Enter records

ID: 66410
Title: Marine litter assessment using remote sensing techniques – a review
Author: Kharatmole Gayathrri, Sisir Kumar Dash, Tune Usha , Palanisamy Thanabalan , Kandasami Nimalan , Thangavelu Mayamanikandan , Pravakar Mishra and Mallavarapu Venkata Ramana Murthy
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 (2) 118-128 25 July (2025)
Subject: Marine litter assessment using remote sensing techniques – a review
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, drone, marine litter, remote sensing, satellites.
Abstract: Marine litter, resulting from mismanaged waste disposed of in aquatic environments, is a widespread issue in marine pollution, posing significant environmental threats. Recent advancements in remote sensing technology are pivotal in marine litter studies, enabling large-scale detection and monitoring, which are reviewed in this article. Satellites equipped with infrared sensors aid in detecting marine litter, and the versatility of drones in gathering data on marine litter is a viable approach for quantifying litter. Furthermore, integrating remote sensing and GIS with AI technologies enhances the accuracy and efficiency of marine litter classification, supporting decision-makers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A. and Law, K. L., Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 2015, 347(6223), 768–771. GESAMP, G., Guidelines for the monitoring and assessment of plastic litter in the ocean. GESAMP Reports Studies, 2019, No. 99, pp. 130.
Literature cited 2: Derraik, J. G., The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review. Mar. Pollut. Bull., 2002, 44(9), 842–852. Rochman, C. M., Tahir, A., Williams, S. L., Baxa, D. V., Lam, R., Miller, J. T. and Teh, S. J., Anthropogenic debris in seafood: plastic debris and fibers from textiles in fish and bivalves sold for human consumption. Sci. Rep., 2015, 5(1)

ID: 66409
Title: Flax: a valuable economic crop with a boon of natural products for human welfare
Author: Alok Kumar Panda, Shatabisha Bhattacharjee, Subhojit Datta and Dipnarayan Saha
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 (2) 111-117 25 July (2025)
Subject: Flax: a valuable economic crop with a boon of natural products for human welfare
Keywords: Flax, bast fibre, commercial crop, linen, linseed
Abstract: Flax, or linseed, is a plant morphotype that produces commercially important linen fibre and oil respectively. The domestication history of flax is understood from the documents of various ancient civilisations. Flax cultivation eventually spread across the globe over time based on its selective products. Flaxseed and oils are recognised for their healthenhancing attributes owing to elevated contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including α-linolenic acid and lignans. Among its other diverse uses, flax fibre is significant in the textile industry. Research on flax is advancing in the areas of molecular genetics and breeding, genomics, and cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques, including genome editing. The breakthroughs in research and increased awareness of its natural products and health benefits may contribute to the economic development of farmers and the nation
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Millam, S. O., Bohus, O. and Anna, P., Plant cell and biotechnology studies in Linum usitatissimum - a review. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Cult., 2005, 82, 93-103. Hall, C., Tulbek, M. C. and Xu, Y., Flaxseed, In Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2006, vol 51, pp. 1-97.
Literature cited 2: Cloutier. S., Linseed. In Reference Module in Food Science, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2016, pp. 1-6. Nowak, W. and Jeziorek, M. The role of flaxseed in improving human health. Healthcare, 2023, 11, 395.

