ID: 66132
Title: Abdul Kalam: an exceptional leader
Author: S. M. Deshpande
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 83-85 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Abdul Kalam: an exceptional leader
Keywords: None
Abstract: Bharat Ratna Abdul Kalam, or Kalam Saab to his innumerable friends and admirers, was an exceptional leader of many nationally important projects in Aerospace Engineering. As a faculty member of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, I have had the privilege and good fortune of interacting, collaborating and discussing with Kalam in various capacities since 1979. My first meeting with him (I vividly remember that) was in 1979 when he was the Project Director of SLV-3 programme of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bengaluru. I was a review committee member for reviewing heat transfer calculations in SLV-3 (Figure 1). This review committee was appointed by Kalam, and I was doing R&D work on MonteCarlo simulation of low-density flows (also called rarefied gas flows) for which one has to solve the Boltzmann equation of kinetic theory of gases and not the usual Navier Stokes (NS) equations of continuous gas dynamics. This was a foremost topic of research then. I had projects sponsored by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram on this topic in collaboration with R. Narasimha and my colleague P. V. Subba Raju who subsequently joined VSSC. Myself and Subba Raju used to visit VSSC quite often to run our direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) computer code on the VSSC computer. This work led to a joint publication in Sadhana
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Deshpande, S. M. and Subba Raju, P. V., Monte Carlo simulation for molecular gas dynamics. Sadhana, 1988, 12(1–2), 102–123.
Literature cited 2: Deshpande, S. M. et al., A 3-dimensional upwind Euler kinetic flux vector splitting method. In Proceedings of 13th International Conference on Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics (ICNMFD), Rome, Italy, 6–10 July 1992.


ID: 66131
Title: Three decades of association with A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Author: Kota Harinarayana
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 78-82 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Three decades of association with A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Keywords: None
Abstract: Though I heard about Kalam when I was working at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Nasik division, I met him only after I took over as programme director at Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bengaluru, in 1986 in the office of V. S. Arunachalam, Scientific Adviser (SA) to Raksha Mantri (RM). He was the director of Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, and the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was launched under his leadership. After a brief introduction to light combat aircraft (LCA) by Arunachalam, I gave a presentation of LCA programme to Kalam covering the performance requirements, aircraft configuration, technologies involved, facilities required and also the challenges in developing the technologies, test facilities and optimizing the configuration to meet the airstaff requirements specified by Indian Air Force (IAF). The issues related to the development of engine indigenously at Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) for the LCA were discussed. One of the key issues that needed to be resolved was whether it was prudent to develop a new aircraft and new engine simultaneously or develop the new aircraft with an existing engine and later replace it with a new engine. Also, it was clear that indigenous engine development would take much longer than aircraft development.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 66130
Title: Audacity of vision: a journey to extraordinary success
Author: A. Sivathanu Pillai
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 69-77 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Audacity of vision: a journey to extraordinary success
Keywords: None
Abstract: I had the unique opportunity to work with A. P. J. Abdul Kalam for nearly 40 years from 1972 in SLV-3, Aerospace Design and Dynamics Group and at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Headquarters (HQ), Bengaluru, Missile Projects, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), HQ, New Delhi, Societal Missions, Developed India Vision, and other ventures initiated by him. His high leadership quality influenced me in carrying out many path-breaking tasks, including realization of BrahMos. He depended on me, like many other close associates, in executing his ideas, thoughts and decision-making, writing books and preparing his lectures. In one of his books, he wrote that ‘Sivathanu Pillai has worked with me for more than three decades in shaping my thoughts and actions, and I am fortunate to have his friendship’. Recently, I wrote a book 40 years with Abdul Kalam – Untold Stories, to bring out his unique leadership qualities to excel others, overcoming many difficult times and events in his life, from spirituality to becoming Peoples’ President. Kalam was uniquely combined with a strong will and a bold vision for India to be a developed nation. His illustrious life will continue to inspire people around the world for years to come.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 66129
Title: Dr Kalam’s funny guys
Author: V. J. Sundaram
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 61-68 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Dr Kalam’s funny guys
Keywords: None
Abstract: Dr Abdul Kalam and I completed our B.Sc. degree and then became engineers in the same year (1957). Both of us joined Ministry of Defence and Kalam joined Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bengaluru. There, he built the hovercraft, ‘Nandi’ at Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) before moving to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bengaluru. In 1957, I enrolled in the Army, digging roads and repairing earthmoving equipment for Border Road projects in the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir (Poonch) and North East (Bomdila, Sela, Tawang), working in Infantry Divisions. I moved to missiles in 1967
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 66128
Title: Kalam my Guru
Author: Madhavan Nair
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 52-60 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Kalam my Guru
Keywords: None
Abstract: On that fateful day, 27 July 2015, I had an urge to talk to Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. I rang up his personal number. The phone rang, but no one answered. At the end, a recorded message said, ‘The person whom you are trying to contact is not reachable’. It never occurred to me that person was not reachable ever again. Half an hour later, my friend from Press Trust of India called and broke the shocking news that Kalam had left us forever.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 66127
Title: My journey with the People’s President
Author: V. K. Saraswat
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 47-51 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: My journey with the People’s President
Keywords: None
Abstract: Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was a truly inspiring individual, a great scientist, the best citizen and a human being of impeccable character. He made efforts to blossom young minds – full of thoughts, the thoughts of all round prosperity and indeed thoughts of transforming and developing India into a developed India. Four qualities – clarity, determination, hard work and humility helped him to achieve the impossible.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chengappa, R., The Sadhu of Science. India Today, 16 August 2015.
Literature cited 2:


