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: