ID: 66026
Title: De-notified and notified protected area: Kappathagudda Wildlife Sanctuary and its importance for the conservation of mammals in the Deccan Plateau of Karnataka, India
Author: Santanu Mahato, Honnavalli N. Kumara and S. Babu
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 746-755 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: De-notified and notified protected area: Kappathagudda Wildlife Sanctuary and its importance for the conservation of mammals in the Deccan Plateau of Karnataka, India
Keywords: Human disturbance, mammals, spatial overlap, temporal segregation, wildlife sanctuary.
Abstract: The Deccan Plateau of peninsular India is a semi-arid
region that falls between the Eastern and Western
Ghats. The region, though unique and rich in biodiversity, has been ignored in terms of conservation and research. Many of the grasslands and scrub forests of
these plains have been overexploited by mining or wind
energy farms, assuming that they are just ‘barren
lands’. Many areas have undergone several denotifications and renotifications as Protected Areas. The Kappathagudda Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Karnataka is
one such area that has been overlooked by the management for a long time due to a lack of information on
its biodiversity and awareness regarding its importance.
We studied the presence and activity patterns of mammals using 20 camera traps for 1035 trap nights and
recorded 18 species of large mammals, including three antelopes: four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), chinkara (Gazella bennettii), and blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), along with the major carnivores of
the plains: gray wolf (Canis lupus), striped hyaena
(Hyaena hyaena), leopard (Panthera pardus), and golden jackal (Canis aureus). The presence of mammals
was less in the areas where human activity was high.
Mammals showed high adjustment by shifting their regular activity patterns to avoid humans. Records of the
gray wolf and striped hyaena added conservation values
to the WLS. However, the Sanctuary has experienced
rapid and unsustainable habitat alteration that requires a suitable scientific management strategy.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bardgett, R. D. et al., Combatting global grassland degradation.
Nature Rev. Earth Environ., 2021, 2, 720–735.
McGahey, D., Jonathan, D., Nora H. and Robert M. O., Pastoralism
and the Green Economy: A Natural Nexus? IUCN and UNEP, Nairobi, 2014, p
Literature cited 2: Bengtsson, J. et al., Grasslands – more important for ecosystem
services than you might think. Ecosphere, 2019, 10, e02582.
Madhusudan, M. D. and Vanak, A. T., Mapping the distribution
and extent of India’s semi‐arid open natural ecosystems. J. Biogeogr.,
2023, 50, 1377–1387.
ID: 66025
Title: Cryptofauna monitoring structure: an efficient tool for biodiversity monitoring in coral lagoons
Author: R. Raghuraman, Jukenti Nikita, S. Govindan, C. Viswanathan, M. Gopi, J. Joyson Joe Jeevamani, V. Deepak Samuel, R. Purvaja and R. Ramesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 740-746 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Cryptofauna monitoring structure: an efficient tool for biodiversity monitoring in coral lagoons
Keywords: Biodiversity, coral lagoons, cryptofauna, habitats, islands
Abstract: Cryptofauna are an overlooked faunal group due to
their hidden nature and the use of conventional survey
methods, despite playing a significant role in the ecosystem complex as keystone taxa. In this study, a structural
framework, viz. cryptofauna monitoring structure
(CMS) was developed to assess cryptofauna living in
the lagoon reef environment and their preference to
various substrates. The efficiency of CMS modules was
tested by deploying them in coral lagoons in Agatti and
Kavaratti of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, India. A
total of 24 CMS units, sets of four, were deployed in
these islands at live coral, dead coral and sandy habitat
sites. Retrieval of CMS units revealed a total of 424 individuals of motile and sessile organisms representing 12
different taxonomic groups collected. Among the habitats, the sandy area had a high taxa number while the
dead coral area had a high taxa abundance. Polychaetes
and gastropods were the dominant faunal groups
regardless of habitat and island. The present study suggests that CMS can be an efficient tool to assess
cryptofauna diversity, which could make monitoring
cryptobionts more affordable and environment-friendly.
In addition, this study lays the foundation for research
into cryptic reef benthos in India
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Danovaro, R. et al., Implementing and innovating marine monitoring approaches for assessing marine environmental status. Front.
Mar. Sci., 2016, 3, 213.
Sheppard, C. R. C., Coral cover, zonation, and diversity on reef
slopes of Chagos Atolls, and population structure of major species.
Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser., 1980, 2, 193–205.
Literature cited 2: Huston, M. A., Patterns of species diversity in relation to depth at
Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Bull. Mar. Sci., 1985, 37, 928–935.
Briggs, J. C., Tropical diversity and conservation. Conserv. Biol.,
1996, 10, 713–718
ID: 66024
Title: In vitro evaluation of anti-hyperglycaemic activity of medicinal plants traditionally used in Sikkim, North East India
Author: Abhishek Byahut , Arundhati Bag and Mingma Lhamu Sherpa
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 735-740 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: In vitro evaluation of anti-hyperglycaemic activity of medicinal plants traditionally used in Sikkim, North East India
Keywords: Anti-hyperglycaemic activity, α-amylase, diabetes, glucose uptake, medicinal plants
Abstract: Sikkim in North East India, has a rich ethnomedicinal
practice and a large proportion of the local people rely
on medicinal plants for the management of diabetes.
Anti-hyperglycaemic effect of ten medicinal plants
traditionally used by the local population in Sikkim to
treat diabetes was evaluated using two in vitro methods –
glucose uptake in yeast cells and α-amylase inhibition
assay. Most of these medicinal plants demonstrated anti-hyperglycaemic effect, amongst which the leaves of
Catharanthus roseus and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis displayed considerably greater activity than the other
plant extracts. Both C. roseus and N. arbor-tristis
showed greatest increase in glucose uptake at 25 mM
glucose concentration (80.20% ± 3.01 and 78.83% ±
2.66 respectively), and maximum α-amylase inhibition of
72.29% ± 0.58 (IC50 = 154.30 µg/ml) and 69.98% ± 1.16
(IC50 = 150.48 µg/ml) respectively at 250 µg/ml concentration of the extracts. The values were comparable to
the standard drugs. Ethnomedicinal practices largely
rely on observations, experience and regional beliefs.
Support from scientific assessment studies will not only
encourage traditional practices in the region, but also
contribute in the development of alternative drugs of
natural origin for diabetes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Khan, M. A. B., Hashim, M. J., King, J. K., Govender, R. D., Mustafa, H. and Al Kaabi, J., Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes –
global burden of disease and forecasted trends. J. Epidemiol. Glob.
Health, 2020, 10(1), 107–111.
International Diabetes Federation, IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th Edition,
2022; https://diabetesatlas.org/idfawp/resource-files/2021/07/IDF_
Atlas_10th_Edition_2021.pdf (accessed on 4 August 2024)
Literature cited 2: van Andel, T. and Carvalheiro, L. G., Why urban citizens in developing countries use traditional medicines: the case of Suriname.
Evid. Based Complement. Altern. Med., 2013, 2013, 687197.
Banerjee, A., Chakraborty, P. and Bandopadhyay, R., Urgent conservation needs in the Sikkim Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. Biodiversity, 2019, 20(2–3), 88–97
ID: 66023
Title: Mechanical garlic weeder for sustainable agriculture: a greener alternative
Author: Dilip Jat and S. Syed Imran
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 729-734 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Mechanical garlic weeder for sustainable agriculture: a greener alternative
Keywords: Eco-friendly alternative, garlic, mechanical weeder, organic farming, sustainable agriculture
Abstract: Weed management in garlic cultivation is resourceintensive, with chemical herbicides posing environmental
risks. To address this problem, a tractor-drawn 19-row
garlic weeder has been developed, offering an ecofriendly alternative. Rigorous testing revealed its efficacy
through various treatments. Single weeding achieved
57.4% weed control, while double weeding reached
91.1%, and combining double weeding with manual
methods peaked at 96.1%. Notably, this matched the
97.5% efficiency of three manual weedings. The weeder’s
operating cost was Rs 2019/ha for single weeding, presenting a 49.8% cost-saving compared to three manual
weedings. This innovation emerges as a cost-effective
and sustainable solution for garlic cultivation in organic
farming.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Indiastat, 2022; https://www.indiastat.com/data/agriculture/garlic/
data-year/all-years (accessed on 15 November 2023).
Lawande, K. E., Khar, A., Mahajan, V., Srinivas, P. S., Sankar, V.
and Singh, R. P., Onion and garlic research in India. J. Hortic. Sci.,
2009, 4(2), 91–119.