ID: 66408
Title: Invasion of small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray 1867) in India: an emerging threat to bee health and beekeeping
Author: Sourabh Maheshwari
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 (2) 108-110 25 July (2025)
Subject: Invasion of small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray 1867) in India: an emerging threat to bee health and beekeeping
Keywords: None
Abstract: Beekeeping in India is a cornerstone agro-based enterprise, intricately linked to rural livelihoods, pollination, biodiversity conservation and national food security. With over 12.26 lakh honeybee colonies and nearly 10,000 registered beekeepers, the country produces 1.25 lakh metric tonnes (MT) per year of honey annually1 . India stands as the world’s top honey-producing nation, exporting approximately 70,000 MT and generating INR 900–1,000 crore annually in foreign revenue2 . The domestic beekeeping market is valued at INR 28,794.4 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.71%, reaching INR 68,183.0 million by 2033 (ref. 3). However, this promising trajectory now faces a formidable threat. The recent invasion of small hive beetle (SHB) (Aethina tumida, Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) poses a perilous risk to India’s beekeeping landscape. This pest emerged globally as a devastating predator, parasite and scavenger of honey bee colonies. In India’s climate, SHB’s aggressive feeding habits – consuming everything from pollen and brood to honey and wax – can lead to rapid colony collapse, contamination of hive products, and large-scale economic losses. Its presence marks a looming crisis not just for honey production but for pollination services vital to Indian agriculture and ecosystem stability.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hazarika, P., An economic analysis on production and marketing of honey in Assam. Ph.D. thesis, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India, 2023. Antony, S., Linkage and value chain analysis of food processing industry: a special reference to fruit processing industry in Kerala. Ph.D. thesis, Department of Economics, University of Calicut, Dr. John Matthai Centre, Aranatukara, Thrissur, India, 2023
Literature cited 2: IMARC Group, India honey market: industry trends, share, size, growth, opportunity and forecast 2024–2032, International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group, Noida, 2024; https://www.imarcgroup.com/india-honeybeekeeping-apiculture-market (accessed on 1 June 2025). Dasgupta, J., J. Environ. Sociobiol., 2024, 21(2), 49–52

ID: 66407
Title: A multi-species foraging aggregation of Delphinids in Western Indian waters
Author: R. Ratheesh Kumar, U. Utthamapandian, K. R. Aju
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 (2) 107-107 25 July (2025)
Subject: A multi-species foraging aggregation of Delphinids in Western Indian waters
Keywords: None
Abstract: Animals generally tend to form heterospecific associations for two functional advantages: more effective foraging and predator avoidance. Such interactions have been observed in different phyletic groups and between closely and distantly related species. The nature of such polyspecific aggregations is often dynamic, in which there may or may not be direct and coordinated behavioural interactions. Although the definition for mixed groups is broad, it is appropriate to consider such an association as occurring among the species of the same group. Thus, aggregations of distantly related species tend to be facilitated by concentrated resources while mixed groups of related species might occur irrespective of prey concentration1 . In the marine realm, multispecific aggregations and interactions are known to occur especially between the marine mammals, fishes and seabirds as part of foraging.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Stensland, E., Angerbjörn, A. and Berggren, P., Mamm. Rev., 2003, 33, 205–223. Bacon, C. E., Smultea, M. A., Fertl, D., Wursig, B., Burgess, E. A. and Hawks-Johnson, S., Aquat. Mamm., 2017, 43(2), 177–184.
Literature cited 2: Syme, J., Kiszka, J. J. and Parra, G. J., Front. Mar. Sci., 2021, 8, 678173. Norris, K. S. and Dohl, T. P., Fish. Bull., 1980, 77, 821–849.

