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ID: 63408
Title: Artificial intelligence in plantation crops
Author: P.Chowdappa, Ravi Bhat, A.C. Mathew and M.K.Rajesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (6) 914-915 (2019)
Subject: Artificial intelligence in plantation crops
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, plantation crops
Abstract: Agriculture plays a vital role in India’s economy with over 58 % of the rural households dependent on it as their principal means of livelihood. The Indian agriculture sector, currently facing challenges of climate change, population growth and food security concerns, is progressively looking onwards means to leverage innovative technologies which can substantially enhance crop productivity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is steadily emerging as a part of the technological evolution of this sector. Plantation crops are grown in India over an area of 3.7 million hectares and provide livelihood security to around 30 million people, besides contributing Rs 250 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP).To explore the gamut of application s of AI in agriculture, with special reference to plantation crops, a two-day workshop was held last year.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 63407
Title: Fifty years of oral rehydration therapy: forgotten contributions from the Indian subscontinent
Author: M.K.Unnikrishnan, Akash Marathakam and Vimal Mathew
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 884-887 (2019)
Subject: Fifty years of oral rehydration therapy: forgotten contributions from the Indian subscontnent
Keywords: oral rehydration therapy, Indian subcontinent
Abstract: Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a simple and powerful remedy that saves millions of children from diarrhoeal deaths every year. Improvising a simple oral remedy for diarrhoea was a Third World priority because the West, with good sanitation and ready access to intravenous (IV) fluids, rarely encountered diarrhoeal deaths. The scientific evidence in support of ORT began with researchers demonstrating the co transport phenomenon’, in which glucose was shown to enhance sodium absorption by specific transporter proteins. The ensuing clinical trials with ORT solutions of varying concentrations of sugar and salt, produced inconsistent and sometimes dangerous results. Early success came with the crucial 1968 Chittagong trials, when cholera patients in shock were treated intra-gastrically with ORT solutions. Subsequent field trials confirmed that ORT saves lives, even without IV fluids. Yet, translating ORT to the community remained problematic, until the Bangladesh liberation was (1971-72) when Dilip Mahalanabis (Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kolkata.) conducted the game-changing field trial in squalid refugee campus under extreme conditions. With neither doctors nor nursing support, family members administered ORT to dying patients. This pragmatic and frugal remedy went on to become the flagship public health programme under UNICEF and WHO. Though under-implemented to this day, ORT remains the greatest contributions from the Indian subcontinent towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.ORT teaches many lesson: the delays in translating research to therapy , lure of gadgetry smothering frugal innovation, need for institutional endorsement from the West, in addition to the general indifference towards public health priorities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Organization WH, others. WHO position paper on oral rehydration salts to reduce mortality from cholera. Global Task Force Cholera Control 2013; https://www.who.int/cholera/technical/en/(accessed on 28 July 2013.). https://www.nph.gov.in/ors-day_pg accessed on 20 April 2019).
Literature cited 2: Ruxin, J.N., Med.Hist. 1994, 38 (4), 363-397. Darrow, D.C., Pratt, E.L., Flett, J., Gamble, A.H. and Wiese, H.F., Pediatrics, 1949, 3 (2) , 129-156.

