ID: 66465
Title: Land resource inventory for sustainable watershed management
Author: N. B. Prakash, Lingaraj Huggi , S. V. Lakshminarayana, H. L. Soundarya and K. S. Divyashree
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 (5) 10 Sep 2025 396-397 (2025)
Subject: Land resource inventory for sustainable watershed management
Keywords: None
Abstract: India’s vast rainfed agricultural
landscapes, particularly in Karnataka
and other semi-arid states, are constrained by climatic uncertainties,
short growing periods and declining
soil productivity. These challenges,
coupled with the complex interactions between terrain, hydrology,
and soil characteristics, demand a
more refined, site-specific approach of Karnataka and other states, State
Agricultural Universities, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Indian
Institutes of Technology, Indian
Council of Agricultural Research
institutions, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid
Tropics, Hyderabad, and other
institutions were the participating institutions.
to land and water resource planning. Over the past decade, land
resource inventory (LRI) methods
have emerged as a promising tool to
address these concerns by generating
high-resolution, site-specific data on
soils, slopes and hydrology. To share
lessons from recent field implementations of the World Bank-assisted
REWARD (Rejuvenating Watersheds
for Agricultural Resilience through
Innovative Development) project and
to explore avenues for scaling up
this approach nationally, a National
Conference on Land Resource Inventory for Sustainable Watershed
Management was held from 3 June
to 5 June 2025, at the University of
Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru. This marked a pivotal moment
in India’s pursuit of science-based,
data-driven watershed planning. The
conference convened experts, practitioners, administrators and scientists from across India to deliberate
on the application of digital land resource data in addressing pressing
environmental challenges, especially
in rainfed and resource-constrained
regions. The Department of Land Resources and National Rainfed Area
Authority of the Government of India,
Watershed Development Departments
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66464
Title: Sulochana Gadgil (1944–2025)
Author: P. N. Vinayachandran
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 (4) 370-371 (2025)
Subject: Sulochana Gadgil (1944–2025)
Keywords: None
Abstract: The passing of Sulochana Gadgil on 24 July 2025 has left an irreplaceable void in monsoon science. Sulochana Gadgil made pioneering contributions to the field of monsoon. She also made significant contributions to ocean dynamics and agricultural meteorology, including crop modelling. She played a pivotal leadership role in advancing the science of monsoons and their prediction. Among her most influential works was the discovery of a sea surface temperature threshold necessary for deep convection in tropical oceans, published in the reputed journal Nature. She uncovered the northward propagation of the Tropical Convergence Zone using satellite imagery – an insight that helped explain the onset and intraseasonal variations of the Indian Summer Monsoon. Furthermore, she identified the phenomenon of Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation and elucidated its links to monsoon variability, significantly advancing our understanding of tropical climate dynamics.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66463
Title: Incidence of pregnant endangered devil rays (Elasmobranchii: Mobulidae) from the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, southeast coast of India
Author: L. Remya, Sujitha Thomas , M. Muktha and Shoba Joe Kizhakudan
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 (4) 362-369 (2025)
Subject: Incidence of pregnant endangered devil rays (Elasmobranchii: Mobulidae) from the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, southeast coast of India
Keywords: Conservation, mobulidae, pupping ground, reproductive biology, spatial management.
Abstract: Out of the nine valid extant mobulid species confirmed globally, seven have been reported in India. All mobulids are vulnerable due to anthropogenic pressure, i.e. commercial fisheries, for their gill plates, which are traded on the international market. Information on their reproductive biology including, the seasons of mating, pupping, and nursery grounds are still largely unknown from Indian waters. The present study reports the occurrence of pregnant endangered devil rays, longhorned pygmy devil ray Mobula eregoodoo, oceanic manta ray Mobula birostris and Bentfin devil ray Mobula thurstoni in Indian waters, off the southeast coast. All three species were observed to have a single pup each. Our observations of mobulid catch from 2020 to 2022 indicates a predictable occurrence of pregnant devil rays either for feeding or for pupping (July to November), with a peak during November in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. The size-atbirth was in the order of 33.3 cm disc width (DW), 125.8 cm DW and 40.5–60.5 cm DW for M. eregoodoo, M. birostris and M. thurstoni respectively. Mobula thurstoni chiefly consumed needle squid and Acetes spp., while the gut contents of the other two species were completely digested. The observations on M. thurstoni suggests a pupping/nursery/feeding ground off the Gulf of Mannar, probably assist to develop area-based management interventions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Adnet, S., Cappetta, H., Guinot G. and Notarbartolo di Sciara, G., Evolutionary history of the devilrays (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes) from fossil and morphological inference. Zool. J. Linn. Soc., 2012, 166, 132–159; https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2012.00844.x.