Literature cited 2: Shahi, V., Shahi, B., Kumar, V. and Singh, K. M., Performance
evaluation and impact of small weeding tools for drudgery reduction of farm women. J. Pharmacogn. Phytochem., 2018, SP4, 5–7.
Sarkar, B., Kumar, R., Mishra, J. S. and Bhatt, B. P., Comparative
performance of different weeding tools in maize. Indian J. Weed
Sci., 2016, 48(3), 330–332
ID: 66022
Title: Sustainable solution for drinking water supply in rural India affected by groundwater pollution
Author: Srinivasan Ramaswamiah, S. A. Pandit , Manoj Kumar Jindal , Gowrisankar Ganesan , Kavitha Devi Ramkumar , Karunakara Naregundi , Jean Riotte, K. Sudeep Kumara and Hemant Moger
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 719-728 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Sustainable solution for drinking water supply in rural India affected by groundwater pollution
Keywords: Drinking water, perennial lakes, polluted groundwater, roof-water harvesting, sustainable solutions.
Abstract: The present study explores sustainable solutions for
providing safe drinking water in an area currently
served only by groundwater. Groundwater development
here has reached criticality and is contaminated with
fluoride and uranium. As there are only a few small
seasonal streams in the area, roof-water harvesting and
utilization of tank/lake water are tested as alternative approaches for drinking water supply. The study area is
in the Chikkaballapura district of eastern Karnataka,
India, where the average annual rainfall is 700 mm.
The quantity of roof water that can be harvested from
the built structures in the study area can adequately
meet the drinking water requirements, although not
the entire domestic water needs. A nearly perennial lake
located in the upper reaches of the micro-watershed
stores 301 million litres of water that needs only routine
filtration and chlorination. This study shows that sustainable water management practices such as roofwater harvesting and lake water utilization can replace
the contaminated groundwater for drinking purposes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: UNEP, Globally, 3 billion people at health risk due to scarce data
on water quality, March 2021; https://www.unep.org/news-and stories/story/globally-3-billion-people-health-risk-due-scarce-datawater-quality
World Bank, The World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India – Rural
population – actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections
were sourced from the World Bank in November of 2022;
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.RUR.TOTL
Literature cited 2: Central Ground Water Board, National compilation on dynamic
ground water resources of India, 2023; https://cgwb.gov.in/cgwbpnm/public/uploads/documents/17014272111704550895file.pdf
Srinivasan, R. et al., Reverse osmosis units in groundwater based
public water supply system in rural eastern Karnataka, India: an
analysis. Curr. Sci., 2022, 123(12), 1493–1498.
ID: 66021
Title: Onion market dynamics: insights into price trends and integration patterns across major markets in India
Author: Mulla Areef, Yanamadala Radha and Seelam Rajeswari
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 708-718 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Onion market dynamics: insights into price trends and integration patterns across major markets in India
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, impulse response function, price transmission, onion market, seasonal price index, structural breaks
Abstract: The present study investigates the price behaviour, structural breaks, price cointegration and price transmission
in major onion markets of India in light of the COVID 19 pandemic. The findings of this study revealed that
seasonal price indices were highest in November for
southern region markets. A major structural break in
the selected markets was noted in August or September 2019, showing that the structural break did not
align with the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period as
anticipated. Further, the study found 11 cointegration
equations at 1% significance level by trace test, indicating long-term cointegration in onion markets despite
their geographical segmentation. Some markets exhibited bi-directional or uni-directional influences of
prices on other selected markets, with Delhi showing
the highest number of bi-directional influences. Additionally, the impulse response function revealed that
the Delhi price shock had a positive effect up to seven
periods, which later became a follower.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mahajan, K. and Tomar, S., COVID-19 and supply chain disruption: evidence from food markets in India. Am. J. Agric. Econ.,
2020, 103(1), 35–52; doi:10.1111/ajae.12158.
Ceballos, F., Kannan, S. and Kramer, B., Crop prices, farm incomes, and food security during the COVID-19 pandemic in India:
phone-based producer survey evidence from Haryana state. Agric.
Econ., 2021, 52, 525–542; doi:10.1111/agec.12633.
Literature cited 2: Ramsey A. F., Goodwin, B. K., Hahn, W. F. and Holt, M. T., Impacts of COVID-19 and price transmission in US meat markets.
