ID: 66540
Title: Current forest fires in Uttarakhand and retrospective on Covid-19 lockdown-A geographical perspective through the Google Earth Engine (2010-2024)
Author: Priyanka Puri
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (9) Sep 25 Pg No. 815-822 (2025)
Subject: Current forest fires in Uttarakhand and retrospective on Covid-19 lockdown-A geographical perspective through the Google Earth Engine (2010-2024)
Keywords: COVID-19,Pandemic, Fires, GEE, Human-activity, Uttarakhand, Vegetation
Abstract: Raging forest fires have become a characteristics feature of mountainous regions of India. Constant information is received on these as damaging the existing the existing ecology but no direct works are observed in literature for analyzing the geographical dimensions of the issue. This is aggravated by inaccessibility of the regions experiencing them. The state of Uttarakhand is glaring example of forest fire activity which is majorly attributed to anthropogenic factors along with certain natural causes. Studying these through a spatial and temporal perspective can provide a very crucial insight into their occurrence and also the role of economic activities in impacting them. While the earth is reeling severely under the negative externalities generated by human actions, the COVID-19 pandemic marks a distinct phase of 'no-human activity' across the world. This has, in turn, lead to unimagineable outcomes on natural features and processes. In the light of economic layoffs, examinations can further help in outlining indirectly and directly whether lockdown was effective enough in curbing issues such as these and also in observing if such outcomes are independent of human operations. The Google Earth Engine leads itself as a useful and latest technology to analyse the inaccessible phenomena of forest fires and is attempted here. To make the observation more representative, an extended time period is taken for a comparative analysis. Results from about 1000 satellite imageries and 89,294 fire detections from 2010-2024 indicated that forest fires exhibited an unprecendented decline in space and time for Uttarakhand during the lockdown period, clearly supporting the fact that human activities are mainly responsible for this problematic issue for the state's environment.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Amador-Jimenez M., Millner N., Palmer C, Pennington R.T. and Silleci L. (2020).The unintended impact of Colombia's COVID19 lockdown on forest fires. Environmental and Resource Economics, 76 (4): 1081-1105.https://doi.org/10.1007/S10640-020-00501-5/FIGURES/16
Banerjee P. (2021).MODIS-FIRMS and ground-truthing-based wildfire likelihood mapping of Sikkim Himalaya using machine learning algorithms. Natural Hazards, 110(2):899-935.https://doi.org/10.1007/S11069-021-04973-6.
Literature cited 2: Cache T.S (2022). The different types of wildland fires. Retrieved 2022, from https://www.supplycache.com/https://www.supplycache.com/blogs/news/he-different-types-of-wild,and fires
Calgary O.U. (2019). Forest Fires. Retrieved 2022, from https://eneergyeducation.ca:https://eneergyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Forest_fire#~text=There%20are%20three%20types%20of,crown%20fires%20and%20surface%20fires.
ID: 66539
Title: Frozen in the treetops: DNA evidence reveals the enigmatic Malabar spiny tree mouse as a living fossil of the Western Ghats
Author: A. Shabnam , S. S. Talmale , Muhamed Jafer Palot , K. A. Subramanian and K. P. Dinesh
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 (8) 25 October 25 739-740 (2025)
Subject: Frozen in the treetops: DNA evidence reveals the enigmatic Malabar spiny tree mouse as a living fossil of the Western Ghats
Keywords: Eocene, endemic, phylogenetics, Platacanthomys, Platacanthomyidae, relic forest.
Abstract: In 1859, the Malabar spiny tree mouse, Platacanthomys lasiurus Blyth, was originally described from
Mundakayam in the Kottayam district of Kerala. This
small rodent, endemic to the montane forests of the
Western Ghats, India, has long intrigued researchers
and systematists. Despite substantial studies on the
species in the past, the taxonomic classification remained uncertain and debatable for more than a century. This ambiguity has only recently been resolved
through integrative taxonomic studies, which have revealed its systematic position. The present study elucidates the evolutionary history of this monotypic lineage,
highlights its significance as a unique relic species and
sheds light on the urgency of its conservation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Jansa, S. A., Giarla, T. C. and Lim, B. K., The phylogenetic position of
the rodent genus Typhlomys and the geographic origin of Muroidea.