ID: 66126
Title: Unforgettable memories of my association with A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Author: V. K. Aatre
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 44-46 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Unforgettable memories of my association with A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Keywords: None
Abstract: It was just over 77 years ago that India became an independent country. Before that, it was a poor third world country unable to feed its teeming millions and with hardly any civilian and industrial infrastructure, and just a few universities and R&D establishments. Very few countries have achieved as much as India has in the last seven decades. Today, India is set to become the third largest and five trillion-dollar economy with global standard civilian infrastructure, outstanding academic institutions, vibrant industries and enviable R&D institutions in several areas. This transition could only occur due to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, and his vision for Science and Technology. With the advice and active participation of scientists like S. S. Bhatnagar, Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, and Nobel Laureate P. M. S. Blackett, several R&D organizations like Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (in 1942 and pre-independent India), Atomic Energy Establishment (1954), Space Research and Satellite launch facilities (1960), and Defence Research and Development Organization (1958) respectively, were established. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam ably served both Space and Defence organizations.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 66125
Title: Preface
Author: N. Balakrishnan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 43-43 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Preface
Keywords: None
Abstract: It is my pleasure and privilege to present a collection of articles by those who worked closely with Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in several national initiatives. Each of them has distinguished themselves in their service to the nation and is highly regarded. The common thread amongst them is the fact that they were all mentored, touched and trained by Kalam. The authors have shared their experience of working with him and have narrated anecdotes that will certainly bring to the readers the admirable character of Kalam that made him one of the most successful visionary sons of India. One would get a ringside view of what Kalam was and the level of his passion towards his work that made India a true technological leader in defence and space, and how he architected it with humility, dedication and love for the nation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 66124
Title: Revisiting the relationship between palaeovegetation and Indian summer monsoon variability in the Central Ganga Plains
Author: Jennice Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 31-42 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Revisiting the relationship between palaeovegetation and Indian summer monsoon variability in the Central Ganga Plains
Keywords: Archaeology, climate proxies, Indian summer monsoon, palaeovegetation reconstruction, stable isotopes
Abstract: The Central Ganga Plain boasts a rich cultural history and a complex climatic past, shaped mainly by the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). The present study critically assesses current archaeological methodologies for palaeovegetational reconstruction and offers an updated overview of major multi-proxy studies conducted in response to ISM between ~100–2 ka BP. These studies reveal a correlation between high ISM periods and the prevalence of C3 vegetation, while low ISM periods are associated with C4 plants. The archaeological record also indicates corresponding adaptations in dietary habits and subsistence strategies. The study emphasizes the need for more localized multi-proxy research to enable inter-site comparisons, aiming for a holistic understanding of the evolution of the Ganga Plains.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Khullar, D., India: A Comprehensive Geography, Kalyani Publishers, 2020, 5th edn. 2. Husain, M., Geography of India, Tata McGraw-Hill Education, 2014.
Literature cited 2: Hodges, K., Bowring, S., Davidek, K., Hawkins, D. and Krol, M., Evidence for rapid displacement on Himalayan normal faults and the importance of tectonic denudation in the evolution of mountain ranges. Geology, 1998, 26, 483–486. Srivastava, P., Singh, I., Sharma, M. and Singhvi, A., Luminescence chronometry and late Quaternary geomorphic history of the Ganga Plain, India. Palaeogeogr. Palaeoclimatol. Palaeoecol., 2003, 197, 15–41.


ID: 66123
Title: Exploring the role of biostimulants in sustainable agriculture
Author: Shiva Nath Suman, Bobby Pradhan, Vipin Kumar, Hemlata Singh, Dibyajyoti Nath*, Dharm Nath Kamat and Mukesh Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 25-30 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Exploring the role of biostimulants in sustainable agriculture
Keywords: Abiotic stresses, arbuscular mycorrhiza, humic substances, nutrient-use efficiency, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
Abstract: In contemporary agriculture, there is a notable shift towards adopting biostimulants, encompassing both microbial and non-microbial types, as alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This transition not only promotes sustainable farming but also reaps substantial benefits for human health, biodiversity, the environment and the economy. Biostimulants, whether microbial or not, are potent forces in bolstering seedling growth, optimizing crop performance, enhancing nutrient utilization, and elevating the quality of agricultural produce. They also confer tolerance and resistance to various abiotic stresses, including salinity, high temperatures, nutrient deficiencies and drought. Crucial to this agricultural transformation is the intricate network within the rhizomicrobiome. Microorganisms, at their core, drive nutrient absorption and assimilation, improve soil texture and regulate the production of key extracellular compounds, such as protein hydrolysates, secondary metabolites and a myriad of signalling molecules. All these factors collectively contribute to enhanced plant growth. These microorganisms and their associated bioactive compounds represent valuable biostimulants, which are crucial in modulating plant responses to stress.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: FAO, The State of Food and Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy, 2016. FAO, Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry and other land use. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy, 2014.
Literature cited 2: Patil, S. G., Climate-smart agriculture for soil quality and sustainable crop production. J. Indian Soc. Soil Sci., 2017, 65(S), 143–149. Van Oosten, M. J., Pepe, O., Pascale, S. D., Silletti, S. and Maggio, A., The role of plant biostimulants and bioeffectors as alleviators of abiotic stress in crop plants. Chem. Biol. Technol. Agric., 2017, 4(5), 1–12; doi:10.1186/s40538-0089-5.


ID: 66122
Title: IEA’s global methane tracker report on India’s methane emissions
Author: J. R. Bhatt and Ajay K. Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 23-24 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: IEA’s global methane tracker report on India’s methane emissions
Keywords: None
Abstract: The recent global methane tracker 2024 Report of the International Energy Agency (IEA) states that emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas from Indian coal mining and handling activities, are over three times higher than the estimates provided in India’s Third National Communication (TNC) submitted to the UNFCCC on 9 December 2023. The TNC data are based on the actual field measurements, have a robust sample size and are in consonance with the IPCC guidelines. The IEA’s underlying methodology is questionable. While there is always scope for improving science with international collaboration, disregarding detailed measurements by Indian scientists leads to these ambiguities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: IEA, In Global methane tracker 2024, Coal Mine Methane, International Energy Agency, Paris, 2024; https://www.iea.org/ data-and-statistics/data-product/methane tracker-database (accessed on 16 March 2024). MoEFCC, In India: Third National Communication and Initial Adaptation Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, New Delhi, 2023, p. 114; https://moef.gov.in/ wp-content/uploads/2024/01/India-TNCIAC-revised.pdf (accessed on 16 March 2024).
Literature cited 2: MoEFCC, In India: Third National Communication and Initial Adaptation Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, New Delhi, 2023, p. 84; https://moef.gov.in/wp-content/ uploads/2024/01/India-TNC-IAC-revised. pdf (accessed on 16 March 2024). Ministry of Coal, In Coal Statistics 2022– 23, Ministry of Coal, New Delhi, p. 4; https://coal.nic.in/sites/default/files/2023- 10/17-10-2023a-wn.pdf (accessed on 25 March 2024).