ID: 66406
Title: Air pollution impact on neurocognitive development
Author: H. Paramesh
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 (2) 105-106 25 July (2025)
Subject: Air pollution impact on neurocognitive development
Keywords: None
Abstract: Neurocognitive development is a mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thinking, perception, sensory experience and also effective response. The preschool years are the years of blossoming in the brain. In the first year of life, a million neuronal connections are made per second. The synaptic density reaches its peak during the third year of life. Hence, the 1000 days after birth are the most important for neurocognitive development. The neurocognitive phenotype always co-exists with any developmental motor abnormality.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 66405
Title: Deliberations on the applicability of IMD’s medium range weather forecasts for their usability in Agromet Advisory Services for the farmers of South Interior Karnataka, India
Author: M. N. Thimmegowda, M. H. Manjunatha, Lingaraj Huggi , L. Nagesha, R. S. Pooja, R. Jayaramaiah, D. V. Soumya and V. Arpitha
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 (1) 70-77 10 July (2025)
Subject: Deliberations on the applicability of IMD’s medium range weather forecasts for their usability in Agromet Advisory Services for the farmers of South Interior Karnataka, India
Keywords: Agromet Advisory, climate risk management, forecasts, South Interior Karnataka.
Abstract: Climate risk management in rainfed regions entails forecasting, impact assessment and relief planning, with emphasis on timely forecast dissemination and accurate loss estimation. Under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa initiative, the India Meteorological Department issues agro-meteorological advisories, evaluated using qualitative, quantitative and statistical methods. In the present study on South Interior Karnataka, the forecast accuracy was higher for temperature (75–79%) than for wind speed and rainfall. Ramanagara showed the best rainfall forecast performance. Statistical tests (Hanssen–Kuipers, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Anderson–Darling) revealed spatial variability, influenced by orography. Taylor diagram analysis confirmed good agreement between observed and forecasted temperatures (0.7–0.8 for maximum temperature, 0.6–0.7 for minimum temperature), indicating reliable temperature forecasts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gregory, P. J., Ingram, J. S. I. and Brklacich, M., Climate Variability and food security. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B, Biol. Sci., 2010, 360, 2139–2148. Gao, J., Shahid, R., Ji, X. and Li, S., Climate change resilience and sustainable tropical agriculture: farmers’ perceptions, reactive adaptations and determinants of reactive adaptations in Hainan, China. Atmosphere, 2022, 13(6), 9
Literature cited 2: Martínez-Mena, M., Perez, M., Almagro, M., Garcia-Franco, N. and Díaz-Pereira, E., Long-term effects of sustainable management practices on soil properties and crop yields in rainfed Mediterranean almond agroecosystems. Eur. J. Agron., 2021, 123, 126207; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2020.126207. Rana, R. S., Sood, R., Aditya, A. and Shekhar, J., Validation of medium range weather forecasts in sub-temperate and sub-humid climate of western Himalayas. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 2013, 83, 1357–1363.

ID: 66404
Title: Machine learning-based verification of satellite weather alerts for heavy rainfall in Ladakh
Author: Nita H. Shah , Jyoti Chahal, Anupam Priamvada and Bipasha Paul Shukla
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 (1) 63-69 10 July (2025)
Subject: Machine learning-based verification of satellite weather alerts for heavy rainfall in Ladakh
Keywords: Apriori algorithm, disaster management, heavy rainfall alerts, K-means clustering.
Abstract: The present study investigates heavy rainfall patterns and their variability in Ladakh by using K-means clustering with the Apriori algorithm, which uncovers the co-occurrence pattern of heavy rainfall alerts obtained from the ISRO MOSDAC portal. The proposed algorithms reveal that location (lat.: min. = 32.82, max. = 35.71; long.: min. = 77.59, max. = 79.91) and location (lat.: min. = 33.11, max. = 35.76; long.: min. = 75.82, max. = 77.75) exhibit the highest confidence (79.55%) and frequency (48.61%) among all patterns, indicating strong interdependencies. This suggests that the alerts in one location can potentially impact the other, offering actionable guidance for disaster preparedness. The present study highlights a significant match between predicted alerts and actual heavy rainfall events, underscoring the utility of machine learning in refining weather alert systems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Beniston, M., Climatic change in mountain regions: a review of possible impacts. Clim. Change 2003, 59, 5–31. Bajracharya, S., Mool, P. and Shrestha, B., Impact of climate change on Himalayan glaciers and glacial lakes: case studies on GLOF and associated hazards in Nepal and Bhutan, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2007.
Literature cited 2: Erikkson, M., Xu, J., Shrestha, A. and Sandström, K., The changing Himalayas – impact of climate change on water resources and livelihoods in the Greater Himalaya; Special Report, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2009. Bhutiyani, M. R., Kale, V. S. and Pawar, N. J., Climate change and the precipitation variations in the northwestern Himalaya: 1866–2006. Int. J. Climatol., 2010, 30, 535–548