J. Mammal., 2009, 90(5), 1083–1094; https://doi.org/10.1644/08-
MAMM-A-318.1.
Talmale, S. S., Shabnam, A., Palot, M. J., Subramanian, K. A. and
Dinesh, K. P., Phylogenetic position of Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse
(Platacanthomys lasiurus Blyth, 1859) (Rodentia) and resurrection
of the family Typhlomyidae. J. Anim. Divers., 2024, 6(3), 45-54;
http://dx.doi.org/10.22034/JAD.2024.6.3.4.
Literature cited 2: Alston, E. R., On the classification of the order Glires. Proc. Sci. Meet.
Zool. Soc. Lond., 1876, 1876, 61–98; https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-
3642.1876.tb02543.x.
Giarla, T. C., In Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 7: Rodents II (eds D. E. Wilson, T. E. Lacher Jr. and R. A. Mittermeier),
Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, 2017, pp. 102–107.
ID: 66538
Title: Computational modelling and high-throughput virtual screening identify ZINC000085626889 as a promising natural lead against influenza A virus
Author: Ashish Kumar and Kalyani Deshpande
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 (8) 25 October 25 732 -738 (2025)
Subject: Computational modelling and high-throughput virtual screening identify ZINC000085626889 as a promising natural lead against influenza A virus
Keywords: Computational modelling, high-throughput virtual screening, influenza A virus, ZINC natural product library.
Abstract: The accelerating resistance of influenza A virus (IAV)
has underscored the urgent need for alternative therapeutic molecules. The present study aims to leverage
computational methodologies to predict novel natural
products with a high affinity for viral nucleoprotein
(NP). The study initiated an in-silico search for the
crystallographic structure of NP, pinpointing a putative drug-binding pocket. Subsequently, employing
computational modelling and high-throughput virtual
screening techniques, small molecules from the Zinc
natural product library were systematically screened
against the identified drug-binding pocket. Molecular dynamics simulations were then conducted for the
shortlisted small molecules complexed with the target
NP, focusing on crucial amino acids to evaluate binding energy and stability. The investigation led to the
identification of ZINC000085626889, a natural product
demonstrating superior binding energy and stability
compared to nucleozin. Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted the efficacy of ZINC000085626889
in hampering viral proliferation, positioning it as a
promising lead molecule for further development. In
conclusion, the present study provides valuable insights into the potential of ZINC000085626889 as a
lead molecule for combating the influenza A virus.
The identified natural product exhibits enhanced efficacy compared to nucleozin, showcasing its promise
in impeding viral proliferation. Further experimental validation and development of ZINC000085626889
could contribute significantly to the development
of novel and effective therapeutics against IAV.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Cianci, C., Gerritz, S. W., Deminie, C. and Krystal, M., Influenza
nucleoprotein: promising target for antiviral chemotherapy. Antivir.
Chem. Chemother., 2012, 23, 77–91.
Turrell, L., Lyall, J. W., Tiley, L. S., Fodor, E. and Vreede, F. T., The
role and assembly mechanism of nucleoprotein in influenza A virus
ribonucleoprotein complexes. Nat. Commun., 2013, 4, 1591.
Literature cited 2: Noda, T., Native morphology of influenza virions. Front. Microbiol.,
2011, 2, 269.
White, K. M. et al., Broad spectrum inhibitor of influenza A and B
viruses targeting the viral nucleoprotein. ACS Infect. Dis., 2018, 4,
146–57.