ID: 63406
Title: Comparative implementation of the benchmark Dejong 5 function using flower pollination algorithm and the African buffalo optimization
Author: Julius Beneoluchi Odili and A. Noraziah
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 871-877 (2019)
Subject: Comparative implementation of the benchmark Dejong 5 function using flower pollination algorithm and the African buffalo optimization
Keywords: Benchmark, comparative implementation, iteration, optimization algorithms, search agents, test functions
Abstract: This communication presents experimental research findings on the application of the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) and the African buffalo optimization (ABO) to implement the complex and fairly popular benchmark Dejong 5 function. The study aims to unravel the untapped potential of FPA and the ABO in providing good solutions to optimization problems. In addition, it explores the Dejong 5 function with the hope of attracting the attention of the research community to evaluate the capacity of the two comparative algorithms as well as the Dejong 5 function. We conclude from this study that in implementing FPA and ABO for solving the benchmark Dejong 5 problem, a population of 10 search agents and using 1000 iterations can produce effective and efficient outcomes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: http://www.cs.unm.edu/~real.holts/dga/bencharkFunction/quartic.html (accessed on 30 January 2017) . De Jong, K.A. Analysis of the behaviour of a class of genetic adaptive systems, 1975; https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/4507 (accessed on 20August 2019)
Literature cited 2: http://wwwoptima.amp.i.kyotou.ac.jp/member/student/hedar/Hedar_files/TestGO_files/Page1113.htm (accessed on 30 January 2017). Foxholes, S., Electric power systems analysis and nature –inspired optimization algorithms, https://ww.al-roomi-org/benchmarks/unconstrained/2-dimensions/7-shekel-s-foxholes-function (Accessed on 2 February 2017).

ID: 63405
Title: 137Cs – a potential environmental marker for assessing erosion-induced soil organic carbon loss in India
Author: Debashis Mandal, Nishita Giri, Pankaj Srivastava, Chinmay Sah, Ravi Bhusan, Karunakara Naregundi, M.P. Mohan and Manoj Shrivastava
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 865-871 (2019)
Subject: 137Cs – a potential environmental marker for assessing erosion-induced soil organic carbon loss in India
Keywords: 137Cs technology, soil erosion, soil erosion induced C-loss, soil conservation, slopping agricultural land.
Abstract: The use of Cesium -137 (137 Cs) as a potential environmental marker was examined for estimating soil erosion induced carbon losses on slopping agricultural land. Depth-wise incremental soil samples were taken from uneroded reference sites and four levels of cultivated slopping lands representing different erosion phase in Doon valley region of India. Comparing the 137Cs inventories for eroded sites with the reference inventory, the erosion rates were computed. The estimated erosion rates were then compared with the actual measured values of erosion at each erosion phase. Since soil erosion preferentially removes the finer soil particles, these results were used to assess erosion induced loss of OC. The result indicated that erosion in different phases relocate 137 kg Cha-1 in slightly eroded plots to 38 kg C ha-1 in severely eroded plots which in turn contributes to 27 to 77 kg C ha-1 the atmosphere as net source of C respectively.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Lal, R., Soil erosion and the global carbon budget. Environ. Int., 2003, 29, 437-450. Mandal, D., Dadhwal, K.S. Shola, O.P.S. and Dhyani, B.L., Adjusted T values for conservation planning in Northwest Himalayas of India. J. Soil Water Conserv., 2006, 61, 391-397.
Literature cited 2: Lakaria, B.L.Biswas, H. and Mandal, D., Permissible erosion limits for different physiographic region of central India.Soil.Use Manage, 2008, 24, 192-198. Gregorich, E.G., Greer.K.J. Anderson, D.W., and Linag, B.C., Carbon distribution and losses: erosion and deposition effects .Soil Till., Res., 1998, 47, 291-302; https: //doi.org10.1016/SO167-1987 (98) 00117-2

ID: 63404
Title: Boron measurement in tourmaline from pegmatite veins, Simdega area, Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex, Eastern India Electron Probe Microanalysis
Author: Deepak Kumar, Dinesh Pandit, Abhinay Sharma and N.V. Chalapathi Rao
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 858-864 (2019)
Subject: Boron measurement in tourmaline from pegmatite veins
Keywords: Boron, electron probe micro analysis, pegmatite, tourmaline
Abstract: Tourmaline group of minerals, the primary source of boron, are cyclosilicates which are widespread in the earth’s crust. Earlier studies involving the nomenclature and classification of tourmaline were based on the measurement of its common elements (Al, Mn, Fe, Mg, etc.) In all such studies, boron was assumed to be fixed in the composition and restricted only to the triangular Structal site. However, recent discovery of the presence of boron in the tetrahedral structural site as well, necessitates the measurement of boron content. Much of the earlier attempts to measure boron were based on solution methods, and electron micro-probe analysis (EPMA) was the least used due to low levels of detection of its analytical crystals. In the present study, we quantify boron-particularly along with fluorine and other major elements-in tourmaline grains using high-sensitivity PC3 analytical crystal. We found that the measured boron content slightly exceeds that of the stoichiometrically calculated boron. Also, the studied tourmalines come under the alkali group in general and belong to the schorldravite solid solution series in particular.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Marschall, H.R., Korsakov, A.V., Luvizotto, G.L., Nasdala, L. and Ludwig, T., On the occurrence and boron isotopic composition of tourmaline in (ultra) high –pressure metamorphic rocks.J.Geol.Soc.London, 2009, 166, 811-823. Lussier, A.J., Ball,N.A., Hawthrone,F.C.,Heny,D.J. Shimizu,R., Ogasawara,Y. and Ota,T., Maruyamaite,K (MgAl2)(Al5Mg)Si6O18 (B03)3(OH3O, from the ultrahigh-pressure Kokchetav massif, northern Kazakhstan: description and crystal structure .Am. Mineral ., 2016, 101, 355-361.