ID: 66121
Title: Navigating national agricultural extension system in India: a call for strategic transformation
Author: R. Venkattakumar, P. Venkatesan, Ch. Srinivasa Rao and V. Venkatasubramanian
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 20-22 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Navigating national agricultural extension system in India: a call for strategic transformation
Keywords: None
Abstract: Farmers of India are negotiating with 4M (monsoon, money lenders, market and multinationals). The research and extension infrastructure successfully supported the farmers through such negotiations, which resulted not only in achieving a green revolution, but white (milk), yellow (oilseeds), blue (fisheries), gold (fruits), black/brown (non-conventional energy), silver (egg), round (potato), grey (fertilizers) and red (tomato) revolutions. Yet, its high time in India, to take a directional turn in navigating the National Agricultural Extension System (NAES).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Venkattakumar, R., Venkatesan, P., Senthil Vinayagam, S., Venkateshwarlu, G. and Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Strategy Paper No. 6. ICAR National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad, India, 2024, p. 18. Niti Aayog, Crops, Livestock, Fisheries and Inputs, Working Group Report, Government of India (GoI), New Delhi, 2018.
Literature cited 2: Suresh, A., Sajesh, V. K., Padaria, R. N. and Mohanty, A. K., Econ. Polit. Wkly, 2022, 58(35), 37–45. Kumar, A., Singh, A. K., Saroj, S., Misha Madhavan, M. and Joshi, P. K., IFPRI Discussion Paper 01832, South Asia Regional Office and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, 2019.


ID: 66120
Title: Implementation of artificial intelligence for effective plant disease management
Author: Kiruthiga Natarajan and Rajkuberan Chandrasekaran
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 19-20 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Implementation of artificial intelligence for effective plant disease management
Keywords: None
Abstract: Plant diseases threaten agriculture, impacting safety, the economy and the environment. While pesticides are common, they pose health risks. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and precision agriculture enable precise crop management, improving disease monitoring and control. Collaboration among experts has driven progress, though integrating AI into farming remains challenging. Data-driven systems promise faster, more accurate disease identification.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Selvaraju, R. R., Cogswell, M., Das, A., Vedantam, R., Parikh, D. and Batra, D., In Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Computer Vision, Venice, Italy, 2017, pp. 618–626. He, K., Zhang, X., Ren, S. and Sun, J., In Proceedings of the IEEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, Las Vegas, NV, USA, 2016, pp. 770–778.
Literature cited 2: Gu, Q., Chen, C., Zhang, H., Sun, L. and Ren, T. L., In 2018 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), IEEE, Maharashtra, India, 2018, pp. 6813–6818. Rathna Kumari, B. M., Plant Sci. Archiv., 2022, 8(10); doi:https://doi.org/10.5147/ PSA.2022.7.4.08


ID: 66119
Title: New horizons to the blue economy: tiny but mighty
Author: Sheena Jose, T. T. Ajith Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 10-11 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: New horizons to the blue economy: tiny but mighty
Keywords: None
Abstract: The role of marine resources in shaping the global economy is steadily increasing. India has a growing emphasis on exploring the ocean’s living and nonliving resources, from the surface to the depths, to enhance the nation’s stake in the blue economy. However, it is recognized that sustainable approaches must be adopted to ensure that these resources support economic growth, job creation and revenue generation while safeguarding the health of marine and coastal ecosystems. Although marine resources contribute significantly to the economic growth of the country, marine ornamentals also play a vital role. India’s territorial waters are blessed with stunning coral reefs and many organisms, including numerous ornamental species. These species are frequently harvested from reef systems for the aquarium trade , leading to a rapid decline in their natural populations. One possible solution to address this issue is the ‘promotion of marine ornamental aquaculture
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Prakash, S., Kumar, T. T. A., Raghavan, R., Rhyne, A., Tlusty, M. F. and Subramoniam, T., Mar. Policy, 2017, 77, 120– 129. Calado, R., Sci. Mar. 2006, 70(3), 389–398.
Literature cited 2: Calado, R., Lin, J., Rhyne, A. L., Araújo, R. and Narciso, L., J. Crust. Biol., 2003, 23(4), 963–973. FAO, Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics and Information Branch, Global Production and Trade 1976–2011, Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, 2014; www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/en.


ID: 66118
Title: Climate finance: milestones and way forward
Author: S. K. Satheesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (1) 7-8 10 Jan. (2025)
Subject: Climate finance: milestones and way forward
Keywords: None
Abstract: Climate change remains one of the hot topics for discussion at various levels; from common man to global policymakers and governments. While the extensive deliberations over the decades have increased the global awareness of this important issue, and a lot of research and policy papers have been generated, concrete and consistent actions are not forthcoming due to conflicting interests of nations for development and sustenance. Assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have already stated that climate change is happening, and the world is already facing the consequences of 1-degree warming in the form of sea-level rise, glacier melting, extreme weather events, etc., with regionally varying impacts to economy. Most of the research now confirms that we have reached a stage where the climate change is inevitable and almost irreversible.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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