Poortvliet, M. et al., A dated molecular phylogeny of manta and devil rays (Mobulidae) based on mitogenome and nuclear sequences. Mol. Phyl. Evol., 2015, 83, 72–85; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2014.10.012.
Literature cited 2: White, W. T., Corrigan, S., Yang, L., Henderson, A. C., Bazinet, A. L., Swofford, D. L. and Naylor, G. J. P., Phylogeny of the manta and devilrays (Chondrichthyes: Mobulidae), with an updated taxonomic arrangement for the family. Zool. J. Linn. Soc., 2017, 20, 1–26; https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx018.
Hosegood, J. et al., Phylogenomic and species delimitation of mobulid rays reveals cryptic diversity and a new species of Manta Ray. Mol. Ecol., 2019, 29(24), 4783–4796; http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/458141
ID: 66462
Title: Digital mapping of the ancient port city of Kaverippumpattinam and its trade routes
Author: R. Neelakantan , V. Selvakumar, S. Rajavelu , S. Thamarai Kannan1 and M. Don Wesley
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 (4) 350-361 (2025)
Subject: Digital mapping of the ancient port city of Kaverippumpattinam and its trade routes
Keywords: Digital archaeology, Indian Ocean trade, Kaverippumpattinam, Lower Kaveri Valley, marine archaeology, Pumpuhar, the early Cholas.
Abstract: Kaverippumpattinam is one of the celebrated ports of ancient India and was active around the early centuries of the Common Era. According to the texts, the port was destroyed by marine incursions. The cultural activities of the port that were connected with the regions of the Indian Ocean, Buddhism and the activities of the early historic Cholas (the Chozhas) have been documented in the early Tamil texts of Pattinappalai and other Sangam Tamil compositions, and the early medieval texts of Cilappatikaram and Manimekalai. Archaeological surveys, excavations and underwater explorations have exposed some of the vestiges of the ancient city. We explored the region and studied the textual and archaeological sources of the ancient city of Kaverippumpattinam and the associated landscapes and trade routes and have mapped them using geospatial technology. The present article presents the results of the study (part of PUHARETAR project) that sought to map the city and its links.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hostettler, M., Buhlke, A., Drummer, C., Emmenegger, L., Reich, J. and Stäheli, C., Digital archaeology between hype and reality: the results of a survey on the use of 3D technologies in archaeology. In The 3 Dimensions of Digitalised Archaeology (eds. Hostettler, M. et al.), Springer, Cham, 2024; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031- 53032-6_11.
Scianna, A. and Villa, B., GIS applications in Archaeology. Archeologie Calcolatori, 2011, 22, 337.
Literature cited 2: Rajan, K., Churning the Ocean: Maritime Trade of Early Historic Peninsular India, Heritage India Trust, Thanjavur, 2019.
Singh, P. et al., Fertile farmlands in Cauvery delta: evolution through LGM. Curr. Sci., 2015, 108(2), 218–225.
ID: 66461
Title: Study of attitude and rotation period of scientific payload using stratospheric small balloon missions
Author: Rupnath Sikdar, Sandip K. Chakrabarti and Debashis BhowmickC
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 (4) 342-349 (2025
Subject: Study of attitude and rotation period of scientific payload using stratospheric small balloon missions
Keywords: Atmospheric turbulence, inertia measurement unit, meteorological balloon missions, payload attitude, rotation period, stratospheric balloons.
