ID: 65800
Title: Wetlands for human well-being
Author: T.V. Ramachandra , K.S. Asulabha , V. Sincy , R. Jaishanker
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2024
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 45 (2) i-iv (2024)
Subject: Wetlands for human well-being
Keywords: None
Abstract: Wetlands, transitional lands bridging the gap between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, are among the most diverse and
productive ecosystems, with biophysical interactions that provide numerous ecological, economic, and social benefits for human wellbeing. These vital ecosystems sustain ecological processes to provide services such as nutrient cycling, water purification, reducing
pollution, carbon sequestration, groundwater recharge, flood reduction, erosion control, habitats for aquatic biota (Fig. 1), education
opportunities, aesthetics, and recreation (Ramachandra et al., 2021; Ramachandra, 2022). In this context, World Wetlands Day is
celebrated every year on 2 February to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for human well-being and commemorate
the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The Convention underscored sustainable
and wise use of wetlands while advocating ecosystem approaches for the preservation of fragile ecosystems. Currently, 172 Ramsar
Convention Contracting Parties and 2,500 Ramsar Sites totalling 2.5 million square kilometers are designated Ramsar Wetlands of
International Importance. There are 80 wetlands of international significance in India (https://www.ramsar.org/) spanning 1,332,200 ha
(which includes recently (on 31 January 2024) designated five wetlands - Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini
Estuary (Ramachandra et al., 2018; Fig. 2) and Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve in Karnataka, and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Tamil Nadu). Pledged contracting parties advocate wise use of wetlands and water resources in the
respective regions through national conservation plans, policies, legislation, management actions, and public education as per the tenets
of 'seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations to ensure sustainable water and land resource use, food and
water security, biodiversity conservation,
poverty alleviation, and climate change
mitigation (https://sdgs.un.org/goals).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Clarkson, B. R., A. G. E. Ausseil and P. Gerbeaux: Wetland ecosystem services. Ecosystem services in New Zealand: conditions and trends. Manaaki
Whenua Press, Lincoln. 1, 192-202 (2013).
Costanza, R., R. d'Arge, R. De Groot, S. Farber, M. Grasso, B. Hannon, K. Limburg, S. Naeem, R.V. O'neill, J. Paruelo and R.G. Raskin: The value of the
world's ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature, 387, 253-260 (1997)
Literature cited 2: De Groot, R., L. Brander, S. Van Der Ploeg, R. Costanza, F. Bernard, L. Braat, M. Christie, N. Crossman, A. Ghermandi, L. Hein and S. Hussain: Global
estimates of the value of ecosystems and their services in monetary units. Ecosyst. Serv.,1, 50-61 (2012).
MEA: Ecosystems and human well-being: Aframework for assessment. Island Press: Washington, USA. pp. 1–266 (2005).
ID: 65799
Title: Reconnaissance report of the 21 July 2023 Jaipur earthquakes in Rajasthan, India
Author: Bal Krishna Maheshwari, Varun Kumar Singla and Sukanta Das
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 603-606 10 March (2024)
Subject: Reconnaissance report of the 21 July 2023 Jaipur earthquakes in Rajasthan, India
Keywords: Earthquakes, geological activities, reconnaissance report, seismic intensity, seismic z
Abstract: In the early morning of 21 July 2023, a few low to
moderate magnitude earthquakes struck the city of
Jaipur in Rajasthan, India. These tremors were strong
enough to wake up the city residents and were felt even
in other relatively distant cities such as Jaisalmer and
Delhi. This study reports preliminary findings of the
reconnaissance conducted in Jaipur following these
earthquakes. Field observations indicate a maximum
seismic intensity V (‘awakening’) on the MSK 1964 intensity scale (IS 1893-1, 2016), which is consistent with
the seismic zone (II) in which Jaipur city is located.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Paul, J. et al., Microstrain stability of peninsular India 1864–1994.
Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. – Earth Planet. Sci., 1995, 104, 131–146.