Literature cited 2: Dutrow, B.L.and Henry, D.J., Tourmaline: ageologic DVD.Elements, 2017, 7, 301-306. Krynine, P.D., The tourmaline group in sediments .J. Geol., 1946, 54, 65-87.

ID: 63403
Title: Enhancing biosurfactant production by hypersaline Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SK27 using response surface methodology and genetic algorithm
Author: Ruchira Malik and Savita Kerkar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 847-852 (2019)
Subject: Enhancing biosurfactant production by hypersaline Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SK27 using response surface methodology and genetic algorithm
Keywords: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, biosurfactants, central composite design, genetic algorithm, response surface methodology
Abstract: The use of biosurfactants has been limited because of their low yield and high production cost. A central composite design was used to study the interactive effect of sucrose, yeast extract and sodium chloride which were the most influencing variables. Response surface analysis showed that the quadratic model with R2 value of 0.9983 was fit for biosurfactant production. When genetic algorithm was used for maximization, the optimal activity (oil displacement zone) was found close to that obtained by response surface methodology, both of which were close to the predicted value. Bio surfactant production was enhanced by 1.2-fold using these approaches.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Karnath, N.G.K., Deo, P.G. and Veenanadig, N.K., Microbial production of biosurfatant and their importance .Curr.Sci., 1999, 77, 116-123 Khopade, A., Ren, B., Liu, X.Y., Mahadik, K., Zhang, L. and Kokare, C., Production and characterization of biosurfactant from marine Streptomyces sp.B3.J.Colloid InterfaceSci., 2012, 367, 311-318.
Literature cited 2: Satpute, S.K.,Banpurkar,A.G.,Dhakephalkar,P.K., Banat,I.M.and Chopade,B.A.,Methods of investing biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers: a review .Crit.Rev.Biotechnol., 2010, 30, 127-144; doi:10.3109/0738855090342720. Mukherjee, S.Das, P. and Sen, R., towards commercial production of microbial surfactants. Trends Biotechnol., 2006, 24 (11), 509-51; doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2006.09.005.