Abstract: The attitude and rotational frequency or period of a payload during a mission are usually measured by the time variation of the azimuth and elevation angles. So far, significant scientific results have been published using stratospheric balloon-borne experimental data of the Indian Centre for Space Physics, Kolkata. Measurements of ground radioactivity, secondary cosmic rays, detection of astronomical sources (Sun, Crab Pulsar, Cygnus X-1, etc.), and weather parameters such as temperature, pressure, wind velocity, etc., have been done. However, the dynamics of the payloads of these ‘Dignity missions’ have not been studied. In the present study, we analyse data from some of the flights to obtain the payload’s attitude and rotational period at each instant of time. We present how to determine the payload attitude from an attitude and heading reference system using micro-electronic modules, and also show the payload’s directional stability from the rotational period analysis of the scientific payload in the stratosphere for single balloon (rubber and plastic) missions. Our analysis suggests that though double balloon configurations often float the payloads for a longer duration, the period of rotation of the payload is lower, and as a result, pointing to any object is poorer. In the absence of a pointing device, a single balloon is preferred for receiving useful data.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chakrabarti, S. et al., Study of properties of cosmic rays and solar Xray flares by balloon borne experiments. Indian J. Phys., 2014, 88, 333–341; doi: 1007/s12648-013-0424-z.
Chakrabarti, S., Bhowmick, D., Sarkar, R., Bhattacharyya, A. and Midya, S., Unique high energy experiment initiative by ICSP with weather balloons. In Proceedings of 22nd ESA Symposium on European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research (ed. Ouwehand, L.), Tromsø, Norway, 2015, p. 557
Literature cited 2: Chakrabarti, S., Sarkar, R., Bhowmick, D. and Bhattacharya, A., Study of high energy phenomena from near space using low-cost meteorological balloons. Exp. Astron., 2017, 43(3), 311–338; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-017-9540-7.
Sarkar, R., Chakrabarti, S., Bhowmick, D., Bhattacharya, A. and Roy, A., Detection of crab radiation with a meteorological balloon borne phoswich detector. Exp. Astron., 2019, 47, 345–358; doi: 10.1007/s10686-019-09632-0.
ID: 66460
Title: Optimising level of service scores for footpaths using multi-criteria decision-making approach
Author: Lalitha Sree Chintakayala and C. S. R. K. Prasad
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 (4) 335-341 (2025)
Subject: Optimising level of service scores for footpaths using multi-criteria decision-making approach
Keywords: AHP, footpaths, pedestrians, TOPSIS, transit
Abstract: Existing methods for evaluating footpath quality often neglect user satisfaction and time-based variations, creating lacunae in comprehensive assessment models. The present study addressed these gaps by developing six-level optimised level of service scores to evaluate footpaths near transit stations. The present research integrated quantitative and qualitative attributes using the analytic hierarchy process and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution. The results showed significant variations in footpath quality during peak and non-peak hours, revealing discrepancies between conventional grading systems and user perceptions. The findings support holistic planning for pedestrian infrastructure, enhancing last-mile connectivity and transit ridership.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Shkera, A. and Patankar, V., Navigating active transit: how built environments shape commuting and leisure journeys. Case Stud. Transp. Policy, 2024, 15, 101161; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2024.101161.
Rui, J. and Othengrafen, F., Examining the role of innovative streets in enhancing urban mobility and livability for sustainable urban transition: a review. Sustainability, 2023, 15(7), 5709; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075709.
Literature cited 2: United Nations, Sustainable Development Goal 11: make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, 2023; https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, National urban transport policy, 2006; https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files /Transport Policy (2).pdf.
ID: 66459
Title: Nitrous oxide (N2O) – responsibility and action
Author: J. R. Bhatt
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 (4) 329-334 (2025)
Subject: Nitrous oxide (N2O) – responsibility and action
Keywords: Climate change, fertiliser use, India’s ranking, Nitrous oxide, N2O pledges
Abstract: India’s nitrous oxide emissions in 2019 were pegged at 161.84 million tons CO2e, which amounts to only 5.17% of the total annual greenhouse gas emissions of India. The two predominant sources of nitrous oxide emissions in India are agricultural soils and manure management. The country’s annual per capita N2O emissions are ∼116.63 kg CO2e, ranking it 147th in the world. However, India ranks 15th if we consider the historical cumulative emissions of the livestock sector. The USA, European Union, China, Russia, and Brazil are the top five nitrous oxide emitters in absolute terms. India ranks sixth, and the nitrous oxide emissions gap between the USA and India is substantial, India’s emissions being 86% less than the USA’s. Despite its low N2O emissions on an annual, cumulative and per capita basis, India is making all efforts to reduce its nitrous oxide emissions from fertiliser use by coating all agriculture-grade urea with neem oil and also subsidising it, leading to annual N2O savings of 7.529 MtCO2e. With India’s emphasis on equity, its national circumstances, and its refusal to allow the conflation of mitigation with adaptation in the agriculture sector, India has not signed any international pledge to reduce N2O. For a better understanding of the historical responsibility for and future reductions of N2O emissions by various countries, the article argues for the development of global N2O budgets on the pattern of global carbon budgets as refined recently by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its Sixth Assessment Report.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: National Academy of Sciences, Climate change: evidence and causes: update 2020, The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2020; https://doi.org/10.17226/25733. (accessed on 05 August 2024)
Mitchell, R. et al., Agriculture, food systems, and rural communities. Fifth National Climate Assessment, 14 November 2023; https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/chapter/11/. (accessed on 05 August 2024).