Agric. Econ., 2021, 52, 441–458; doi:10.1111/agec.12628.
Saha, N., Kar, A., Jha, G. K., Kumar, P., Venkatesh, P. and Kumar,
R. R., Integration of prices in major markets of onion and potato in
India. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 2021, 91(9), 26–31; https://doi.org/10.
56093/ijas.v91i9.116072.
ID: 66020
Title: Contrasting portrayal of psychiatric genomics in Indian print news media
Author: Sabita Yadav, Tanu Shiva and G. Mahesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 701-707 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Contrasting portrayal of psychiatric genomics in Indian print news media
Keywords: Content analysis, mental health, mixedmethod approach, newspapers, psychiatric genomics
Abstract: Social representations in health have several consequences in influencing attitudes and behaviours, and
are important factors in concepts such as health literacy
and stigma. We examined how the Indian print news
media portray psychiatric genomics using a mixed method approach of content analysis. The sanguine
picture of the optimism portrayed might represent an
unjustified hyping in the worst cases. There was a gap
between optimism showcased in the ‘predicted quality
of life’ and the voices heard in the newspapers to corroborate the same. The prevalence of anti-stigmatizing
themes hinted towards a progressive approach being
disseminated to the readers. There is a visible interest
in personalized medicine. The curve of psychiatric genomics leans towards precision medicine in the articles
based on the themes analysed and ‘pharmacogenomic
testing’ being mentioned. However, whether or not it
will be marred by contrasting research studies and artistic depiction in movies is something to look forward to.
It is reasonable to assume that a certain amount of
skepticism and apprehension would be a possible reaction for those who read contradictory views about the
field. This paves the way for future studies to understand public perception on this topic.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Entman, R. M., How the media affect what people think: an information processing approach. J. Polit., 1989, 51(2), 347–370;
https://doi.org/10.2307/2131346.
Gunther, A. C., The persuasive press inference effects of mass media
on perceived public opinion. Commun. Res., 1998, 25(5), 486–504;
https://doi.org/10.1177/009365098025005002.
Literature cited 2: Rudolphi, J. M., Berg, R. and Marlenga, B., Who and how: exploring the preferred senders and channels of mental health information
for wisconsin farmers. Int. J. Environ. Res. Publ. Health, 2019,
16(20), 3836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16203836.
Times of India, Newspapers most trusted info source: Pan-India
study; https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/newspapers-mosttrusted-info-source-pan-india-study/articleshow/94998172.cms (retrieved 21 April 2023)
ID: 66019
Title: Prediction of geomagnetically induced currents in low-latitude regions using deep learning
Author: Aznilinda Zainuddin , Muhammad Asraf Hairuddin, Zatul Iffah Abd Latiff , Nornabilah Mohd Anuar , Iván Felipe Benavides , Mohamad Huzaimy Jusoh and Ahmad Ihsan Mohd Yassin
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 691-700 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Prediction of geomagnetically induced currents in low-latitude regions using deep learning
Keywords: Geomagnetic disturbance, geomagnetically induced currents, long short-term memory, low-latitude regions, multiple train-test splits.
Abstract: The present study proposes a geomagnetically induced
currents (GICs) prediction model for three low-latitude
locations, Huancayo, Peru, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and
Guam, United States. It employs the long short-term
memory (LSTM) and bidirectional long short-term
memory (BiLSTM) neural networks. The model’s performance was accessed using the interleaving odd-even
data split (IntOE) approach as a benchmark. The geomagnetic field variation (dB/dt) derived from geomagnetic disturbance event on 31 March 2001, is applied
as the GICs’ proxy. Results showed that employing
both models, LSTM and BiLSTM with block division
data split markedly enhanced prediction accuracy by
up to 66% compared to IntOE. However, IntOE proves
to be more effective for event-based validation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Boteler, D. H., Pirjola, R. J. and Nevanlinna, H., The effects of geomagnetic disturbances on electrical systems at the Earth’s surface.
Adv. Space Res., 1998, 22, 17–27.
Ngwira, C. M. and Pulkkinen, A. A., An overview of science challenges pertaining to our understanding of extreme geomagnetically
induced currents. In Extreme Events in Geospace: Origins, Predictability, and Consequences (ed. Buzulukova, N.), Elsevier Inc.,
The Netherlands, 2018, pp. 187–208.