ID: 66403
Title: Effect of biosurfactant on degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in different agricultural soils under different environments
Author: Ashwini Yadav , Neera Singh , Arti Bhatia , Eldho Varghese , Kaushik Banerjee and Ashish Khandelwal
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 (1) 54-62 10 July (2025)
Subject: Effect of biosurfactant on degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in different agricultural soils under different environments
Keywords: Carbon dioxide release, lipopeptide biosurfactant, oil dispersion, optimisation, PAHs degradation
Abstract: A lipopeptide biosurfactant isolated from Lysinibacillus sp. MW444883 and characterised using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectroscopy. The production of the biosurfactant was optimised under conditions of 27oC and 150 rpm (yield ∼2.65 g/l), and Oil dispersion varied from 6 to 8.5 cm. Degradation and half-life of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in inceptisol soils (collected from Delhi and Jharkhand agricultural field) under different environments (28oC and 37oC) varied for naphthalene (20.8%–100%; 1.16–9.86 days), fluorene (5.8–93.8%; 5.6–14.4 days), phenanthrene (6.0%–94.1%; 5.4–22.5 days) and pyrene (5.8%–78.7%; 10.3–27.0 days) respectively. Additionally, dehydrogenase and carbon dioxide varied from 9.6 to 45.1 µg TPF g–1 soil h–1 and 146.6 to 401.4 mg kg–1 d –1, 1 respectively, over 0–21 days.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Miao, Y. et al., Sustainable biosurfactant production from secondary feedstock – recent advances, process optimisation and perspectives. Front. Chem., 2024, 12, 1327113. Karnwal, A. et al., Microbial biosurfactant as an alternate to chemical surfactants for application in cosmetics industries in personal and skin care products: a critical review. BioMed. Res. Int., 2023, 2023, 2375223.
Literature cited 2: Mallick, S., Chakraborty, J. and Dutta, T. K., Role of oxygenases in guiding diverse metabolic pathways in the bacterial degradation of low-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: a review. Crit. Rev. Microbiol., 2011, 37(1), 64–90. Liu, X. X., Hu, X., Cao, Y., Pang, W. J., Huang, J. Y., Guo, P. and Huang, L., Biodegradation of phenanthrene and heavy metal removal by acid-tolerant Burkholderia fungorum FM-2. Front. microbiol., 2019, 10, 408.

ID: 66402
Title: Gluten hydrolysing bacteria from Tilapia: a ray of hope in gluten intolerance
Author: Snehal Gagare, Radhika Shevale , Anushka Walupante and Sanjay Kharat
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 (1) 46-53 10 July (2025)
Subject: Gluten hydrolysing bacteria from Tilapia: a ray of hope in gluten intolerance
Keywords: Bacillus tequilensis, gluten intolerance, health supplements, Oreochromis niloticus, probiotic
Abstract: Gluten intolerance can be recognised as an emerging health concern. Currently, there are few, if any, medications available to mitigate gluten intolerance symptoms, prompting the search for effective natural alternatives. Recent studies have demonstrated the significant potential of probiotic bacteria that hydrolyse gluten in alleviating symptoms of gluten intolerance. This study aims to evaluate the gluten-hydrolysing ability of five bacterial isolates from Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and assess their in vitro probiotic attributes. Biochemical and molecular characterisation identified the isolates as Bacillus licheniformis (L1), Bacillus tequilensis (G1), Lactococcus lactis (G5), Enterococcus faecium (G7) and Weissella confusa (G9). All isolates were capable of surviving a wide pH range (3–9) and exhibited surface hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation properties. Furthermore, according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria, the isolates were susceptible to most of the tested antibiotics. The study concludes that the five isolates from Tilapia can hydrolyse gluten and possess essential probiotic properties, suggesting their potential as probiotic supplements for individuals with gluten intolerance.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Balakireva, A. V. and Zamyatnin Jr, A. A., Properties of gluten intolerance: gluten structure, evolution, pathogenicity and detoxification capabilities. Nutrients, 2016, 8(10), 644. Sapone, A. et al., Spectrum of gluten-related disorders: consensus on new nomenclature and classification. BMC Med., 2012, 10, 1–12
Literature cited 2: Ortiz, C., Valenzuela, R. and Alvarez, L. Y., Celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy: comparison of 3 different diseases triggered by the same food. Rev. Méd. Clín. Las Condes, 2017, 28(4), 437–446. Briani, C., Samaroo, D. and Alaedini, A., Celiac disease: from gluten to autoimmunity. Autoimmun. Rev., 2008, 7(8), 644–650.