ID: 66537
Title: Assessing the carbon sequestration role of sapota orchards in India
Author: A. N. Ganeshamurthy, T. R. Rupa , K. Alivelu , S. Rajendiran , A. Sathish and R. H. Laxman
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 (8) 25 October 25 725 -731 (2025)
Subject: Assessing the carbon sequestration role of sapota orchards in India
Keywords: Carbon sequestration, litter and weed biomass, sapota litter, sapota orchards, soil carbon stocks, tree biomass.
Abstract: Estimating carbon stocks in fruit orchards is essential for reporting to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. The present study focuses on assessing the carbon
stocks (CS) of sapota orchards in India. Using a specialised allometric equation for grafted sapota, extensive tree, litter, weed and soil samples were collected
from regions grouped by climate and dominant sapota
varieties. Carbon storage was calculated by multiplying
regional sapota areas by estimated carbon pools. The
Bay Islands had the highest soil carbon stocks (124.64 t
ha-1), while Haryana recorded the lowest (60.33 t ha-1).
On a national scale, soil carbon comprised 75.47%
of total carbon sequestered, while tree biomass contributed 24.53%. Across India, sapota orchards, averaging 50 years of age, have sequestered 11.01 million
tonnes of carbon. This significant contribution underscores sapota’s environmental value, despite ranking eighth among fruit crops in India. These findings
provide critical insights into sapota’s role in carbon
storage and its potential in climate change mitigation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Boonen, R., How to feed and not to eat our world?. 2015;
https://lirias.kuleuven.be/1717149.
Ganeshamurthy, A. N., Ravindra, V., Venugopalan, R., Mathiazhagan,
M. and Bhatt, R. M., Biomass distribution and development of allometric equations for non-destructive estimation of carbon sequestration in
grafted mango trees. J. Agric. Sci., 2016, 8(8), 201–211
Literature cited 2: Ganeshamurthy A. N. et al., Development of allometric equations for
grafted sapota through destructive tree sampling for non-destructive
estimation of tree biomass for carbon sequestration. Curr. Sci., 2023,
127(10), 1227.
Kumar, A. and Sharma, M. P., Assessment of carbon stocks in forest
and its implications on global climate change. J. Mater. Environ. Sci.,
2015, 6, 3548–3564.
ID: 66536
Title: Carbon sequestration potential of chinar
Author: Moineivah Haokip, K. N. Qaisar , P. A. Khan , Anup Raj and Akhlaq A. Wani
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 (8) 25 October 25 719-724 (2025)
Subject: Carbon sequestration potential of chinar
Keywords: Above-ground biomass, carbon stock, climate change
Abstract: The study of biomass and carbon estimation of chinar
(Platanus orientalis L.) is very limited. In the present
study, four diameter classes of chinar are taken,
namely 100–200 cm diameter at breast height (dbh),
201–300 cm dbh, 301–400 cm dbh and >400 cm dbh
respectively. The carbon sequestration potential
was estimated using the non-destructive method of
biomass and carbon estimation by applying the biomass
expansion factor. The chinar tree of the >400 cm diameter class can store up to 887.31 tonnes of carbon per
tree in their above-ground biomass and 218.96 tonnes of
carbon per tree in their below-ground biomass besides
holding a significant soil organic carbon density of
74.2 tonnes/ha. The carbon sequestration potential
increases with increasing diameter classes
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Adam, D., Royal society disputes the value of carbon sink. Nature,
2001, 412, 108.
Kumar, J. I. N., Sajish, R. R., Kumar, R. N. and Patel, K., Biomass
and net primary productivity in three different aged Butes monosperma
forest ecosystems in Western India. Iranica J. Energy Environ., 2001,
2(1), 1–7.
Literature cited 2: Sage, R. F., Was low atmospheric CO2 during the Pleistocene a limiting factor for the origin of agriculture? Global Change Biol., 1995, 1,
93–106.
Lal, M. and Singh, R., Carbon sequestration potential of Indian forests.
Environ. Monitor. Assess., 2000, 60, 315–327.