Literature cited 2: Trivedi, N. B. et al., Geomagnetically induced currents in an electric
power transmission system at low latitudes in Brazil: a case study.
Space Weather, 2007, 5, 1–10.
Barbosa, C. et al., Analysis of geomagnetically induced currents at
a low-latitude region over the solar cycles 23 and 24: comparison
between measurements and calculations. J. Space Weather Space
Climate, 2015, 5, A35.
ID: 66018
Title: Unveil the causes and complications of underweight, overweight and obese among young adults
Author: Shree Pavithra Devaraju , S. Haajeera , Krishnaveni Kandasamy and Ramalingam Kameswaran
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 684-690 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Unveil the causes and complications of underweight, overweight and obese among young adults
Keywords: Diabetes, hypertension, obese, thyroid, underweight.
Abstract: Among developing countries, the prevalence of being
underweight is rising when compared with the overweight and obese population in young adults have been
a major public concern that will shape the future of
every individual’s health. The present study aims to
provide recent estimates of the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obese and its influencing factors and complications in younger adults. Among 1004,
the overall prevalence rates of underweight, overweight
and obese were found to be 18.8%, 12.3% and 3.7%
respectively. The majority of the participants were
newly diagnosed with prediabetes and prehypertension
conditions, and nearly a quarter had a possible risk of
developing thyroid and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Management of these health consequences decreases
the progression of the risks that should be prevented.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: WHO, Obesity and overweight, World Health Organization;
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight (accessed on 10 February 2023).
WHO, A healthy lifestyle – WHO recommendations. World Health
Organization; https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/
item/a-healthy-lifestyle---who-recommendations (accessed on 23
February 2023).
Literature cited 2: WHO, Malnutrition. World Health Organization, 2022; https://
www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition (accessed
on 23 February 2023).
Prevalence of obesity, World Obesity Federation; https://www.
worldobesity.org/about/about-obesity/prevalence-of-obesity (accessed on 10 February 2023).
ID: 66017
Title: National innovation system for CRISPR genome editing research in India: an empirical analysis
Author: Avishi Rajgharhia , N. Nandana , Prachi Parakh , Sarthak Sachdev , Tanya Sravan , Nidhi Singh and Navjot Kaur
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 674-683 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: National innovation system for CRISPR genome editing research in India: an empirical analysis
Keywords: CRISPR research and development, CRISPR research in India, Department of Biotechnology, emerging national innovation systems, innovation system challenges.
Abstract: The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic
repeats (CRISPR)-Cas genome editing technology holds
great potential in advancing the fields of healthcare,
agriculture, and basic biology research. This study uses the national innovation system framework to identify
key actors in India’s CRISPR research landscape and
their roles in technology development and diffusion.
Bibliographic analysis revealed that almost half of
Indian CRISPR research publications are review articles
or book chapters. Patentscope analysis showed that only
13.7% of CRISPR-related patent applications are attributed to Indian nationals, indicating international
dominance. The Indian CRISPR research ecosystem is
primarily supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Addressing lack of hands-on
learning opportunities, minimal collaboration amongst
limited researchers, and absence of dedicated institutes
of excellence are crucial to accelerate CRISPR technology innovation in India. We believe these inferences
can be extrapolated to other developing countries that
spend a similar percentage of their gross domestic
product on biotechnology research.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Broad Institute-CRISPR-timeline; https://www.broadinstitute.org/
what-broad/areas-focus/project-spotlight/crispr-timeline (accessed
on 30 December 2022).
Rodriguez-Perales, S., Martinez-Lage, M. and Torres-Ruiz, R.,
Modeling cancer using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. In Animal Models for the Study of Human Disease, Academic Press, Cambridge,
United States, 2017, 2nd edn, pp. 905–924.
Literature cited 2: Luthra, R., Kaur, S. and Bhandari, K., Applications of CRISPR as a
potential therapeutic. Life Sci., 2021, 284; doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2021.
119908.
