar , Reyazul Rouf Mir , Bhagyashree S. Dhekale , S. A. Bangroo and Raies Ahmed Bhat
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (9) 10 November 25 772 -779 (2025)
Subject: Optimising the resilience of wheat to a changing climate in North Kashmir, India
Keywords: Climate change, India, North Kashmir, phenology, sowing window, wheat.
Abstract: Three field experiments were conducted to assess the
performance of various spring wheat genotypes, viz.,
SKAU-101 (V1), SKAU-102 (V2) and Shalimar Wheat2 (V3). These genotypes were sown on different dates:
15 October (S1), 1 November (S2) and 15 November (S3)
during the 2020–2021 winter (rabi) season. Randomised
complete block design (RCBD) was employed for the
experimental setup in North Kashmir, India. This design facilitated a thorough examination of each genotype’s response to the different planting dates within
the specified agroecological context. The crops sown
on 15 October showed superior growth, phenology and
yield (4.01 t ha-1 for grain). The SKAU-102 variety required less time to reach various phenological stages,
matured 5–12 days earlier than the other two genotypes, and produced a higher yield; the highest yield
(4.4 t ha-1) was observed with the SKAU-102 genotype
when sown early (V2S1). Furthermore, climate change
trends in the region from 1980 to 2021 revealed statistically significant increases in maximum and minimum
temperatures at a rate of 0.02°C per year, accompanied by a decreasing trend in precipitation at a rate
of -4.53 mm per year, which, if they continue, can adversely affect wheat growth, development and yield.
Considering the ongoing climate changes and the findings from field experiments, it is advisable to sow the
wheat genotype SKAU-102 by 15 October to achieve the
earliest maturity and the highest yield, in contrast to
the typical sowing date of mid-November in the region.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: United States Department of Agriculture. Wheat Outlook-WHS-22d,
National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2022, p. 16.
FAOSTAT, Food and Agriculture Organization, 2022;
https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data (accessed on 6 April 2023)
Literature cited 2: Saddiq, M. S., Afzal, I., Iqbal, S., Hafeez, M. B. and Raza, A., Low
leaf sodium content improves the grain yield and physiological performance of wheat genotypes in saline-sodic soil. Pesqui. Agropecu.
Trop., 2021, 51, e67663.
Wasaya, A., Manzoor, S., Yasir, T. A., Sarwar, N., Mubeen, K. and Ismail, I. A., Evaluation of fourteen bread wheat genotypes by observing
gas exchange parameters, relative water and chlorophyll content, and
yield attributes under drought stress. Sustainability, 2021, 13(9), 4799
ID: 66563
Title: Strengthening institutional resilience for radiation emergency management in India
Author: Dinesh Kumar Aswal , Probal Chaudhury and Anirudh Chandra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (9) 10 November 25 767 -771 (2025)
Subject: Strengthening institutional resilience for radiation emergency management in India
Keywords: None
Abstract: India’s growing nuclear programme requires stronger preparedness for radiation emergencies. Current emergency
governance rests on two pillars: nuclear institutions under the Department of Atomic Energy, and the national disaster
management system led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). While both are established, gaps persist in statutory authority, technical–administrative coordination, plan integration, state-level readiness, inter-ministerial
mandates, and medical capacity. This commentary benchmarks India’s framework against U.S. and Japanese models, and
proposes reforms: strengthening nuclear legislature, establishing a permanent technical body, updating NDMA guidelines, harmonising institutions under unified command, and investing in health and technology. These measures would
embed interoperability and resilience, and align India with global best practices in radiation emergency management.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Grover, R. B., Curr. Sci., 2025, 128(3),
240–244.
United Nations, Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, The
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sendai, 2015
Literature cited 2: Disaster Management Division, Global
Frameworks for DRR. Ministry of Home
Affairs, Government of India, 2017;
https://ndmindia.mha.gov.in/ndmi/globalframeworks-for-drr (accessed on 8 September 2025).
Ministry of Home Affairs, Disaster
Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Press Information Bureau, 22 July 2025;
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.as
px?PRID=2146781 (accessed on 8 September 2025)
ID: 66562
Title: Magnon spectroscopy: a breakthrough in nanoscale magnetism and spintronics
Author: V. Shree Yazhini
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (9) 10 November 25 765 -766 (2025)
Subject: Magnon spectroscopy: a breakthrough in nanoscale magnetism and spintronics
Keywords: None
Abstract: The miniaturisation of electronic
devices involves primary technical
challenges due to the proximity of
conventional charge-based transistors to physical limits. The problems
of heat management and the limitations of information transfer speed are
driving researchers to explore alternative technologies. A potential solution to this problem is spintronics,
which leverages the combined charge
and spin characteristics of electrons,
offering non-volatility, higher data
processing rates, increased integration densities, and significantly lower
power consumption rates1
. This
revolutionary approach could transform the way we store and process
information in the new technology.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Barla, P., Joshi, V. K. and Bhat, S., J. Comput. Electron., 2021, 20, 805–837.
Lyon, K., Bergman, A., Zeiger, P., Kepaptsoglou, D., Ramasse, Q. M., Idrobo, J. C.
and Rusz, J., Phys. Rev. B., 2021, 104,
214418.
Literature cited 2: Husain, S. and Ramesh, R., npj Spintronics,
2025, 3, 1–6.
Xiong, D. et al., Fundam. Res., 2022, 2,
522–534.