ID: 66535
Title: Luminescence chronology of sediments from the prehistoric civilisation sites along the Vaigai river, India
Author: S. Sathiyaseelan, Kartika Goswami , Naveen Chauhan , S. Bhalamurugan , S. Vijayan , Ragav Ramachandran , B. Asaithambi , R. Sivanandham and Anil Bhardwaj
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 (8) 25 October 25 712 -718 (2025)
Subject: Luminescence chronology of sediments from the prehistoric civilisation sites along the Vaigai river, India
Keywords: Climate change, Keezhadi, Sangam age, urban settlement, Vaigai river
Abstract: The banks of the ephemeral Vaigai river of southern
India have shed light on the history of Tamil Nadu, including the pre-Sangam and Sangam eras. The plains
on the banks of the Vaigai river were the cradle of
ancient history, culture, urban settlements, agriculture and industries that flourished here between 6
and 3 BCE. Recent excavations at Keezhadi village
by the archaeological department exposed structures
built from bricks and advanced drainage systems of
the historical past. They are buried under flood deposits of sand, silt and clay. Luminescence geochronology of quartz in the sediments suggests that flooding
and burial of structures occurred ca. 1140 years ago.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gangal, K., Vahia, M. N. and Adhikari, R., Spatio-temporal analysis
of the Indus urbanization. Curr. Sci,, 2010, 98(6), 846–852.
Macklin, M. G. and Lewin, J., The rivers of civilization. Quat. Sci.
Rev., 2015, 114, 228–244.
Literature cited 2: Ginau, A., Schiestl, R. and Wunderlich, J., Integrative geoarchaeological research on settlement patterns in the dynamic landscape of the
northwestern Nile delta. Quat. Int., 2019, 511, 51–67.
Giosan, L. et al., Fluvial landscapes of the Harappan civilization. Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 2012, 109(26), 1688–1694.
ID: 66534
Title: Growth trend of urban water supply services users in Indian cities
Author: Rajat Singh and Vinay Mohan Das
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 (8) 25 October 25 700 -711 (2025)
Subject: Growth trend of urban water supply services users in Indian cities
Keywords: Accessibility, compound average growth rate, non-piped water, piped water, safe drinking water.
Abstract: This article is based on the data from the World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, database on urban drinking water supply. It encompasses both the
global trend and the trend in India regarding urban
water supply between 2000 and 2020, and provides a
projection for India till 2040 based on the compound
average growth rate (CAGR). The data analysis reveals
that although progress has been made in providing safe
drinking water to a larger proportion of households, a
significant percentage of households still have limited
access to safe drinking water. In India, the provision of
piped water supply is the responsibility of the urban local bodies (ULBs). However, the ULBs have often been
unable to provide services to all parts of the city, which
has led to the development of unsustainable alternative
sources by local communities. The present study also
finds that the proportion of non-piped water users has
increased by 22.5%, with a CAGR of 4.65% from the
year 2000, and it is projected that in 2040, 44.26% of
India’s urban population will not have access to municipal piped water supply. If the current growth rate
of non-piped water users continues, it is projected that
by 2050, India will have more non-piped water users
than piped water users. This prediction calls for appropriate action to ensure sustainable and equitable access
to safe drinking water in the coming years. This article recommends a prescriptive growth rate for piped
and non-piped water use, with a focus on reducing the
growth rate of non-piped water users and increasing
the growth rate of piped water users. Achieving this
will require significant investment in infrastructure,
policy interventions, and public awareness campaigns.
The article offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the water sector to enhance
access to safe drinking water in urban areas of India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aberilla, J. M., Gallego-Schmid, A., Stamford, L. and Azapagic,
A., Environmental assessment of domestic water supply options
for remote communities. Water Res., 2020, 175, 115687; doi:
10.1016/j.watres.2020.115687.
UNICEF and WHO, Integrating Water Quality Testing into
Household Surveys: Thematic Report on Drinking Water, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2020;
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240014022
Literature cited 2: Nallathiga, R., Service costs and their recovery in urban water and
sanitation services: a study of select urban areas in Andhra Pradesh.
In International Conference on Decentralised Water and Wastewater
Management in Asia, 20–22 November 2012, International Water Association, Nagpur, India, 2012; doi: 10.13140/2.1.3841.1523.
Bhagat, R. B., Access to civic amenities among urban poor in small cities and towns in India. 2013;
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255950408_Access_to_
Civic_Amenities_among_Urban_Poor_in_Small_Cities_and_Towns
_in_India.
ID: 66533
Title: Enhanced extraction and UPLC characterisation of chlorogenic acid and naringenin from Curcuma amada using L–L partitioning
Author: Nikita Bindal and Sujata Mohanty
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 (8) 25 October 25 691 -699 (2025)
Subject: Enhanced extraction and UPLC characterisation of chlorogenic acid and naringenin from Curcuma amada using L–L partitioning
Keywords: Chlorogenic acid, Curcuma amada, Kupchan fraction, polyphenols, TLC, UPLC
Abstract: The family Zingiberaceae has established itself as a
prime component in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries; however, Curcuma amada is still
poorly investigated for its bioactive compounds and
therapeutic potential. The present study explored
both methanol crude and methanol fraction (Kupchan
liquid-liquid (L–L) partitioning) of C. amada rhizome
for the presence of polyphenols using standard assay
and advanced chromatographic method, eg., ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The results revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid and
naringenin, along with seven other polyphenols, only
in the methanol fraction. These are therapeutically
important polyphenols that require further study.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Samtiya, M., Aluko, R. E., Dhewa, T. and Moreno-Rojas,
J. M., Potential health benefits of plant food-derived bioactive components: an overview. Foods, 2021, 10(4), 839;
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10040839.
Sun, W. and Shahrajabian, M. H., Therapeutic potential of
phenolic compounds in medicinal plants—natural health products for human health. Molecules, 2023, 28(4), 1845;
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041845
Literature cited 2: Witkamp, R. F., Bioactive components in traditional foods aimed at
health promotion: a route to novel mechanistic insights and lead
molecules?. Annu. Rev. Food Sci. Technol., 2022, 13, 315–336;
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-food-052720-092845.
Banwo, K. et al., Functional importance of bioactive compounds of
foods with potential health benefits: a review on recent trends. Food
Biosci., 2021, 43, 101320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101320
ID: 66532
Title: M6a modification pattern-based gene signature can predict different tumour immune microenvironment in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Author: Xinjing Zhang , Jiajia Liang , Zenghua Deng , Jianfei Chen and Lei Gong
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 (8) 25 October 25 682 -690 (2025)
Subject: M6a modification pattern-based gene signature can predict different tumour immune microenvironment in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Keywords: Gene signature, immunotherapy, m6A, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, risk-score, tumour microenvironment
Abstract: The present study aimed to characterise an m6A
modification pattern-based gene signature in the
tumour microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic
adenocarcinoma. We evaluated m6A modification
patterns across 988 pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples using 23 m6A regulators and assessed their
correlation with TME immune cell infiltration profiles. A prognostic m6A risk-score incorporating three
genes (OGN, IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3) was developed
to predict m6A modification patterns and associated TME subtypes. The low-risk-score phenotype
correlated with an inflamed TME and favourable
clinical outcomes. Comprehensive characterisation of m6A modification patterns may inform the
development of effective immunotherapy strategies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gourgou-Bourgade, S. et al., Impact of FOLFIRINOX compared with
gemcitabine on quality of life in patients with metastatic pancreatic
cancer: results from the PRODIGE 4/ACCORD 11 randomized trial.
J. Clin. Oncol., 2013, 31, 23–29.
Von Hoff, D. D. et al., Increased survival in pancreatic cancer with nabpaclitaxel plus gemcitabine. N. Engl. J. Med., 2013, 369, 1691–1703.