ID: 63402
Title: Xuefeng Cordyceps: insights into species diversity, life cycle and host association
Author: L.S. Zha, T.C.Wen, R.Jeewon, Z.M.Xie, S. Boonmee, P.D. Eungwanichayapant and K.D. Hyde
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 839-846 (2019)
Subject: Xuefeng Cordyceps: insights into species diversity, life cycle and host association
Keywords: Clerodendrum crytophyllum, cordyceps, Endoclita davidi, traditional Chinese medicine
Abstract: Cordyceps) =Cordyceps sensu lato) fungi are rather well known as entomopathogens and also for their medicinal importance in curing many diseases. Many cordyceps species with widespread distribution throughout China have been recorded earlier. However, their taxonomy, hosts, lie cycles and the plants on which the host insects reside in are poorly understood, and have sometimes led to confusion in the proper identification of the species. In this study, Xuefeng Cordyceps collected from Xuefeng Mountain, Hunan hina are identified and an assessment of their life cycles, proper hosts and plants they are associated with is made through morphological and DNA sequence-based analyses. Morphological characterization reveals that Ophiocaordyceps axuefengensis from this region as commonly accepted by mycologists and local people. Species collected also include Beauveria bassiana (sequal and asexual),Metacordyceps macro acicularis and Ophiocordyceps ramosissimum. Our result challenges previous taxonomic arrangement with regard to host identity. The hosts, previously mistaken for larvae of Endoclita nodus, are corrected herein as larvae of Endoclita davidi (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae). Ribosomal DNA sequence analyses based on the ITS regions also confirm that Clerodendrum crytophyllum Lamiaceae) is the plant on which the host insects reside. Morphological illustrations, where approapriate, are given for the cordyceps species, hosts and plants. The infection mechanism and, life cycle of the cordyceps are also outlined.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Yuan, L.P. The Xuefeng Mountain, a famous Chinese mountain. Forest Humankind, 2014, 8, 42-49 (in Chinese). Zha, L.-S. et al., An evaluation of common Cordyceps (Ascomycetes) species found in Chinese markets.Int.J.Med.Mushrooms, 2018, 20, 119-1162.
Literature cited 2: Hywel-Jones, N.L., The biological diversity of invertebrate pathogenic fungi. In Biodiversity f Tropical Microfngi (ed. Hyde, K.D.), Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong, 2001, pp.107-120. Hywel-Jones, N.L.The biological diversity of invertebrate pathogenic fungi. Biodiversity of Tropical Microfungi (ed.Hyde, K.D.), Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong, 2001, pp.107-120.

ID: 63401
Title: Serpentinized peridotite-hosted uranium mineralization (U-Cr-Ni-Mo-REE-Fe-Mg) Kudada-Turamdih area: A new environment of Metallogeny in Singhbhum shear zone, India
Author: D.K.Sinha, Shekhar Gupta, K.Nautiyal, V.R. Akhila, V.K.Shrivastava, A.K. Padhi and M.B.Verma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 830-838 (2019)
Subject: A new environment of Metallogeny in Singhbhum shear zone, India
Keywords: Polymetallic, mineralization, serpentinized peridotite, Singhbhum Shear Zone, uranium
Abstract: Recent exploration efforts in Kudada-Turamdih area has brought to light, for the first time, serpeninized peridotite-hosted uranium mineralization (up to 0.188 % U308) of polymetallic nature (U-Cr-Ni-Mo-REE-Fe-Mg) in the domain of Singhbhum Shear ZAone (SZ) .The peridodite has been emplaced into the Iron Ore Group (IOG) and represents late phase activity in the IOG. And represents late phase activity in the IOG.Explaratory and represents drilling has established substantial lateral (600 m) and downdip (1000 m) continuity of the mineralization. Subhedral to an hedral disseminated uraninite grains (10-600 µm) with cell dimensions of 5.4498 to 5.4650 Ǻ suggest crystallization in meso to hypo-thermal range ( 300-500 ̊C) .Magnetite, chromite, molybdenite, cobaltite, nickeline, vaesite,cerussite, pyrite and chalcopyrite have also been identified in the REE enriched (Av. 157 ppm) uraniferous peridotite. Presence of MgO (18-28 %), Cr (295-3165 ppm), Ni (222-9530 ppm), Au (11-30 ppb), Pt (47-95 ppb) and As (15-755 ppm) suggests komatiitic parentage of host rock. Discovery of polymetallic mineralization in serpentinized periodotite, a hitherto unknown geological environment, opens up scope for further research and enhancement of uranium resources in the SSZ.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dunn, J.A., The geology of North Singhbhum including parts of Ranchi and Manbhum Districts .Mem .Gel.Surv.India, 1929, 54, 166. Dunn, J.A. and Dey., A.K., Geology and petrology of Eastern Singhbhum and surrounding areas.Mem.Geol.Surv.India, 1942, 69 (2), 281-456.