Sánchez-León, S. et al., Low-gluten, nontransgenic wheat engineered with CRISPR/Cas9. Plant Biotechnol. J., 2018, 16, 902
ID: 66016
Title: Policy framework to combat the challenges of climate change in the Upper Indus Basin
Author: Gh. Jeelani, Ahsan Absar, Vasudha Agnihotri, Shakeel Ahmed, Akhtar Alam, Mohd. Farooq Azam, M. Sultan Bhat, R. D. Deshpande, A. P. Dimri, Sanjay Jain, Navin Juyal, Suhail A. Lone, Suraj Mal, P. Maharana, A. S. Maurya, Abhijit Mukherjee, S. Mudddu
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 669-673 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Policy framework to combat the challenges of climate change in the Upper Indus Basin
Keywords: Climate change, policy framework, river basins, summer monsoon, western disturbances
Abstract: The Indus River Basin (IRB), one of the major river basins in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, is primarily
sustained by meltwater from the cryosphere. It caters to diverse sectors, including intense irrigation supported agriculture, energy production, tourism and biodiversity. The cryosphere of the Upper
Indus Basin (UIB) is mainly influenced by the western disturbances with subordinate contribution
from the Indian Summer Monsoon. Increase in ambient temperature, shrinking cryospheric reserves,
fluctuating surface run-off and enhanced frequency of extreme weather events are some of the
noticeable indicators of climate change in the UIB. These changes will most likely adversely affect
the water-dependent sectors in the upstream and downstream of IRB, posing serious threat to food
security and livelihoods. Although the region has gained significant attention in recent years, there
remains a noticeable knowledge gap pertaining to certain key issues with serious implications for
the natural environment and the people. A national workshop was organized for stimulated deliberations to identify the major knowledge gaps and suggest a policy framework for climate change
mitigation in the UIB. The workshop underscores the urgent need of multi-institutional, multidisciplinary, comprehensive, coordinated and time-bound collaboration to study the interplay of complex
drivers on water resources of the UIB.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bolch, T. et al., Status and change of the cryosphere in the extended
Hindu Kush Himalaya region. In The Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment: Mountains, Climate Change, Sustainability and People
(eds Wester, P. et al.), Springer Nature, Switzerland AG, 2019, pp.
209–255; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92288-1_7.
2. Biemans, H. et al., Importance of snow and glacier meltwater for
agriculture on the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Nature Sustain., 2019, 2,
594–601; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-019-0305-3.
Literature cited 2: Sharma, E. et al., Introduction to the Hindu Kush Himalaya assessment. In The Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment: Mountains, Climate Change, Sustainability and People (eds Wester, P. et al.),
Springer Nature, Switzerland AG, 2019, pp. 1–16; https://doi.org/
10.1007/978-3-319-92288-1_1.
Dimri, A. P., Niyogi, D., Barros, A. P., Ridley, J., Mohanty, U. C.,
Yasunari, T. and Sikka, D. R., Western disturbances: a review. Rev.
Geophys., 2015, 53(2), 225–246
ID: 66015
Title: Geotourism in India: potential, challenges and sustainable practices
Author: Sukanta Goswami
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 511-512 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Geotourism in India: potential, challenges and sustainable practices
Keywords: Conservation status, geotourism sites, geological monuments, heritage, sustainable practices
Abstract: India, with its rich and diverse geological history, boasts a remarkable array of geological monuments
and geotourism sites. These sites not only provide insight into the Earth’s geological past, but also offer significant educational, recreational and economic benefits. The Geological Survey of India has
identified and protected numerous sites of geological significance, fostering both conservation and geotourism. This study explores the Indian national geological monuments and geotourism sites, highlighting their significance, conservation status and potential for promoting geotourism. It also discusses the
challenges and opportunities associated with the development and management of these sites.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Geological Survey of India, National Geological Monument, 2017;
https://pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=137573 (accessed
on 23 May 2017).
Press Information Bureau, Geo-Heritage Sites. 2016; pib.nic.in (accessed on 15 September 201
Literature cited 2: Ranawat, P. S., Recognized geoheritage & geotourism sites in
India. Int. J. Eng. Appl. Sci. Technol., 2020, 4(11), 224–231; ISSN
no. 2455-2143.