Literature cited 2: Henriksen, A., Dyhl-Polk, A., Chen, I. and Nielsen, D., Checkpoint
inhibitors in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Treat Rev., 2019, 78, 17–30.
Zhu, Y. et al., Tissue-resident macrophages in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma originate from embryonic hematopoiesis and promote tumor progression. Immunity, 2017, 47
ID: 66531
Title: Transforming food, land and water systems to combat climate crisis in Ladakh, India
Author: M. S. Kanwar, A. R. Chichaghare and Changchuk Lamo
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 (8) 25 October 25 677 -679 (2025)
Subject: Transforming food, land and water systems to combat climate crisis in Ladakh, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: The one-day workshop on
transforming food, land and water
(FLW) systems aimed to present a
thematic roadmap to catalyse FLW
transformation in the Indian cold
arid region through five synergistic themes: (i) Climate-smart food
and nutrition system transformation; (ii) Watershed-based resilience
and integrated natural resource management; (iii) Carbon farming and
climate financing for smallholders; (iv) FLW nexus and integrated
planning tools; (v) Frontier technologies for climate-resilient FLW
systems. This event was organised as a precursor to the upcoming
National Summit on ‘Transforming India’s Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy, Fisheries and Processing
through Technology and Innovation’.
The deliberations were followed by
an in-depth, Ladakh-specific discussion leading to concrete policy
inputs based on scientific research,
local needs, field demonstrations,
and ongoing programmes. These
insights will serve as the basis for
contributions to the national-level
summit. The workshop brought
together representatives from the
ICAR-CAZRI, School of Agricultural
Sciences and Technology, University
of Ladakh, Leh and Kargil; Agriculture Department, Leh; Command
Area Development, Leh; India Meteorological Department, Leh; G.B.
Pant National Institute of Himalayan
Environment, Leh; progressive
farmers and Krishi Vigyan Kendra
(KVK), Leh, Kargil, Zanskar and
Nyoma to represent every region and stakeholders in Ladakh region who
actively participated in the discussions
hosted at Regional Research
Station.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66530
Title: From forecasts to resilience: confronting the Himalayan flood crisis
Author: Madhavan Nair Rajeevan
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 (8) 25 October 25 675 -676 (2025)
Subject: From forecasts to resilience: confronting the Himalayan flood crisis
Keywords: None
Abstract: The 2025 monsoon season concluded on a positive note,
with well-distributed rainfall across the country. The
All-India monsoon rainfall was 8% above the long-period
average, reflecting a surplus season that was accurately
predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Except for Bihar and a few northeastern subdivisions, all
other subdivisions received normal to excess rainfall during
the season.
A key highlight of the season was the above-normal
rainfall over northwestern states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab,
Haryana, and western and eastern Rajasthan. Northwest
India recorded rainfall 27% above normal, with Rajasthan
receiving over 60% above its long-term average. Most of
this excess rainfall occurred in August and September.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66529
Title: Khalwat Nimgaon meteorite, Maharashtra: an ordinary equilibrated chondritic meteorite
Author: Susmita Mondal , Sharanya Halder, Monotrisha Dey and Amit Mandal
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 (7) 10 October 25 650 -655 (2025)
Subject: Khalwat Nimgaon meteorite, Maharashtra: an ordinary equilibrated chondritic meteorite
Keywords: Chondrules, EPMA, matrix, meteorite, ordinary chondrite.
Abstract: A meteorite that fell in Khalwat Nimgaon village of
Wadvani Tehsil, Beed district, Maharashtra, around
2:30 pm IST on 3 March 2025, was collected and
handed over to the Geological Survey of India for
preservation, registration and dissemination purposes.
The meteorite sample is named Khalwat Nimgaon meteorite, after the name of the village where the meteorite fell. The meteorite sample is characterised by
chondrules, shock melting and recrystallised matrix.
Petrographic and electron probe microanalysis studies
show that the meteorite is a stony meteorite consisting
of olivine, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, clinopyroxene,
chromite, troilite and Fe–Ni minerals (kamacite and
taenite). Petrographic studies and mineral compositions show that the meteorite is an equilibrated L-4
type ordinary chondrite.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Maiti, P., Datta. A., Chaudhury, T., Tripathy. S. K., Dey, M., Khandolkar, S. V. and Ekka, A. R., Microstructural and compositional variations of allanite in hydrothermal veins: implications for REE mobilization in Chhotanagpur granite gneiss complex, Purulia district, West
Bengal, India. J. Earth Syst. Sci., 2024, 133(55), 1–29.
Grossman, J. N., Radial pyroxene and cryptocrystalline chondrules as
indicators of aqueous alteration and thermal metamorphism in ordinary chondrites. In Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Houston,
Texas, 1998, p. 1179–1179.
Literature cited 2: Gooding, J. L. and Keil, K., Relative abundances of chondrule primary
textural types in ordinary chondrites and their bearing on conditions of
chondrule formation. Meteoritics, 1981, 16(1), 17–43.
Keil, K. and Fredriksson, K., The iron, magnesium, and calcium distribution in coexisting olivines and rhombic pyroxenes of chondrites. J.
Geophys. Res., 1964, 69(16), 3487–3515.
ID: 66528
Title: Ants as pests: an overlooked challenge in dragon fruit farming
Author: B. R. Jayanthi Mala, P. D. Kamala Jayanthi , G. Karunakaran , G. Sangeetha , B. L. Manjunath and R. Sahanashree
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 (7) 10 October 25 645-649 (2025)
Subject: Ants as pests: an overlooked challenge in dragon fruit farming
Keywords: Ant-host interaction, ants, dragon fruit, extra floral nectaries, Selenicerus spp., Trichomyrmex destructor.
Abstract: Ants are integral to agricultural ecosystems, playing
roles that range from beneficial to detrimental, particularly in dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) cultivation. The present study examines the diversity of ant
species associated with dragon fruit orchards, focusing on their ecological roles, pest behaviour, and impact on plant health and yield. Field studies conducted
at two locations in Karnataka, India, revealed eight
ant species, including Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon, 1851) (Myrmicinae: Formicidae: Hymenoptera),
a major pest, and others categorised as mutualistic or
neutral. Ant activity, especially during the ripening
stage, caused direct damage to fruits and indirectly
fostered pest infestations through mutualistic relationships with sap-sucking insects. Yield losses ranging
from 10%–30% were attributed to ant-induced damage. Further, the wounds created by ants attracted the
colonisation of fungi, Curvularia lunata, which further
deteriorated the fruit quality. The study emphasises the
need for balanced pest management strategies that mitigate harmful ant activity while leveraging the ecological benefits of neutral and beneficial ants. The findings
offer insights into sustainable practices that minimise
chemical inputs and improve the profitability of dragon
fruit cultivation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mizrahi, Y., Nerd, A. and Nobel, P. S., Cacti as crops. Hortic. Rev.,
1997, 18, 291–320.
Kubitzki, K., Rohwer, J. G. and Bittrich, V., Flowering Plants:
Dicotyledons; Magnoliid, Hamamelid and Caryophyllid Families,
Springer Berlin, Heidelberg, 1993, vol 2, p. 653.
Literature cited 2: Pimienta-Barrios, E. and Nobel, P. S., Pitaya (Stenocereus spp., Cactaceae): an ancient and modern fruit crop of Mexico. Econ. Bot., 1994,
48(1), 76–83.
Barbeau, G., Red pitahaya, a new exotic fruit. Fruits, 1990, 45,
141–174.