Literature cited 2: Thompson, R. L. et al., Acceleration of global N2O emissions seen from two decades of atmospheric inversion. Nat. Clim. Change, 2019, 9(12), 993–998; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-019-0613-7. (accessed on 05 August 2024)
Schroeck, A. M., Gaube, V., Haas, E. and Winiwarter, W., Estimating nitrogen flows of agricultural soils at a landscape level – a modelling study of the Upper Enns Valley, a long-term socio-ecological research region in Austria. Sci. Total Environ., 2019, 665, 275–289; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.071. (accessed on 06 August 2024).
ID: 66458
Title: Regenerative agriculture and adaptive capacity of farmers
Author: Walter Mansfield and Richard J. Culas
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 (4) 320-328 (2025)
Subject: Regenerative agriculture and adaptive capacity of farmers
Keywords: Adaptive capacity, conceptual model, regenerative agriculture, resilience theory, social-ecological systems, transformation
Abstract: Regenerative agriculture is a transformative approach to food and fibre production that has a strong emphasis on climate change mitigation and a host of environmental and sociological benefits. Hence, adaptive capacity is recognised as a crucial property for societies to adapt to and transform systems in response to changing conditions such as climate change. A key challenge in assessing adaptation strategies is balancing the environment, financial and social factors, and an assessment of the adaptive capacity determinants within regenerative agriculture is sparse. The present article explores resilience theory as a foundation for assessing the adaptive capacity determinants and analyses examples of regenerative agriculture practices. A conceptual model is therefore developed to highlight the circularity of regenerative agriculture with the environmental, financial and social benefits that the adaptation of regenerative agriculture can bring.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Campbell, B. M. et al., Agriculture production as a major driver of the Earth system exceeding planetary boundaries. Ecol. Soc., 2017, 22(4), 8.
Global Biodiversity Outlook 5, 2020. Retrieved from Montreal: https://www.cbd.int/gbo/gbo5/publication/gbo-5-spm-en.pdf.
Literature cited 2: Clark, M. A. et al., Global food system emissions could preclude achieving the 1.5°and 2°C climate change targets. Science, 2020, 370(6517), 705–708. 4.
Wallace-Wells, D., The uninhabitable earth: life after warming, Tim Duggan Books, New York, USA, 2019, 1st edn
ID: 66457
Title: Development of cognitive digital twin-aided emergency response and rescue systems for Matsya6000
Author: M. Palaniappan, N. Vedachalam, C. Jothi, Tamshuk Chowdhury, V. Bala Naga Jyothi and Dhinesh Ganapathy
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 (4) 306-319 (2025)
Subject: Development of cognitive digital twin-aided emergency response and rescue systems for Matsya6000
Keywords: None
Abstract: Ensuring human safety is the key requirement for deep-ocean human-occupied scientific submersibles operating in remote, extreme environments. Even though human-rating standards are followed to reduce the failure of life-critical systems of Matsya6000 to as-low-as-reasonably-achievable, mechanisms should be in place to manage the residual risks. The present article describes the strategies adopted for reliability and safety-centred design of mission-critical and life-critical systems, design and development of a human-rated emergency rescue system (ERS) for Matsya6000, comprising a location marker cum rescue buoy, on-demand actuator release mechanism and situation-aware cognitive digital twin Chaitanya for proactive crew decision-support during energy-rationed emergency period. The location marker buoy is tested by releasing it from a 500 m water depth in the Bay of Bengal, and the time-to-surface was found to comply with the numerical simulation results with an accuracy of 90%, and the Chaitanya performance in predicting the last-time-to-actuate the ERS was found to have an accuracy of ∼97%.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ravichandran, M., India’s deep ocean mission. Curr. Sci., 2025, 128, 227–228.