Rao, B. R. and Rao, P. S., Historical seismicity of peninsular India.
Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am., 1984, 74(6), 2519–2533.
Literature cited 2: IS: 1893, Criteria for earthquake resistance design of structures:
general provisions and buildings. Part-1, Bureau of Indian Standards,
New Delhi, 2016.
Kumar, H. and Pandit, M., Recurrent seismicity in Rajasthan state
in the tectonically stable NW Indian Craton. Iran. J. Earth Sci.,
2020, 12(1), 1–9.
ID: 65798
Title: Occupancy, coat colour pattern and social organization of mixed-species and mixed-morphotype groups of Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) and tufted grey langur (Semnopithecus priam)
Author: Santanu Mahato, Honnavalli N. Kumara , Mridula Singh and Mewa Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 593-602 10 March (2024)
Subject: Occupancy, coat colour pattern and social organization of mixed-species and mixed-morphotype groups of Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) and tufted grey langur (Semnopithecus priam)
Keywords: Altitudinal gradients, hybridization, langurs, mixed-species associations, sympatricity.
Abstract: A mixed-species group is formed due to an increase in
close association among individuals of different species. Such groups also possibility of having diversity in
size, phenotypic similarities and differences, and contrasting morphologies compared to the original species.
We studied inter-individual variations in external morphology and social structure in mixed-species groups
of Nilgiri langur (NL, Semnopithecus johnii) and tufted
grey langur (HL, Semnopithecus priam) between 300
and 800 m in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Western
Ghats in India. The study reports the largest number
of mixed morphotypes in a population having a higher
abundance of dark grey morphs at lower altitudes, light
brown morphs in the mid altitudes and more dark
brown morphs at higher altitudes. The group size of
mixed species was mostly multi-male and multi-female
and larger than the NL and HL groups. Our study
provides a framework to determine their inter-specific
interactions and reproductive strategies which are
necessary in overlapping ranges.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: MacArthur, R. H., On the relative abundance of bird species. Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1957, 43, 293–295.
Schoener, T. W., Resource partitioning in ecological communities.
Science, 1974, 185, 27–39.
Literature cited 2: Schnitzler, A. and Hermann, L., Chronological distribution of the
tiger Panthera tigris and the Asiatic lion Panthera leo persica in
their common range in Asia. Mamm. Rev., 2019, 49, 340–353.
Singh, M. et al., Distribution and research potential of non-human
primates in the Aliyar–Valparai sector of Indira Gandhi Wildlife
Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India. Trop. Biodivers., 1997, 4, 197–208.
ID: 65797
Title: REE and Y enrichment in peralkaline felsic rocks of the Siwana region, Rajasthan, northwestern India
Author: Suresh Kumar, Vivek V. Kumar , Shishir Bhardwaj , Rohit Sharma and Kiran J. Mishra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 583-592 10 March (2024)
Subject: REE and Y enrichment in peralkaline felsic rocks of the Siwana region, Rajasthan, northwestern India
Keywords: Alkaline granite, igneous rocks, rare earth elements, soil profile, yttrium.
Abstract: In the modern world, rare earth elements (REE) and
yttrium (Y) dominate the development of high-end
electronic equipment and green energy technologies. The
global economic deposits of REE and Y are primarily
associated with alkaline and peralkaline igneous rocks.
The REE deposit of the Siwana ring complex, Rajasthan, India, is entirely composed of peralkaline igneous
rocks. This complex is made up of REE and Y-enriched
(both LREE and HREE) peralkaline granite, rhyolite
and its younger felsic intrusives such as rhyolite, microgranite, aplite and felsite dykes. We present a study of
the REE and Y potential of granites, volcanic rocks
and felsic dykes from 17 quarries in the Siwana area.
Monazite, zircon and apatite were the primary (magmatic) REE-bearing phases identified under a microscope. The late/post-magmatic replacement in granite is
evident as coarsening of perthite lamellae, pseudomorphic replacement of alkali feldspar grains by aegirine,
replacement of aenigmatite by aegirine, etc. The granites,
volcanic rocks and dykes show significant enrichment
of REE + Y and other trace elements (Sn, Hf and U). A
total of 20 rock samples were analysed using inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which indicated
significant REE + Y values ranging between 1061.22
and 9088.62 ppm, with an average of 2361.89 ppm. This
includes LREE (707.42–5743.83 ppm, avg. 2080.40 ppm)
and HREE (135.77–1422.23 ppm, avg. 402.41 ppm) Hf
up to 425.55 ppm. Totally five samples from a soil profile
were also analysed, yielding REE + Y values between
223.39 and 3175.75 ppm, with an average of 1714.51 ppm.
The ion adsorption clay horizon developed within the
soil profile showed a maximum REE + Y value of
3175.75 ppm.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: GoI, Mining of rare earth elements, Department of Aromic Energy,
Government of India, Press release, 2023; https://www.pib.gov.in/
PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1914305.
Hoatson, D. M., Jaireth, S. and Miezitis, Y., The major rare-earth element deposits of Australia: geological setting, exploration and
resources. Geoscience Australia, Canberra, 2011, p. 204.
Literature cited 2: Long, K. R., Gosen, B. S. V., Foley, N. K. and Cordier, D., The
principal rare earth elements deposits of the United States – a summary of domestic deposits and a global perspective. US Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report, 2010, SIR 2010–
5220, p. 96; http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2010/5220/
Varughese, S. K., Banerjee, A., Kamlesh, K., Bidwai, R., Sarbajna,
C., Bhatt, A. K. and Verma, M. B., Field setting, mineralogy, geochemistry, and potential of acid volcanics hosting REE-Nb–Zr ± U
mineralisation in Siwana ring complex, Barmer district, Rajasthan.
In Proceedings of National Seminar on Strategic Mineral Exploration
for Sustainable Development: Emerging Trends and Challenges,
Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Southern Region, Bengaluru, 7–8 May 2019, abst. vol., pp. 92–93.
ID: 65796
Title: Mineral chemistry of Mahadevpur H4/5 chondrite: characterization of nanodiamonds through micro-Raman spectroscopic studies
Author: Bhaskar J. Saikia, G. Parthasarathy , N. V. Chalapathi Rao, Vikas Seth and Rashmi R. Borah
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 574-582 10 March (2024)
Subject: Mineral chemistry of Mahadevpur H4/5 chondrite: characterization of nanodiamonds through micro-Raman spectroscopic studies
Keywords: Chondrite, mineral chemistry, nanodiamonds, shock metamorphism, spectroscopic analysis.
Abstract: Here, we present comprehensive electron probe micro
analysis, laser Raman spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction
(XRD) studies on the Mahadevpur H4/5 chondrite. The
calculated full width at half maximum (FWHM) value
of ~14–17 cm–1 for the Raman peaks in the Mahadevpur
meteorite is in accordance with the shock stage of S4
with medium shock pressure regime of 30–35 GPa. The
nanodiamonds were characterized with the observation of
Raman peaks at 1333–1358 cm–1 and 1600 cm–1
. The
FWHM value of the Raman peaks reflects shock metamorphism in the meteorite. The XRD technique provides
further independent validation of the nanodiamonds.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Krot, A. N., Keil, K., Scott, E. R. D., Goodrich, C. A. and Weisberg, M. K., Classification of meteorites and their genetic relationships. In Treatise on Geochemistry, 1. (eds Turekian, K. K. and
Holland, H. D.), Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2013, 2nd
edn, pp. 1–63.
Dhingra, D. et al., Spectacular fall of the Kendrapara H5 chondrite.
Meteorit. Planet. Sci., 2004, 39(S8), A121–A132
Literature cited 2: Parthasarathy, G. and Sarma, S. R., High-temperature electrical and
thermal properties of Burdett, Dalhart, Faucet and Wellman ordinary chondrites. Curr. Sci., 2004, 86(10), 1366–136.
Bhandari, N. et al., Bhawad, LL6 chondrite: chemistry, petrology,
noble gases, nuclear tracks, and cosmogenic radionuclides. Meteorit.
Planet. Sci., 2005, 40(7), 1015–1021.
ID: 65795
Title: Identification of tomato lines based on conventional and molecular tools for breeding
Author: Jagesh Kumar Tiwari, Nagendra Rai, Manish K. Singh, Lokesh K. Mishra, Gaurav Mishra and T. K. Behera
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 569-573 10 March (2024)
Subject: Identification of tomato lines based on conventional and molecular tools for breeding
Keywords: Breeding, elite lines, horticultural traits, tomato, virus
Abstract: Identifying elite lines is a major research priority for
developing new hybrids/varieties. A total of 153 tomato
lines were characterized based on horticultural traits,
total soluble solids (TSS) and tomato yellow leaf curl
virus (ToLCV) resistance under natural field conditions. Molecular markers were applied for ToLCV (Ty2 and Ty-3), late blight (Ph-3) and root-knot nematode
(Mi-1.2) resistance genes. Based on horticultural traits
such as average fruit weight, fruit yield, TSS and
ToLCV resistance, promising lines were identified belonging to improved lines, jointless tomato, cherry tomato,
beta-carotene-rich lines, germplasm and varieties. An
improved line VRT-02 possessing dwarf plant type was
found suitable for pot culture, whereas H-88-78-2 had
a delayed and partial fruit ripening. Thus, the present
study identified elite lines using conventional and molecular tools for tomato breeding
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Tiwari, J. K. et al., Progress in marker-assisted selection to genomics assisted breeding in tomato. Crit. Rev. Plant Sci., 2022, 41(5), 321–350.
https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data (accessed on 17 June 2023)
Literature cited 2: Prasad, A., Sharma, N., Hari-Gowthem, G., Muthamilarasan, M.
and Prasad, M., Tomato yellow leaf curl virus: impact, challenges,
and management. Trends Plant Sci., 2020, 25(9), 897–911.
Prasanna, H. C., Kashyap, S. P., Krishna, R., Sinha, D. P., Reddy,
S. and Malathi, V. G., Marker assisted selection of Ty-2 and Ty-3
carrying tomato lines and their implications in breeding tomato leaf
curl disease resistant hybrids. Euphytica, 2015, 204, 407–418
ID: 65794
Title: Insights into bacterial communities: multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming bacteria in poultry droppings
Author: Namrata Jiya , Swapnil Kajale , Kunal Jani, Abhishek Keer , Chahat Markan , Monica Chavan , Ashwin V. Khandare , Mahendra D. Jamdhade , Alimuddin Zumla and Avinash Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 562-568 10 March (2024)
Subject: Insights into bacterial communities: multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming bacteria in poultry droppings
Keywords: Antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, biofilms, multidrug-resistant bacteria, poultry droppings.
Abstract: An ever-increasing demand for high-quality protein
sources like poultry products, along with excessive use
of antibiotics in animal husbandry are contributing factors to the growing global problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The overuse of antibiotics in poultry
and the dissemination of poultry faecal waste in the
environment results in the propagation and spread of
multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. We investigated
the bacterial diversity of poultry droppings by targeted
amplicon sequencing and determined the resistance
pattern of 165 bacterial isolates against various types of
antibiotics. We found that the species of genera Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Proteus, Bacillus and
Shigella showed resistance against beta-lactams, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, sulphonamide, nitrofurantoin, polymyxin E and aminoglycosides. In addition, we
detected strong biofilm-producing isolates of Enterobacter, Bacillus, Proteus, Escherichia and Enterococcus. The
detection of biofilm-forming MDR bacteria in poultry
droppings highlights the need for proactive measures to
mitigate their growth and transmission. High-throughput
sequencing revealed the differential prevalence of amplicon sequence variants belonging to Lactobacillus,
Corynebacterium and Bacteroides. Functional imputations
support the observed potential of biosynthesis of divergent antibiotics and drug resistance. Our findings highlight that poultry droppings harbour a diverse array of
antibiotic-resistant bacteria, underscoring the significance of continuous surveillance and appropriate disposal
methods to counteract the escalating problem of multidrug resistance under the ‘One Health’ approach.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Zumla, A. et al., Reducing the threat of epidemic-prone infections
at mass gathering religious events. Lancet, 2022, 400, 80–82.
Jani, K., Srivastava, V., Sharma, P., Vir, A. and Sharma, A., Easy
access to antibiotics; spread of antimicrobial resistance and implementation of One Health approach in India. J. Epidemiol. Global
Health, 2021, 11, 444–452
Literature cited 2: Koya, S. F., Ganesh, S., Selvaraj, S., Wirtz, V. J., Galea, S. and
Rockers, P. C., Consumption of systemic antibiotics in India in
2019. Lancet Reg. Health Southeast Asia, 2022, 4, 100025.
Kumar, H. et al., Understanding of colistin usage in food animals
and available detection techniques: a review. Animals (Basel),
2021, 9(1), 178
ID: 65793
Title: Analysis of morphological changes in erythrocytes in malaria by shape descriptors prior to and after antimalarial drugs
Author: Maombi Edison, J. B. Jeeva and Megha Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 555-561 10 March (2024)
Subject: Analysis of morphological changes in erythrocytes in malaria by shape descriptors prior to and after antimalarial drugs
Keywords: Antimalarial drugs, erythrocytes, grey-level intensity, Plasmodium falciparum malaria, shape descriptors
Abstract: In this study, malarial patients (n = 80) were treated for
three days with artesunate and amodiaquine (ASAQ).
Twenty healthy individuals in a similar age range were
chosen as the control group. The contours of the erythrocytes were extracted from the processed microscopic
images, and the shape parameters were derived from
them. The erythrocytes were scanned along their largest
diameter to determine the variation in grey-level intensity. The results showed that the change in shape parameters and grey-level intensity was similar to normal
on day 4 after treatment. This provides novel insights
into the contribution of ASAQ to the recovery of
erythrocytes
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: WHO, World Malaria Report 2020: 20 years of global progress and
challenges, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2020.
Maombi, E., Jeeva, J. B. and Megha, S., Digital analysis of changes
by Plasmodium vivax malaria in erythrocytes. Indian J. Exp. Biol.,
2011, 49, 11–15.
Literature cited 2: Depond, M., Henry, B., Buffet, P. and Ndour, P. A., Methods to investigate the deformability of RBC during Malaria. Front. Physiol.,
2020, 10, 1613.
Barber, B. E. et al., Reduced red blood cell deformability in Plasmodium knowlesi malaria. Blood Adv., 2018, 2(4), 433–443.
ID: 65792
Title: Soil carbon footprints and climate-smart soils
Author: T. Bhattacharyya
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 548-554 10 March (2024)
Subject: Soil carbon footprints and climate-smart soils
Keywords: Carbon footprints, climate change, climate-smart soils, global warming, sequestration.
Abstract: Carbon is sequestered in the soil in organic (SCSo) and inorganic (SCSi) forms. This sequestration is
controlled by different soil properties. SCSo, a boon, enhances the physical and chemical conditions
of the soil to improve soil drainage and provide adequate nutrition to the plants. SCSi, contributed
mainly by pedogenic calcium carbonates (PCs), is a bane and degrades the soil chemically. Soil acts
both as a source and sink of carbon. With the global warming threat looming, conservation of the
soil for sustenance has gained more importance in view of its role in providing various ecosystem
services, including food production. Therefore, identifying climate-smart soils that can withstand climate change and warming is important. These climate-smart soils will help identify global hotspots
for soil conservation. The present study provides a method to measure soil carbon footprints (CFs)
to identify climate-smart soils, citing a few examples from tropical India. This effort will help move
forward the subject of soil carbon research and its importance for preserving this limited natural resource for humankind. Increased atmospheric carbon footprints (CF) are harmful, while those in the
subsurface (soil) are good and will continue to save humanity from the vagaries of climate. It requires global awareness and proper utilization of the soils.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhattacharyya, T., et al., Processes determining the sequestration
and maintenance of carbon in soils: a synthesis of research from
tropical India. Soil Horizons, 2014, 1–16; doi:10.2136/sh14-01-0001.
2. Anon., 2021; https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/tasr2021_
IND_0.pdf (accessed on 18 July 2023).
Literature cited 2: Anon., 2019; https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/TASR2019_IND.pdf (accessed on 18 July 2023).
Ritchie, H., Roser, M. and Rosado, P., CO2 and greenhouse gas
emissions, 2020; https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-greenhouse-gasemissions
ID: 65791
Title: Revamping India’s groundwater monitoring network
Author: S. N. Dwivedi, Sujatro Ray Chowdhuri, Subhra Satapathy and Ratikanta Nayak
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 542-547 10 March (2024)
Subject: Revamping India’s groundwater monitoring network
Keywords: Aquifers, climate change, groundwater level, high-frequency data, monitoring networks
Abstract: Groundwater level is the most important parameter in any study involving the evaluation, development
and management of groundwater resources. Systematic monitoring of groundwater levels, which
commenced with the establishment of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), has been of immense use in addressing several challenges like prioritization of areas for groundwater recharge,
delineating areas prone to waterlogging, estimation of storage change in the aquifers, estimation of
groundwater flow, etc. In a major boost to strengthen groundwater monitoring in the country, the
Government of India has sanctioned a special project under which CGWB has envisaged to construct 9000 purpose-built wells (piezometers) in identified priority areas, which will be equipped
with digital water-level recorders (DWLRs) and telemetry devices for acquisition and transmission
of groundwater levels at increased frequency. The intended uses of the long-term high-frequency data
include monitoring short-term and long-term changes in the groundwater levels, groundwater storage
and recharge to the aquifers, monitoring the effects of climatic variability, estimating transboundary
flow, assessing regional effects of groundwater development, quantifying impacts of water conservation and artificial recharge projects, and improved understanding of groundwater and surface water
interactions. High-frequency groundwater level data also have the potential for steering multi-institutional collaborative research projects in the country, particularly for studying the impact of
groundwater extraction on land subsidence, the relationship between groundwater levels and tectonic
disturbances, and climate change impacts on the groundwater regime.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Taylor, C. J. and Alley, W. M., Ground-water-level monitoring and
the importance of long-term water-level data. Report of United
States Geological Survey, Denver, CO, USA, 2001, vol. 1217, p. 77.
http://cgwb.gov.in/ (accessed on 24 November 2023).
Literature cited 2: CGWB, Ground Water Year Book – India 2021–22, Central Ground
Water Board, 2022, p. 107; http://cgwb.gov.in/cgwbpnm/publication-detail/235
Swain, S., Taloor, A. K., Dhal, L., Sahoo, S. and Al-Ansari, N.,
Impact of climate change on groundwater hydrology: a comprehensive review and current status of the Indian hydrogeology. Appl.
Water Sci., 2022, 12(6), 120
ID: 65790
Title: An endangered wild kiwi fruit Actinidia callosa var. strigillosa C. F. Liang (Actinidiaceae) from India
Author: Abhilash Padhan, Dinesh Singh Thakur Kumar Ambrish
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 539-541 10 March (2024)
Subject: An endangered wild kiwi fruit Actinidia callosa var. strigillosa C. F. Liang (Actinidiaceae) from India
Keywords: None
Abstract: In this study, the wild kiwi fruit Actinidia
callosa var. strigillosa is reported for the
first time from the wild habitat of North
Sikkim district, Sikkim, North East India.
It is a dioecious climbing shrub with separate male and female vines. The fruits from
the female vine are consumed by local
tribes, either raw or on ripening, which directly contributes towards their nutritional
security1
. The green leafy parts, along with
young stems, are used as fodder, whereas
the older stems are used for making ropes
due to higher fibre content. This report on
the occurrence of wild kiwi fruit from the
Lachen area, along with its taxonomical
description, will be helpful for researchers
to locate it in other areas of India
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Padhan, A. et al., Genet. Resour. Crop Evol.,
2023, 71, 39–52.
Mao, A. A. and Dash, S. S., Flowering
Plants of India: An Annotated Check l,
Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, 2020,
vol. 1, p. 161.
Literature cited 2: Henare, S. J., In Nutritional Composition
of Fruit Cultivars (eds Simmonds, M. S. J.
and Preedy, V. R.), Academic Press, San
Diego, USA, 2016, pp. 337–370.
Lindley, J., A Natural System of Botany or a
Systematic View of the Organisation,
Natural Affinities, and Geographical Distribution of the Whole Vegetable Kingdom,
Longman, London, UK, 1836, 2nd edn.
ID: 65789
Title: Save the Sundarbans
Author: K. Kathiresan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 536-538 10 March (2024)
Subject: Save the Sundarbans
Keywords: None
Abstract: The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove
forest in the world, covering a total area of
10,200 km2
, of which 42% is in India and
the remaining is in Bangladesh. It is located
in the Gangetic Delta, the world’s largest
wetland with the highest sedimentation. It is
the only mangrove–tiger kingdom in the
world and is internationally recognized as a
‘World Heritage Site’ of UNESCO and a
Ramsar Site. The Sundarbans is a crucial
biodiversity hotspot, offering unique habitats for terrestrial and marine wildlife, as it
is located between land and sea. It is a
‘heaven’ for globally threatened species
such as tigers, fishing cats, Gangetic dolphins, Irrawaddy dolphins, estuarine crocodiles, horseshoe crabs, water monitor
lizards, sea turtles, otters and river terrapins. Several species have already become
extinct in the Sundarbans, e.g. Javan rhinoceros, water buffalo, swamp deer, hog
deer and marsh crocodile. Covering 42%
of mangrove cover, the Sundarbans is the
largest mangrove area in India, supporting
28 mangroves, 55 mangrove associates and
2628 fauna, and the organisms are remarkably adapted to rigorously fluctuating tidal
conditions1,
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kathiresan, K., Curr. Sci., 2018, 114, 1–
6.
Kathiresan, K., Curr. Sci., 2023, 125, 721–
722.
Literature cited 2: Kathiresan, K., Indian For., 2021, 147,
758–761.
FSI, SFR mangroves cover: India State of
Forest Report, Forest Survey of India,
Dehradun, 2021, pp. 64–72
ID: 65788
Title: Convalescent millets combating against non-communicable diseases
Author: Aayushi Nagwanshi, Tapas Chakma, Suman Kumar Ray, Kritika Singh and Suyesh Shrivastava
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 534-535 10 March (2024)
Subject: Convalescent millets combating against non-communicable diseases
Keywords: None
Abstract: Non-communicable diseases and hunger are significant global issues, with undernourishment and hunger creating a vicious cycle. Promoting millets during the International Year of Millets in 2023 with the theme ‘Healthy
millets, healthy people’ is a healthier option than rice or wheat. Millets offer health benefits such as low glycaemic index, high fibre content and antioxidant properties. They also help regulate blood sugar levels, aid in
weight control and lower the risk of obesity. The National Millets Mission was launched by the Government of
India to encourage the production and consumption of millets, nutrient-dense, high-energy foods that can help
deal with non-communicable diseases and significantly combat the global burden of these diseases and global
hunger. Owing to the benefits of millets, including them in the daily diet can decrease the chances of cardiovascular diseases and ultimately improve the health of people.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dias-Martins, A. M., Pessanha, K. L. F.,
Pacheco, S., Rodrigues, J. A. S. and Carvalho, C. W. P., Food Res. Int., 2018, 109,
175–186.