Literature cited 2: Rao, N.K. and Rao, G.V.U., Uranium mineralization in Singhbhum Shear Zone, Bihar.I. Ore mineralogy and petrography.J.Geol.Soc.India, 1983, 24, 437-454. Sarkar, S.C., Uranium (-nickel-cobalt-molybdenum) mineralization along the singbhum copper belt, India, and the problem of ore genesis.Miner.Deposita, 19822, 17 (2), 257-278.

ID: 63400
Title: Analysis of the evolution game of stakeholders’ behaviour in the operation stage of green buildings
Author: Xiaojun Liu and Xiaodan Liu
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 821-829 (2019)
Subject: Analysis of the evolution game of stakeholders’ behaviour in the operation stage of green buildings
Keywords: Evolutionary game theory, green buildings, operation stage, stakeholders
Abstract: This study aims to solve the problem of uncoordinated interests among the stakeholders in the operation stage 9OS) of green buildings (GBs) .First, the requirements and conflicts between the owners and property service enterprises (PSEs) are analysed. Secondly, the evolutionary game model of owners and PSEs is developed. It was found that the game system will evolve towards the ideal equilibrium stability strategy only under the following conditions: (1) the income of owners in green property management (GPM) is greater than the sum of the income of PSEs shared by the owner in GPM and the transaction costs generated when the owners choose to support GPM, and 11) the sum of the income of PSEs shred by the owner in GPM and the additional benefits that PSEs can get by choosing GPM and the additional benefits that PSE s can get by choosing GPM is greater than the total cost incurred by PSEs in choosing GPM. We carried out quantitative tests for equilibrium stability results and analysed factor that influence the evolution path based on simulations performed in MATLAB. The results show that improving the operational income of GBs, increasing the additional income of PSEs, reducing the operating transaction costs and adopting a reasonable revenue sharing method are effective ways to coordinate the interests of all parties involved in the OS of GBs.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Li, Y. et al., Green building in China: needs great promotion. Sustain. Cities Soc., 2014, 11, 1-6. Zuo,J. et al., Green buildings evaluation from life-cycle perspective in Australia: a critical review. Renew. Sustain. Energ. Rev., 2017, 70, 358-368.
Literature cited 2: Gong, Y. et al., Life cycle assessment applied to green building certification in South Korea. Proc. Eng., 2015, 118, 1309-1313. Liao, C.Y., Tn, D.L. and Li, Y.X.Research on the application of BIM in the operation stage of green building .Appl.Mech.Mater., 2012, 5, 2111-2114.

ID: 63399
Title: In vitro regeneration of coconut plantlets from immature inflorescence
Author: M.Shareefa, Regi Thomas, J.S. Sreelekshmi, M.K.Rajeshh and Anitha Karun
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 813-820 (2019)
Subject: In vitro regeneration of coconut plantlets from immature inflorescence
Keywords: Clonal fidelity, coconut, in vitro regeneration, rachillae
Abstract: Clonal propagation of elite, disease –free coconut palms is a promising technique for producing uniform planting material with high yield and disease resistance. Over the past few decades cloning of coconut has been attempted in a number of laboratories worldwide; however, success has been limited. In the present study, immature inflorescences of 2-12 cm size were collected from West Coast Tall variety and the rachilla segments were cultured on four different media combinations in dark conditions. White translucent outgrowths were maximum in Y3 medium supplemented with 4.54 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (92%) followed by medium 72 with 41.4µM picloram, 61.8µM putricine and 4.54 µM and 4.54 µM thidiazuron picloram, 61.8 µM putricine and 4.54 µM thidiazuron (TDZ) (87%) .After eight weeks in dark, shoot-like outgrowth was noticed more inY3 III (65%) followed by Y3 I. After eight weeks in dark, shoot-like outgrowth was noticed more inYE III (65%) followed by YI. After eight months dark incubation, the cultures were transferred to ½ Murashige and Skoog (MS) with two hormone combinations and high frequency of multiple shoot formation was noticed in ½ MS