ID: 66401
Title: Biomimetic oscillating propulsion mechanism for a robofish using embedded control system
Author: S. B. Pranesh, V. B. N. Jyothi , E. Chandrasekaran, N. Vedachalam, S. Ramesh and G. A. Ramadass
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 (1) 39-45 10 July (2025)
Subject: Biomimetic oscillating propulsion mechanism for a robofish using embedded control system
Keywords: Biomechanism, control algorithm, hydrodynamics, oscillating propulsion, robo
Abstract: The present study depicts the tail fin design, realisation, and propulsion performance of the biomimetic robofish prototype utilising the carangiform motion for efficient two-dimensional (2D) propulsion. Lighthill’s 2D waving plate theory and MATLAB simulations are used to optimise the thrust by varying link and joint configurations. The two-link design achieves a speed of one knot in forward and reverse using a 12 V, 7 Ah battery and servo motor with pulse-width modulation. The robofish is onboard programmed with a timed sequence actuation for forward and downward manoeuvring. An experimental validation in the test tank confirms its performance, showing its potential for advancing bio-inspired underwater propulsion systems
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Li, J., Li, W., Liu, Q., Luo, B. and Cui, W., Current status and technical challenges in the development of biomimetic robotic fish-type submersible. Ocean-Land-Atmos. Res., 2024, 3; doi: 10.34133/olar.0036. Krieg, M., Klein, P., Hodgkinson, R. and Mohseni, K., A hybrid class underwater vehicle: bioinspired propulsion, embedded system, and acoustic communication and localisation system. Mar. Technol. Soc. J., 2011, 45, 153–164
Literature cited 2: Zhang, D., Huang, Q., Xu, H., Zhu, H., Cao, Y., Cao, Y. and Pan, G., Development and three-dimensional modelling of a bionic robotic fish with pectoral fins. Ocean Eng., 2025, 321, 120393. Lighthill, J., Flagellar hydrodynamics. SIAM Rev., 1976, 18, 161–230

ID: 66400
Title: Diabetic kidney disease: epidemiology to epigenetics and beyond
Author: Dhanasekaran Bodhini , Sreedharan Sandeep , Amirthalingam Ezhilarasi , Venkatesan Radha and Viswanathan Mohan
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 (1) 34-38 10 July (2025)
Subject: Diabetic kidney disease: epidemiology to epigenetics and beyond
Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease, epidemiology, epigenetics, genetics
Abstract: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which is defined as chronic kidney disease in a person with diabetes, is one of the severe complications of diabetes, leading to end-stage kidney disease. According to the International Diabetes Federation report on diabetes and kidney disease, there is a 74% increase in the incidence of chronic kidney disease due to diabetes between 1990 and 2017 worldwide, and India stands third in possessing the highest number of incident cases. To tackle the huge burden of morbidity and mortality related to DKD, it is important to detect it early and manage it effectively. Albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate are conventionally used to detect DKD. Some of the limitations associated with them in terms of early detection can be met by the discovery of novel biomarkers for DKD. Integration of multiomic markers discovered through genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic studies for DKD holds potential to identify better markers for DKD prediction and progression. The present review article aims to emphasise the burden of DKD and the need to find biomarkers for early detection, which will aid in targeted prevention of the onset and progression of D
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anjana, R. M. et al., Metabolic non-communicable disease health report of India: the ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study (ICMR-INDIAB-17). Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol., 2023, 11(7), 474–489. Unnikrishnan, R., Anjana, R. M. and Mohan, V., Diabetes mellitus and its complications in India. Nat. Rev. Endocrinol., 2016, 12(6), 357–370
Literature cited 2: Mohan, V. and Pradeepa, R., Epidemiology of diabetes in different regions of India. Health Administrator, 2009, 22 (1), 1-18. Mohan, V., Deepa, M., Anjana, R. M., Lanthorn, H. and Deepa, R., Incidence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in a selected urban south Indian population (CUPS-19). J. Assoc. Physicians. India, 2008, 56, 152–157.

ID: 66399
Title: Groundwater quality in Eastern Karnataka, India – an end-use analysis
Author: Gowrisankar Ganesan , Manoj Kumar Jindal , Jean Riotte , Hemant Moger , Sambuddha Misra , Karunakara Naregundi , Kavitha Devi Ramkumar , S. A. Pandit and R. Srinivasan
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 (1) 14-33 10 July (2025)
Subject: Groundwater quality in Eastern Karnataka, India – an end-use analysis
Keywords: Agriculture, drinking, end-use, geochemistry, groundwater, industry.
Abstract: Physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater in parts of Eastern Karnataka are examined to determine whether they conform to the quality standards of water used for drinking, agriculture and industrial end uses. Eighty eight samples from forty five villages have been analysed for this purpose. Cation abundances in the groundwater are in the order: Na+ > Ca++ > Mg++ > K +. Anion abundances are in the order HCO− 3 > Cl− > SO2 4 > NO− 3 > F −. Only in one locality, SO2 4 content is very high. According to Piper’s classification, 42% of the water samples belong to Ca–Mg–Cl type; 30% to the Ca–Mg–HCO3, 16% to Ca–Na–HCO3, 9% to NaCl and 3% to NaHCO3 types. Gibbs plot shows that water–rock interaction is the dominant process controlling the major ion chemistry, although there is evidence of evaporation at some places. Out of 45 villages, excess of fluoride, nitrate and uranium are found in 23, 28 and 26 villages respectively. Phosphate is higher than 1 mg/l in all the villages. Lithium exceeds the permissible limit in 27 out of 43 localities. Concentrations of other trace elements Ag, Al, Ba, Tl, As, B, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn and U were determined in selected samples. Arsenic exceeds the permissible limit for drinking water in one village. Groundwater in 21 out of 45 villages is suitable for agriculture, while groundwater of 31 villages is useful for some industries.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: CGWB (Central Ground Water Board), Groundwater Yearbook of Karnataka, Central Ground Water Board, Bengaluru, 2018-19, 2019, pp. 1–134. CGWB (Central Ground Water Board), National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, Central Ground Water Board, Bengaluru, 2023, pp. 1–460.
Literature cited 2: Radhakrishna, B. P. and Vaidyanadhan, R., Geology of Karnataka. Geological Society of India, 2011, pp. 1–298. Manual for LED fluorimeter LF 2a, Quantalase Enterprises Private Limited, Indore, India 2012, 28p

ID: 66398
Title: From Tropics to Himalaya: Early stage invasion of Digitaria eriantha Steud. (Poaceae) in India from Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
Author: Kuntal Saha Manoj Chandran Praveen Kumar Verma Ritesh Kumar Singh Kuldip S. Dogra Nasrin Parvin Ranjana Negi
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 (1) 9-10 10 July (2025)
Subject: From Tropics to Himalaya: Early stage invasion of Digitaria eriantha Steud. (Poaceae) in India from Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
Keywords: None
Abstract: Mountains are critical to human wellbeing and biodiversity, supporting rich ecological communities, including many endemic species . To protect these ecosystems, approximately one-third of the world’s mountainous regions have been designated as protected areas . The Shivalik mountain range, also known as SubHimalaya or Outer Himalaya, runs parallel to the Lesser Himalaya . To protect this landscape, especially in its North-West part, 21 protected areas have been established across six states and one union territory, covering nearly 2,500 sq. km (ref. 4). Among them, Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 1200–1800 m, was established in 1963 for in situ conservation of wildlife3 .
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kueffer, C., McDougall, K., Alexander, J., Daehler, C., Edwards, P., Haider, S. and Seipel, T., Plant Invasions in Protected Areas: Patterns, Problems and Challenges, 2013, pp. 89–113; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7750- 7_6. Hamilton, L. S., The IUCN Bulletin, 2002, 1, IUCN, The World Conservation Union, Gland Switzerland
Literature cited 2: Chandel, A, Phytosociological and ethnobotanical studies in Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, district-solan, Himachal Pradesh, 2020, Doctoral dissertation, UHF, Nauni. Sivakumar, K., Sathyakumar, S. and Rawat, G. S., Indian For., 2010, 136(10), 1376.