https://apeda.gov.in/milletportal/Production.
html (last accessed on 14 November 2023)
Literature cited 2: http://www.nuscommunity.org/initiatives/
ifad-eu-ccafs-nus/kodo-and-kutki-milletsin-madhya-pradesh/ (last accessed on 14
November 2023).
https://apeda.gov.in/milletportal/files/Madhya_Pradesh_Millet_Value_Added_Products_Catalogue.pdf (last accessed on 14
November 2023).
ID: 65787
Title: The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023: a balancing act of rights and obligations
Author: Padmesh P. Pillai
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (5) 532-533
10 March (2024)
Subject: The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023: a balancing act of rights and obligations
Keywords: None
Abstract: The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was approved by both houses of the Indian Parliament in August
2023. The Bill introduces major changes compared to the National Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the subsequent Rules, 2004. The amendments ease the process of patent filing for Indian citizens and support the livelihood
of indigenous people associated with biodiversity-related activities. The introduction of a new term, ‘codified
traditional knowledge’ will make few activities distinct from ‘traditional knowledge’. The Bill has provisions to
protect the nation’s rich biological wealth, including that deposited in the International Depository Authority. It is
a positive move to protect the larger interest of India while honouring the international obligations under various treaties and conventions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: The Biological Diversity (amendment) Act
2023. The Gazette of India, 3 August 2023,
No. 10 of 2023
Literature cited 2: GoI, The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
and Biological Diversity Rules, 2004, National Biodiversity Authority, Government
of India, 2004, p. 74.
ID: 65786
Title: Evaluation of constant ductility displacement response spectra for near-fault ground motions of the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, Taiwan
Author: Konkula Rama Neeraja , Faisal Mehraj Wani , Chereddy Navyatha , Jaya Prakash Vemuri and Chenna Rajaram
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (7) 837-847 10 April (2024)
Subject: Evaluation of constant ductility displacement response spectra for near-fault ground motions of the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, Taiwan
Keywords: Constant ductility response spectra, earthquakes, forward and backward rupture, near-fault ground motions, seismic hazard.
Abstract: This study evaluates the constant ductility displacement
response spectra (CDDRS) for near-fault ground motions
(NFGMs) of the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake in Taiwan.
The complex source mechanism was mainly caused by
a rupture on the Chelungpu fault that spanned about
100 km. A dataset of 63 NFGM records was considered to
understand the effects of CDDRS due to hanging wall,
foot wall and directivity effects. CDDRS were generated
using SeismoSignal tool for the selected ground motions.
Significant variation was observed in both elastic and
inelastic CDDRS for tall buildings due to the hanging
wall effect. In addition, variations in the inelastic spectra
were found to be more prominent due to the backward
directivity effect. Moreover, the inelastic displacement
spectral values for pulse-like ground motions were much
higher than those associated with non-pulse ground
motions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Shin, T. C. and Teng, T. L., An overview of the 1999 Chi-Chi,
Taiwan, earthquake. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am., 2001, 91(5), 895–913.
Alavi, B. and Helmut, K., Effects of Near-Fault Ground Motions on
Frame Structures, John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center,
Stanford, USA, 2001.
Literature cited 2: . Chen, C. C., Huang, C. T., Cherng, R. H. and Jeng, V., Preliminary
investigation of damage to near fault buildings of the 1999 Chi-Chi
earthquake. Earthq. Eng. Eng. Seismol., 2000, 2(1), 79–92.
Tsai, K. C., Hsiao, C. P. and Bruneau, M., Overview of building
damages in 921 Chi-Chi earthquake. Earthq. Eng. Eng. Seismol.,
2000, 2(1), 93–108