with two hormone combinations and high frequency of multiple shoot formation was noticed in ½ MS with 5.37 µM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 4.44 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP).Maximum shoot development was observed Y3 medium fortified with 5 µM 2-isopentenyl adenine (2ip) and 5 µM BAP. The individual shoots after development of 3-4 leaves were transferred to ½ Y3 medium supplemented with 5.37 µM NAA and 24.6 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and root initiation was observed in 39.28 % plantlets. Start codon targeted (SCoT) profiling based on banding pattern of PCR-amplified products confirmed the clonal fidelity of in vitro regenerated coconut plantlets. The study indicates the possibility of developing an in vitro regeneration protocol for coconut using immature inflorescence explants.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nguyen, O.T., Bandupriya, H.D.D., Villalobos, V.L., Sisunnandar, S., Foale, M. and Adkins, S.W., Tissue culture and associated biotechnological interventilons for the improvement of coconut (Cocos nucifera L): a review .Planta, 2015, 242, 1059-1076. Fernando, S.C., Vidhanaarachchi, V.R.M., Weerakoon, L.K.and Santha, E.S., What makes clonal propagation of coconut difficult? Asia-Pac.J.Mol.Biol.Biotechnol., 2010, 18 (1), 163-165.
Literature cited 2: Branton, R.L. and Blake, J., Development of organized structures in callus derived from explants of Cocos nucifera L.Annu.Bot., 1983, 52, 673-678. Raju, C.R., Prakashkumar, P., Chandramohan, M. and Iyer, R.D., Coconut plants from leaf tissue cultures .J.Plant Crops, 1984, 12, 75-78.

ID: 63398
Title: Landslides mapped using satellite data in the Western Ghats of India after excess rainfall during August 2018
Author: Tapas R.Martha, Priyom Roy, Kirti Khanna, K. Mrinalni and K.Vinod Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 804-812 (2019)
Subject: Landslides mapped using satellite data in the Western Ghats of India after excess rainfall during August 2018
Keywords: Debris flows, disaster response, excess rainfall, landslides, satellite data
Abstract: Excess rainfall during August 2018triggered numerous landslides in the Western Ghats region of India covering the states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These landslides caused widespread damage to property, loss of life and adversely affected various land resources. In this article, we present an inventory of landslide prepared from the analysis of multitemporal high-resolution images acquired before and after the rainfall event from Resoourcesat-2, WorldView-2,GF-2, SPOT-6 and 7, Pleiades-1, Kompst-3 and Sentinel -2 earth observation satellites. Total of 6970 landslides with a cumulative area of 22.6 sq.km were mapped for this rainfall event. Majority of landslides have occurred in Kerala (5191), followed by Karnataka (993) and Tamil Nadu (606). Landslides are mostly debris slide and debris flow type with entrainment along the channels. Results show that landslides (83.2%) are triggered by very high rainfall. Also, very high rainfall has resulted in 14.9 % of landslides even though sloes are moderate, mainly in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https://indianexpress .com/article/india/483-dead-in-Kerala-floods-and –landslides-losses-more-than-annual-plan-outlay-pinaryi-vijayan-5332306/ (accessed on 3 June 2019) https://ww.indiatoday.in/india/story/Kerala-rains-all-5-gates-idukki-dam-open-1310804-2018-08-10 (accessed on 3 June 2019).
Literature cited 2: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tamil-nadu-heavy-rain-triggers-flood-landsliides-in-attakatti-1316906-2018-08-17 (accessed on 3 June 2019) https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/landslides-on-ghats-how-to-connect-bengaluru-and-udupi/articlesow/65505135.cms accessed on 3 June 2019).

ID: 63397
Title: Assessment of rainfall variability and its impact on groundnut yield in Bundelkhand region of India
Author: Akram Ahmed, Dibyendu Deb and Surajit Mondal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 794-803 (2019)
Subject: Assessment of rainfall variability and its impact on groundnut yield in Bundelkhand region of India
Keywords: Bundelkhand region, groundnut yield, Indian monsoon rainfall, rainfall intensity class.
Abstract: Bundelkhand region, one of the vulnerable areas in central India, is prone to frequent drought and crop failure due to annual rainfall variability. In this study, longterm (113 years) fine resolution (0.25º x 0.25º) daily gridded rainfall data been analysed to depict a spatial variation of annual rainfall over a Bundelkhand. An increase in annual rainfall has been observed from north to south of the study area. A declining trend varying from 0.49 to 2.16 mm per year is observed in annual rainfall time series in most parts of the study area. Trend analysis of monsoon rainfall shows overall declining trend over the study area. Rainfall events are categorized in various classes and their spatial trends over Bundelkhand are depicted. Kharif crop calendar (July-September) as well as its yield in India, including Bundelkhand, is primarily based on monsoonal rainfall parameters. A study on the relationship between groundnut yield and monsoonal rainfall parameters for a Jhansi district in Bundelkhand shows highest correlation (0.46) between groundnut yield and rainfall class 3 events (16 ≤ rainfall intensity, mm day-1 < 32) occurred in a year followed by cumulative rainfall amount precipitated during June-July (JJ).The frequency of rainfall class 5 type (64 ≤ rainfall intensity , mm day-1 <128) as well as a delay in onset of monsoonal rainfall have shown a negative correlation with groundnut yield. This study depicts rainfall pattern over the study area and identifies the vulnerable pattern over the study area and identifies the vulnerable areas that are likely to experience more water stress due to rainfall variability.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Granados, R., Soria, J. and Cortina, M., Rainfall variability, rainfed agriculture and degree of human marginality in North Guanajuato, Mexico .Singappore J.Trop.Geo. 2017, 38, 153-166. Ayoade, J.O., Climate Change, Vantage Publishers, Ibadan, 2004.
Literature cited 2: Bannayan, M., Loftabadi, S., S., Sanjani, S., Mohamadian, A. And Aghaalikhani, M. effects o precipitation and temperature on crop production variability in northeast Iran. Int. J. Biometeorol., 2011, 55, 387-401. Gautam, H.R., Bhardwaj, M.L. and Kumar, R., Climate Change and its impact on plant diseases .Curr.Sci. 2013, 105, 1685-1691.

ID: 63396
Title: Summer monsoon of 2019: Understanding the performance so far and speculating about the rest of the season
Author: Sulochana Gadgil, P.A. Francis and P.N.Vinayachandran
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 783-793 (2019)
Subject: Summer monsoon of 2019: Understanding the performance so far and speculating about the rest of the season
Keywords: Deficit rainfall in June, ENSO, EQUINOO, Indian summer monsoon
Abstract: The summer monsoon of 2019 began with a massive deficit in the all-India June rainfall of about 33 of the mean. This led to considerable anxiety since a large deficit in June had occurred last in the summer monsoon of 2014, which has turned out to be a drought. Here, we have attempted to unravel the factors that led to the deficit in June 2019 and also the above-normal rainfall in July. We show that the deficit in June 2019, as that of June 2014, can be attributed tit he EI Nino. The phase of the other important mode, Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO), has been favourable throughout and led to the recovery of the monsoon in July when the EI Nino weakened. It is expected that EQUINOO will play an important role in determining that rainfall in August and September, and hence the seasonal rainfall in2019.Analysis of cases like 2003 and 2008, when the positive phase of EQUINOO lasted only during June and July and of 2007, when it lasted throughout the season has given an insight into the role of the sea surface temperature (SST) of the western equatorial Indian Ocean (WEIO) in sustenance of the positive phase of EQUINOO. We find that , unlike in 2003 and 2008, the SST of the WEIO has started increasing in late July, partly due to the mechanism which operated in 2007 and has led to a positive SST anomaly by 10 August , whereas sustained cooling has led to a negative SST anomaly over eastern equatorial Indian Ocean. Since conditions now appear to be favourable for sustenance of a positive phase of EQUINOO, it is expected that the seasonal rainfall will be above normal.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gadgil, Sulochana and Gadgil, Siddhartha, The Indian monsoon, GDP and agriculture.Econ.Polit.Wkly., 2006, XLI, 4887-4895. http://www.imd.gov.in (accessed on 14 August 2019).