ID: 66397
Title: Recharging the depleting aquifers in India: challenges and way forward
Author: Dipankar Saha
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 (1) 7-8 10 July (2025)
Subject: Recharging the depleting aquifers in India: challenges and way forward
Keywords: None
Abstract: India’s critical dependence on groundwater resources for drinking and food security is globally acknowledged. It is one of the few countries where annual groundwater recharge (the ‘replenishable resource’) is assessed meticulously every year throughout the country. Though the replenishable resource component constitutes only 39% of the annually utilisable water resource (surface and groundwater combined), the contribution of groundwater for drinking and irrigation is disproportionately high. The immense potential of groundwater was unlocked in India during the ‘Green Revolution’ in the 1960s. It was realised then that groundwater is widespread and dependable even in the drought years. Several other factors, such as subsidised energy offered by the Government, the arrival of cheap drilling technology and well construction materials, and the lack of any regulation on extraction, propelled groundwater exploitation. Rapid urbanisation and the quest for expanding assured irrigation are likely to enhance our dependence on groundwater in the coming decades. Climate change-induced uncertainty, impacting the rainfall distribution and rising temperatures, would impose complexity and stress on the policies and planning for sustainable groundwater utilisation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 66396
Title: Cycas species of India: A Comprehensive Review on Health Benefits and Gaps Analysis
Author: Romita Devi, Tekemeren Walling, Tongpangkokla Chang,V. R. Snehalatha, Sugimani Marndi, Sanjeet Kumar
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (5) May. Pg No. 504-507 (2025)
Subject: Cycas species of India: A Comprehensive Review on Health Benefits and Gaps Analysis
Keywords: None
Abstract: Cycads are the oldest and most primitive assemblages of living seed plants in the world. They originated before the mid-Permian and reached their greatest diversity during the Jurrasic-Cretaceous (Lindstorm and Hill, 2007, Singh, 2017; Zheng et al, (2017). However, the current survivors of cycad species are not much older than 12 million years, mainly owing to the flourishing of flowering plants 9Zheng et al., 2017).Cycads are essentially 'Living -Fossils', and are of great scientific and conservation value because of their long evolutionary history and diverse uses (Singh and Radha, 2006; Singh and Radha, 2008;Srivastava, 2014; Singh et al., 2015).In addition, cycads are thought to be the earliest gymnosperm lineage (Zheng et al, 2017), retaining features that resemble ferns, such as spermatozoa with flagella, and features that belong to spermatophytes, like naked seeds (Zheng et al., 2017.)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Afifi N., Moawad A., Hassan M., Amir D.E., Elwekeel A. and Amin E. (2021). Phytochemical content and biological activity of the genus Cycas, Family Cycadaceae: A review. Pharm Science Asia, 48(4): 300-319. Akhtar M., Agrawal P.K., Srivastava R.C. (2018). Living Cycads in India: Preliminary Report. Indian Journal of Plant Sciences, 7(4): 2319-3824.
Literature cited 2: Bhowmik S. and Datta B.K. (2014). Phytochemical and ethnomedicinal study of Cycas pectinata buchanan – Hamilton (Cycadaceae) – a ret plant of India. Diversity and Conservation of Plants and Traditional Knowledge, 507-512. Darade M.S. (2022). Gymnospermic medicines used in disease treatment. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, 8(8): 238-243.