MoES, Matsya-6000: India’s fourth generation deep-ocean submersible successfully completes wet testing. Release ID: 2104039, Ministry of Earth Sciences, 2025.
Literature cited 2: DNV, Part 5 Types of UWT systems - Chapter 6 Manned submersibles, Rules for classification, 2019; https://www.dnv.com/services/underwatertechnology-services-1751/ (accessed on 15 January 2025).
Smith, D. J. and Simpson, K. G. L., The Safety Critical Systems Handbook: A Straightforward Guide to Functional Safety: IEC 61508 (2010 Edition), IEC 61511 (2015 Edition) and Related Guidance (ed. Butterworth, H.), Elsevier Ltd, Netherlands, 2020, 4th edn, p. 307.
ID: 66456
Title: Towards an integrated approach to optimal low-carbon energy system design for net zero India
Author: Rupsha Bhattacharyya, K. K. Singh, K. Bhanja and R. B. Grover
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 (4) 302-305 (2025)
Subject: Towards an integrated approach to optimal low-carbon energy system design for net zero India
Keywords: None
Abstract: For policymakers and the broader public, achieving the goal of net zero by a target year has become synonymous with human efforts to mitigate the consequences of climate change. While achieving net zero is a scientific concept, it must be aligned with socio-economic realities, including the principle of an equitable burden across societies. The energy sector (including fossil fuel based electricity production, domestic and industrial heating, and transportation) is known to be the main driver of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, a wide restructuring of how energy is currently produced and finally consumed is the essence of the energy transition. Energy availability, accessibility and affordability also determine the state of welfare and development of a nation. This means that emerging markets and developing economies like India must simultaneously address twin challenges - the development status-energy consumption linkage and the need for deep and economy-wide decarbonization. In short, India must formulate policies that result in a development-led transition.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhattacharyya, R., Singh, K. K., Grover, R. B. and Bhanja, K., Estimating minimum energy requirements for net zero developed India by 2070. Curr. Sci., 2022, 122(5), 517- 527; DOI: 10.18520/cs/v122/i5/517-527
Chaturvedi, V. and Malyan, A., Implications of a net zero target for India’s sectoral energy transitions and climate policy. Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), October 2021, New Delhi.
Literature cited 2: Johnson, N., Liebreich, M., Kammen, D. M., Ekins, P., McKenna, R. and Staffell, I., Realistic roles for hydrogen in the future energy transition. Nat. Rev. Clean Technol., 2025, 1, 351- 371; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44359- 025-00050-4
Bhattacharyya, R., Singh, K. K., Bhanja, K. and Grover, R. B., Multi-criteria assessments of low-carbon electricity generation mixes for India. e-prime: advances in electrical engineering, electronics and energy, 2025, 13, 101078; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prime.2025.101078.
ID: 66455
Title: Nature Olympiad
Author: -(FERNSS)
Editor: Vrijulal MV
Year: 2025
Publisher: Foundation for education &Research in Nature Science &Sustainability (FERNSS)
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: FERNSS, Nature Olympiad
Subject: Nature Olympiad
Keywords: None
Abstract: Western Ghats in Karnataka stretch across several districts including Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi. The region hosts vital ecosystems like evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shola-grassland, shola forests and several freshwater streams and rivers, making it critical for ecological research and conservation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66454
Title: Insights into the linkages of forest structure dynamics with ecosystem services
Author: T. V. Ramachandra , Paras Negi , Tulika Mondal & Syed Ashfaq Ahmed
Editor: Dr TV Ramachandra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Nature portfolio
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Insights into the linkages of forest
structure dynamics with ecosystem
services Pg No 1-21 , Scientific records ,Nature portfolio, 2025
Subject: Insights into the linkages of forest structure dynamics with ecosystem services
Keywords: Land use, Land cover, Land use change prediction, Agent-based modeling, Carbon sequestration, InVEST model, Ecosystem services, Ecologically sensitive regions (ESR), Western Ghats
Abstract: Large-scale land cover changes leading to land degradation and deforestation in fragile ecosystems
such as the Western Ghats have impaired ecosystem services, evident from the conversion of
perennial water bodies to seasonal, which necessitates an understanding of forest structure dynamics
with ecosystem services to evolve appropriate location-specific mitigation measures to arrest land
degradation. The current study evaluates the extent and condition of forest ecosystems in Goa of the
Central Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. Land use dynamics is assessed through a supervised
hierarchical classifier based on the Random Forest Machine Learning Algorithm, revealing that
total forest cover declined by 3.75% during the post-1990s due to market forces associated with
globalization. Likely land uses predicated through the CA-Markov-based Analytic Hierarchy Process
(AHP) highlight a decline in evergreen forest cover of 10.98%. The carbon sequestration potential of
forests in Goa assessed through the InVEST model highlights the storage of 56,131.16 Gg of carbon,
which accounts for 373.47 billion INR (4.49 billion USD). The total ecosystem supply value (TESV) for
forest ecosystems was computed by aggregating the provisioning, regulating, and cultural services,
which accounts for 481.76 billion INR per year. TESV helps in accounting for the degradation cost
of ecosystems towards the development of green GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Prioritization of
Ecologically Sensitive Regions (ESR) considering bio-geo-climatic, ecological, and social characteristics
at disaggregated levels reveals that 54.41% of the region is highly sensitive (ESR1 and ESR2). The
outcome of the research offers invaluable insights for the formulation of strategic natural resource
management approaches.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mooney, H. et al. Biodiversity, climate change, and ecosystem services. Curr. Opin. Environ. Sustain. 1 (1), 46–54. https://doi.org
/10.1016/j.cosust.2009.07.006 (2009).
Bellard, C., Bertelsmeier, C., Leadley, P., Thuiller, W. & Courchamp, F. Impacts of climate change on the future of biodiversity.
Ecol. Lett. 15 (4), 365–377. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2011.01736.x (2012).
Literature cited 2: Muluneh, M. G. Impact of climate change on biodiversity and food security: a global perspective—a review Article. Agric. Food
Secur. 10 (1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-021-00318-5 (2021).
Prakash, S. Impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystem and its biodiversity: an overview. Int. J. Biol. Innovations. 3, 2. https://
doi.org/10.46505/IJBI.2021.3210 (2021).
ID: 66453
Title: Urban heat island linkages with the landscape morphology
Author: T. V. Ramachandra, Rajesh Singh Rana , S. Vinay & Bharath H. Aithal
Editor: Dr TV Ramachandra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Nature portfolio
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Urban heat island linkages with the
landscape morphology Pg no 1-16 (2025)
Scientific reports, Nature portfolio
Subject: Urban heat island linkages with the landscape morphology
Keywords: Landscape dynamics, Land surface temperature (LST), Urban heat island (UHI), Spatial interrelationship, Urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI)
Abstract: The landscape consists of a mosaic of interacting ecosystem elements, which maintain stability and
aid in sustaining crucial services. Unplanned developmental activities leading to the transition of
pervious surfaces into impervious/paved surfaces have significant implications for the urban climate,
mainly through the phenomenon of urban heat islands (UHIs). Changes in landscape integrity
could be quantified through land use (land cover) assessment and urban heat island effect through
spatial computation of land surface temperature (LST). The current research uses multi-resolution
remote sensing data to evaluate UHIs with landscape dynamics and assess the complex spatial
interrelationships in heterogeneous urban landscapes at micro-levels. The composition of pervious and
impervious surfaces at the micro-level plays a pivotal role in regulating thermal comfort. Landscape
configuration at microlevels, predominantly barren (C1 class) and urban (C2 class) areas, constitute
hotspots with higher temperatures. UHI was mapped through the urban hotspot and Urban thermal
field variance index (UTFVI) analysis. Urban hotspot analysis shows the 15.41 km
2
area in the city has
a very high temperature. The study provides vital data-driven insights into the complex relationship
between urban land use and LST at the micro-level that supports the decision-makers, stakeholders,
and public officials in policymaking.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mallik, R. et al. Spatio-temporal analysis of environmental criticality: Planned versus unplanned urbanization. In IOP Conference
Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1164 (1), 012014 https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1164/1/012014 (IOP Publishing,
2023).
Ramachandra, T. V., Aithal, B. H. & Sanna, D. D. Insights to urban dynamics through landscape Spatial pattern analysis. Int. J. Appl.
Earth Obs. Geoinf. 18, 329–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2012.03.005 (2012).
Literature cited 2: Gupta, N. & Aithal, B. H. Urban land surface temperature forecasting: a data-driven approach using regression and neural network
models. Geocarto Int. 39 (1), 2299145. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2023.2299145 (2024).
UN DESA. 2018 Revision of world urbanization prospects. (accessed 5 March 2025); https://population.un.org/wup/Publications
/Files/WUP2018-Report.pdf
ID: 66452
Title: Comprehensive review on the multifaceted properties of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi): Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic and ecological benefits with cultivation insights
Author: Sunita Verma and Shailja Singh
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (7) July. Pg No. 688-694 (2025)
Subject: Comprehensive review on the multifaceted properties of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi): Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic and ecological benefits with cultivation insights
Keywords: Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi),antimicrobial properties, Antioxidant effects, Anti-inflammatory properties, Adaptogenic effects, Cardio protective effects, Ecological benefits, Pharmacological effects.
Abstract: Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) revered for its medicinal, ecological, and agricultural significance, has garnered scientific interest for its diverse benefits. This review highlights Tulsi's therapeutic potential, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and adaptogenic properties. Its effectiveness against pathogens and chronic conditions underscores its role as a natural remedy. Additionally, Tulsi supports mental health through its adaptogenic effects and plays a vital ecological role in past and fundal control. Its adaptability to diverse climates enhances its agricultural visibility. Standardizing Tulsi extracts ensures threrapeutic efficacy and safety, affirming its relevance in traditional and modern applications.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aggarwal P. Nagesh L. and Murlikrishnan (2010). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of various concentrations of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) extract against Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study .Indian Journal of Dental Research, 21 (6):357-359.
Anees A.M. (2008). Larvicidal activity of Cimum sanctum Linn. (Labiatae) against Aedes aegypti (L)and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say).Parasitology Research. 103 (6): 1451-1453.
Literature cited 2: Baliga M.S., Rao S., Rai M.P and D'souza P. (2016a). Radioprotective effects of the Ayurvedic medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum Linn (Holy Basil): A memoir. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, 12 (1):20-27.
Baliga M.S. Venkateswaan K. and Menon M.M. (2016b). Tulsi as a stress-relieving agent: A review of its potential. Journal of Ayurvedia and integrative Medicine, 7(3):132-138.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2015.12.003.
ID: 66451
Title: Wild mushrooms Lulung, Similipal Biospehrere Reserve, Odisha, India: Food and Medicinal aspects
Author: Supriya Kulkarni, S.Joshi, M.Kumar ,S.S.Nayak, Snajjet Kumar and H.N.Thatoi
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (7) July. Pg No. 683-687 (2025)
Subject: Wild mushrooms Lulung, Similipal Biospehrere Reserve, Odisha, India: Food and Medicinal aspects
Keywords: Ethnic tribes, Ethnomedicine, Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Wild mushrooms
Abstract: Covid-19 readdresses the value and utilization of the nutraceutical to provide food and medicinal staffs and to boost immunity. In these aspects, researchers globally searching wild source for existing traditional nutraceutical. Keeping these in view, an attempt has been made to collect the edible, medicinal and nutraceutical wild mushrooms from the living area of Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Odisha, Extensive field survey was made to collect the desired information through questionnaire from tribal communities of study areas. Forty species were enumerated belonging to 28 genera and 22 families. Out of these, 24 species were edible and the rest species have either medicinal, toxic, or not evaluated for their potential.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Adhikar M.KDevkota S. and Tiwari R.D. (2005) Ethnomycological Knowledge on uses of wild mushrooms in Western and Central Nepal. Our Nature, 3:13-19.
Anusiya G., Gowthama P.U., Yamini N.V., Sivarajasekar N., Rambabu K., M Bharath G and Banat F. (2021). A review of the therapeutic and biological effects of edible and wild mushrooms. Bioengineered, 12 (2), 11239-11268.
Literature cited 2: Atri N.S. and Saini S.S. (2000). Collection and study of Agarics-An introduction. Indian Journal Mushrooms, 18 (1&2):1-5.
Atri N.S, Saini S.S. and Saini M.K. (1997). Studies on genus Russula Pers. from Northwestern Himalayas. Mushroom Research, 6(1):1-6.