Literature cited 2: Gadgil, Sulochana and Francis, P.A., El Nino and the Indian monsoon in June.Curr.Sci. 2016, 110 (6), 1010-1022. Sajani, S., Gadgil, Sulochana, Rajendran, K., Varghese, S.J. and Kitoh, A., Monsoon rainfall over India in June and link with northwest tropical Pacific.Theor.Appl.Climatol. 2018, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-018-2440-6

ID: 63395
Title: A critical evaluation of environmental impact assessments: case study of Goa mines, India.
Author: Manar N.Datar, Sujeet Dongre and Madhav Gadgil
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 776-782 (2019)
Subject: A critical evaluation of environmental impact assessments: case study of Goa mines, India.
Keywords: Developmental projects, environmental impact assessments, floristic diversity, mines, plant lists, species and area.
Abstract: Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) form the basis of estimation of environmental and socio-economic impacts of developmental projects. In this study we examine 65 EIA reports of mines in Goa. It is mandatory that the reports should provide, among others, list of plant species from 314.2 and 78.5 sq.km area for lease areas of mines above 0.5 and below 0.5 sq.km respectively. On the basis of available data covering different spatial scales for the Western Ghats, we determined the species-area relationships, and expected number of species in area of these sizes. We find the plant lists in the EIA reports to be highly incomplete and defective in many ways, including with respect to information on water resources, and ore transport by trucks and barges. We conclude by commending a set of measures focusing on transparency and public involvement to correct the situation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: ASCI, Mining and beneficiation of minerals, Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance Manual, Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, 2010. ESG, The Dandeli EIA fraud .Environment Support Group Trust, Bengaluru. 2000; http://static.esgindia.org/caimpaigns/dandeli/docs.html.
Literature cited 2: Daniels, R., Evaluation of tech environment impact assessment conducted by Tata Energy Research Institute, Bangalore for the Dandeli mini-hydel project of M/S Murdeshwar Power Corporation Ltd across River Kali near Dandeli in Uttara Kannada district,Karnataka.2000; http://static .esgindia.org/campaigns/dandeli/docs/Daniel%20TERI%20Note.htm Dutta, R. and Sreedhar, R., A framework for EIA reforms in the Western Ghats .EIA Resource and Response Centre, New Delhi, 2011.

ID: 63394
Title: Development of eco-and textile industry-friendly, short-statured hirsute cotton variety, Indica
Author: V.T.Sundaramurthy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 117 (5) 745-747 (2019)
Subject: Development of eco-and textile industry-friendly, short-statured hirsute cotton variety, Indica
Keywords: Development, Eco-and textile industry
Abstract: Cotton is one of the most important crops interlinked with culture, civilization and economy of mankind. It provides fibre, food-related products, including vegetable oil, protein and also cellulose for making plastics and explosives. Among the different species of cotton, Gossypium arboretum, G.herbaceum, G.hirsutum and G.barbadense are being cultivated in 122.35 lakh ha in different ecosystems like rainfed system with assured rainfall and irrigated situations, and also rice fallows in India. Annually 35.1 million bales of cotton is being produced in India, contribution to about 14 % of industrial production and 4 % of the gross domestic product. The native species of G.arboretum and were predominately cultivated in earlier times.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Divya P.S., Natl.J.Adv. Res., 2017, 3, 60-65. FAO, Fertilizer use by the crops in India; http://www.fao.org/docrep /009/a0257e/A0257E01.htm
Literature cited 2: Md. Wasim Aktar, Sengupta, D. And Chowdhury, A., Interdiscip. Toxicol., 2009, 2, 1-12. Sundaramurthy, V.T., World cotton Research Conference -3.Cape Town, South Africa, 2003, pp.607-612.