ID: 66527
Title: Infestation of cardamom by the invasive giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) in the Western Ghats, India
Author: Keerthy Vijayan , Ramamoorthy Suganthasakthivel and Deepu Mathew
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 (7) 10 October 25 641 -644 (2025)
Subject: Infestation of cardamom by the invasive giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) in the Western Ghats, India
Keywords: Cardamom pests, Elettaria cardamomum, habitat adaptation, high altitude, invasive pest, mollusc
Abstract: The giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica), a
highly invasive species, was found infesting cardamom
(Elettaria cardamomum) plants in Cardamom Hill
Reserve in the Western Ghat region of Kerala state,
India, marking the instance of an invasive pest damaging a major spice crop. The present study documents
the snail’s spread across 14 localities at elevations of
812–1308 m above sea level, an unusual habitat, given
its historical confinement to lower altitudes. Field surveys (2021–2025) revealed considerable damage, with
40%–60% yield loss, due to feeding on floral buds,
leaves, and young fruits. The infestation’s timing suggests a link to Kerala’s 2018 and 2019 floods, which
may have facilitated snail dispersal through relief materials. Climate change could have further enabled the
snail’s adaptation to higher elevations. Urgent management strategies are needed to align with global biodiversity frameworks, such as the Kunming-Montreal
Global Biodiversity Framework and India’s National
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030), in
order to mitigate ecological and economic impacts. The
present study highlights the role of extreme weather
events in accelerating biological invasions and emphasises the need for strengthened quarantine measures to
prevent future spread.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Raut, S. K. and Barker, G. M., Achatina fulica Bowdich and other
Achatinidae as pests in tropical agriculture. In Molluscs as Crop Pests
(ed. Barker, G. M.), CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK, 2002, pp.
55–114.
Lowe, S., Browne, M., Boudjelas, S. and De Poorter, M., 100 of the
world’s worst invasive alien species: a selection from the Global Invasive Species database. Invasive Species Specialist Group, Species
Survival Commission, International Union for Conservation of Nature,
Gland, Switzerland, 2000, p. 12.
Literature cited 2: Mead, A. R., The Giant African Snail: A Problem in Economic Malacology, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, USA, 1961, p. 257.
Raut, S. K. and Ghose, K. C., Pestiferous Land Snails of India, Technical Monograph, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, 1984, vol 11,
p. 151.
ID: 66526
Title: Three-way combination of post-emergence herbicides under DSR and TPR: deciphering weeds, energy budgeting, productivity and economic output in Northern Indo-Gangetic plains
Author: S. K. Verma, Sameer Shrivastava, Mohammad Vaheed , Deepak Kumar Yadav, Chandra Bhushan , Mayank Srivastava , Sudhir Kumar Rajpoot , S. B. Singh and Himansi 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 (7) 10 October 25 634 -640 (2025)
Subject: Three-way combination of post-emergence herbicides under DSR and TPR: deciphering weeds, energy budgeting, productivity and economic output in Northern Indo-Gangetic plains
Keywords: Direct-seeded rice, energy use efficiency, productivity, transplanted rice, weed control eff
Abstract: The herbicide formulations were used as
post-emergence in direct-seeded rice (DSR) and transplanted rice (TPR) against manual weeding and weedy
check during kharif season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at
Varanasi, focusing on different weed species, energy
budgeting, productivity and economic outcomes. The
results showed that TPR significantly reduced the density and biomass of weeds with a lower weed index (WI)
and higher weed control efficiency (WCE), yield, profitability and energy use over DSR. Significantly lower
density (45–60%) and dry biomass of weed, with lower
WI and the highest WCE, yield, returns and energy
efficiency over other herbicides were computed with
the use of BMC-II (270 g/ha) at 30 days after sowing
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy, 2019;
http://www.fao.org (accessed on 26 December 2019).
Kumar, V. and Ladha, J. K., Direct seeded rice: recent development
and future research needs. Adv. Agron., 2011, 111, 297–413
Literature cited 2: Chakraborty, D. et al., A global analysis of alternative tillage and crop
establishment practices for economically and environmentally efficient
rice production. Sci. Rep., 2017, 7, 9342.
Chauhan, B. S. and Johnson, D. E., Row spacing and weed control timing affect yield of aerobic rice. Field Crop. Res., 2011, 121, 226–231