The Times of India, Ramgarh, Zawar accepted as geo-heritage sites
in Rajasthan; https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/rajasthan-govt-recognizes-ramgarh-crater-as-indias-1st-geo-heritage-site/
articleshow/108555120.cms; https://www.google.com/search?q=
The+Times+of+India%2C+Ramgarh%2C+Zawar+accepted+as+geoheritage+sites+in+Rajasthan+(accessed+on&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBIN1075IN1075&oq=The+Times+of+India%2C+Ramgarh%2C+
Zawar+accepted+as+geo-heritage+sites+in+Rajasthan+(accessed+
on&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRiPAjIHCAIQIRiPAtIBBzU1MWowajmoAgCwAgE&sourceid=chrome&-
ie=UTF-8 (accessed on 14 September 2018)
ID: 66014
Title: Evolution of super pest in the agroecosystems of Kerala: an upcoming threat
Author: P. K. Chandini and Mahesh Mohan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 511-512 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Evolution of super pest in the agroecosystems of Kerala: an upcoming threat
Keywords: None
Abstract: The farmers of Muthalamada mango plantation in Palakkad, Kerala, noticed something unusual in their mango plants. It is
noted that, throughout the year, the mango
branches are infested by pests. After several
pesticide applications, the pests are not
showing any mortality, and they realise
they are in the midst of a widespread pest
attack. Similar observations are also seen
on tea mosquitoes and white flies from the
tea plantations of the Wayanad district and
cardamom plantations of Idukki respectively
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kuttappan, C. P. et al., Int. J. Environ.
Stud., 2023, 81(4), 1–21.
Sawicki, R. M. and Denholm, I., Int. J.
Pest Manage., 1987, 33(4), 262–272.
Literature cited 2: Neve, P. and Powles, S., Theor. Appl.
Genet., 2005, 110, 1154–1166.
Barzman, M., Bàrberi, P., Birch, A. N. E.,
Boonekamp, P., Dachbrodt-Saaydeh, S.,
Graf, B. and Sattin, M., Agron. Sustain.
Dev., 2015, 35, 1199–1215
ID: 66013
Title: Successful dissemination of cloned buffalo superior germplasm at Nuh, an aspirational district of Haryana, India
Author: P. S. Yadav, M. Gururaj, Sajjan Singh, Navneet Saxena, Hema Tripathi, Dharmendra Kumar, Pradeep Kumar and A. Jerome
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 657-657 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Successful dissemination of cloned buffalo superior germplasm at Nuh, an aspirational district of Haryana, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: For the past three decades, India has been
dominating the world in liquid milk production with a share of about 24.64%.
Presently, the country produces about
238.50 million tonnes of milk with a
growth rate of 22.81% compared to the
2018–2019 output of 187.75 million tonnes
(ref. 1). The share of buffaloes in total
milk contribution is the highest (45%), followed by crossbred and exotic cows (32%),
and descript and non-descript indigenous
cows (20%). India holds 109.85 million
headcounts of buffaloes, which is half of
the total cattle population. The country is
endowed with superior quality germplasm
in terms of 20 recognized buffalo breeds.
Despite availability of quality breeds in
India, the major buffalo population is nondescript type arising due to scarcity of
genetically superior and proven bulls for
genetic improvement. It is estimated that
by 2024–2025, India will require 5600 bulls
to produce 140 million semen doses annually for inseminating 70 million breedable
buffaloes
. This can be achieved by the use
of assisted reproductive technology for
production and dissemination of superior
buffalo germplasm. One such technology
is somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) or
cloning technology. SCNT involves multiplication of superior animals (male or
female) through asexual methodology.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and
Fisheries (DADF) of India, 2023;
http://dahd.nic.in
Selokar, N. L., Ind. J. Med. Res., 2018,
148(Suppl. 1), 120–124
Literature cited 2: Yadav, P. S., Selokar, N. L., Kumar, D.,
Sharma, R. K., Kumar, P., Kumar, R., Saini,
M. and Dua, S., Curr. Sci., 2020, 119(7),
1077.
Statistical Abstract of Haryana, Department
of Economic and Statistical Analysis, Haryana,
2018–19; https://esaharyana.gov.in
ID: 66012
Title: Anti-vaxxers: one man’s meat is another man’s poison
Author: Chetan Datta Poduri response by Gayatri Sawerwal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 649-649 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Anti-vaxxers: one man’s meat is another man’s poison
Keywords: None
Abstract: This is with regard to the editorial ‘Antivaxxers’ published in Current Science
. It
makes for an interesting reading and initiates a debate on the long-suppressed aspect
of the right to ‘refuse the medical treatment being imparted’. In this scenario, the
Taliban’s anti-polio campaign in Pakistan
represents a high point amongst antivaxxers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2: