Enter records

ID: 63378
Title: Rice mealybug (Brevennia rehi): a potential threat to rice in a long-term rice-based conservation agriculture system in the middle Indo-Gangetic Plain
Author: J.S.Mishra, S.P.Poonia, J.S.Choudhary, Rakesh Kumar, Md.Monobrullah, Mausam Verma, R.K.Malik, B.P.Bhatt
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 (4) 566-568 (2019)
Subject: Rice mealybug (Brevennia rehi): a potential threat to rice in a long-term rice-based conservation agriculture system in the middle Indo-Gangetic Plain
Keywords: Rice mealybug (Brevennia rehi), potential threat, rice, agriculture system, Indo-Gangetic Plain
Abstract: The middle Indo-Gangetic Plain (MIGP) of India covering eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar is endowed with rich and diverse natural resources (land, water and environment), but low productivity and income. Rice-based cropping systems have maximum coverage of net sown area (9.64 m ha) in the MIGP. Wheat, mustard, potato, maize and pulses are the major crops grown in rotation with rice. Rice-Wheat system is extensively practised by the farmers of the region. This system requires high inputs in terms of machinery, nutrients, water and agro-chemicals. Unlike the northwestern part of the IGP Trans and Upper IGP), the rice-wheat system of the MIGPs are less mechanized/labour-intensive due to small and fragmented landholdings and resource-poor farmers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gangwar, B., Tripathi, S.C.Singh, J.P., Kumar, R., Singh, R.M. and Samui, R.C., Research Bulletin No.5/1, PDCSR, Meerut,2005, pp.1-68. Gupta, R. and Seth, A., Crop Prot., 2007, 26, 436-447.
Literature cited 2: Mishra, J.S., and Singh, V.P., Soil Till.Res., 2012, 123, 11-20. Kumar,V., Bellinder,R.R., Gupta,R. K.,Malik,R.K.and Brainard,D.C., Crop.Prot., 2008, 27, 290-301.

ID: 63377
Title: Antimicrobial resistance and phage therapy in the Indian context
Author: Gopika Ranjith, Aditi Ajith Pujar, Ashim Kumar Dubey and Preetham Venkatesh
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 (4) 562-564 (2019)
Subject: Antimicrobial resistance and phage therapy in the Indian context
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, phage therapy
Abstract: The discovery of Antibiotics was a turning point in the history of mankind, improving healthcare and increasing life expectancy around the globe. However, the rising number of cases of antibiotic-resistant infections paints a concerning future. Thus, it is essential to understand and explore alternatives and implement policies for their safe usage. This note summarizes the upsurge in antimicrobial resistance in recent years and the feasibility of phage therapy as an alternative in India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: WHO, Antimicrobial Resistance: global report on surveillance. World Health Organization, Geneva, 2014. DBT (with Research Councils United Kingdom).Scoping report on antimicrobial resistance in India, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India (GoI), 2017. Laxminrayan, R. et al.Lancet Infect.Dis. 2013, 13 (12), 1057-1098.
Literature cited 2: Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, 2015, State of the World’s Antibiotics, Washington DC, USA, 2015; https://wwwcddep.org/wpcontent/uploads/2017/06/sw_edits_9.16.pdf.

ID: 63376
Title: Dinosaurian geo-heritage site at Balasinor, Gujarat, India: Recognition, Sustainability and mass awareness
Author: Subrata Das Sharma
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 (4) 560-561 (2019)
Subject: Dinosaurian geo-heritage site at Balasinor, Gujarat, India
Keywords: Dinosaurian, geo-heritage site, Recognition, Sustainability, mass awareness, Balasinor, Gujarat, India.
Abstract: Balasinor (22.95ºN, 73.33 ºE), Gujarat, India, was a princely state belonging to the Babi dynasty. Since 1980s, the place has been attracting a large number of geoscientists for its rich record of dinosaurian fossil eggs, nesting grounds, teeth and bone fossils within the Late Cretaceous (Maastrictian) Lameta Formation. Although the area is fenced and maintained by the State Forest Department of Gujarat as a Dinosaur Fossil Park, the best preservation, protection and maintenance practices are grossly lacking.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mathur, U.B.and Pant, S.C.J.Palaeontol.Soc.India, 1986, 31, 22-25. Wilson, J.A.et al., Contrib. Mus. Paleontol.Univ.Mich., 2003, 31, 1-42
Literature cited 2: Wilson, J.A. et al., PLoS Biol., 2010, 8 (3), e1000322; doi:101371/journal.pbio.1000322. Chatterjee, S. and Rudra, D.K., Mem.Queensl.mus. 1996, 39,489-532.

ID: 63375
Title: Disaster Risk Reduction in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India
Author: Jagdish Chandra Kuniyal, Richard Johnson and Esther Edwards
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 (4) 557-559 (2019)
Subject: Disaster Risk Reduction in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India
Keywords: Disaster, Risk Reduction, Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract: The rugged landscape of the Indian Himalayan region elevates the risk of hazard events and holds back socio-economic development opportunities for remote and vulnerable communities. Particularly notable are landslides, floods, forest fires and earthquakes. Recent international assessment of disaster impacts (1996-2015) revealed that India as a whole suffered the fifth largest mortality, especially related to flood events. The 23-24 September 2018 floods which impacted the Beas River water shed in Kullu district,Himachal Pradesh highlight the significant damages (to infra structure and environment), disruption and costs that disaster events inflict upon us.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: CRED-UNISDR, Poverty & death: disaster mortality 1996-2015.UNISDR, Geneva, 2016. Gardner, J.S., In Risk Governance: The Articulation of Hazard, Politics and Ecology (ed. Fra Paleo, U.) Springer, London, 2015, pp 349-371; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9328-5.
Literature cited 2: Hewitt, K. and Mehta, M.J. Alpine Res., 2012, 100 (1), 1-12; https://doi.org/10.4000/rga.1653. UNISDR, Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction 2015-2030.United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Geneva.2015.

ID: 63374
Title: Low-cost sensors for monitoring water resources
Author: Shivam Sharma, K.Shri Harsha, Shivam Tripathi
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 (4) 547-548 (2019)
Subject: Low-cost sensors for monitoring water resources
Keywords: Low-cost sensors, monitoring water resources
Abstract: On 19 June 2019, ‘Day Zero’ was declared in Chennai, Tamil nadu, India. The four main water reservoirs had cracked open with dryness-there was no water left in the city. The news shocked and surprised many because as late as 2015, Chennai was flooded and more than 300 lives were lost. These flood and drought disasters in the city did not occur suddenly, rather they happened gradually through depleting groundwater , drying rivers and vanishing wetlands, much like a predator closing in openly visible, yet invisible by its apparent quiescence. It may appear that we are weak at anticipating dangers, but this is not true. We can easily sense imminent dangers, but this is not true. We can easily sense imminenet dangers that generate visual stimulation. Unfortunately, the signals relayed from the existing water resources monitoring network in the country are shrouded with uncertainty due to spatially and temporally sparse observations. Therefore, while we hear about environmental and water issues, and vaguely sense something is going wrong, yet strong steps are not taken because our minds do not visualize them as imminent dangers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 63373
Title: Geostationary satellite-based observations for ocean applications
Author: Neeraj Agarwal, Rashmi Sharma, Pradeep Thapliyal, Rishi Gangwar, Prateek Kumar and Raj 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 (3) 506-515 (2019)
Subject: Geostationary satellite-based observations for ocean applications
Keywords: Chlorophyll concentration, geostationary satellites, INSAT-3D, sea-surface temperature, shortwave radiation.
Abstract: The study presents assessment and potential oceanographic applications of sea-surface temperature (SST), ocean net shortwave radiation (SWR) and chlorophyll concentration (CC) observations obtained from various geostationary platforms.SST and SWR from imager on board Indian National Satellite (INSAT 3D) and CC from Global Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) on –board communication ocean and meteorological satellite (COMS) have been used in the analysis .Relative advantages of high temporal resolution obtained from the geostationary platform compared to polar orbiting platforms are demonstrated. Comparison of INAT-3D SST with observations gives a correlation of 0.85 and RMSE of 0.81 K. These platforms definitely provide a highly reliable source of continuous observations, which is useful in monitoring dynamic oceanic features such as thermal fronts, chlorophyll blooms, air-sea exchange fluxes, etc. on diurnal to daily timescales.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: CGMS-46, Report of the 46th Plenary session of the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites, CGMS-46, Bengaluru, 3-8 June 2018. Murakami, H., Ocean estimation byHimawari-8 /AHI, 2016; doi:10.1117/12.2225422.
Literature cited 2: Kurihara, Y., Murakami, H. and Kachi, M., Sea Surface temperature from the new Japanese geostationary meteorological Himawari-8 satellite. Geophys. Res. Lett., 2015; doi: 10.1002/2015 GL067159. Nigam, R., Bhattacharya, B.K. Gunjal, K.R., Padmanabhan, N., and Patel, N.K., Formulation of time series vegetation index from Indian geostationary satellite and comparison with global product. J. Indian Soc .Remote Sensing, 2011, 40 (1), 1-9.

ID: 63372
Title: Crustal depth estimation over the Indian lithospheric plate using satellite geoid and a gravimetric –isostatic model
Author: T.J. Majumdar
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 (3) 502-506 (2019)
Subject: Crustal depth estimation over the Indian lithospheric plate using satellite geoid and a gravimetric –isostatic model
Keywords: Crystal depth, geoid, gravity anomaly, lithospheric plate, satellite altimetry
Abstract: Moho depth or simply, Moho, in general , describes the boundary between the earth’s crust and the mantle and is a very important geophysical parameter. It is also related to the earth’s crustal thickness at any point. Geoid and gravity anomalies derived from satellite altimetry are gradually gaining importance in marine geo-scientific investigations. However, satellite gravity technique is not working over land/continent. So, we need to develop technique like the VMM model which is equally working over land. In addition of generating crustal thickness, it also saves energy to generate Bouguer anomaly over land and ocean.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nerem, R.S., Jekeli, C., Koblinisky, J. and Beckley, B.D., A preliminary evaluation of ocean topography from the TOPEX/POSEIDON mission..J. Geophys. Res., 1994, 99, 24565-24583. Sandwell, D.T., and Smith, S., Marine gravity anomaly from Geosat and ERS 1 satellite altimetry .J. Geophys. Res., 1997, 102, (B5), 10039-10054.
Literature cited 2: Majumdar, T.J., Mohanty, K.K. Mishra, D.C. and Arora, K., Gravity image generation over the Indian subcontinent using NGRI/EGM96 and ERS-1 altimeter data. Curr. Sci., 2002, 80 (4), 542-554. Majumdar T.J. and Bhattacharyya, R., An atlas of very high resolution satellite geoid/gravity over the Indian offshore .SAC Technical Note No.SAC/RESIPA/MWRG/ESHD/TR-21/2004,p.48.

ID: 63371
Title: Soybean methylation analysis during strontium stress using methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism
Author: Qingyuan He, Zhengpeng Li, Yingjie Shu, Songhua Wang and Shoucheng Huang
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 (3) 486-491 (2019)
Subject: Soybean methylation analysis during strontium stress using methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism
Keywords: Methylation/demethylation, polymorphism, soybean, strontium stress
Abstract: The effect of strontium stress on the pattern and degree of DNA methylation in soybean seedlings was analysed using the methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) method. The growth traits were inhibited bySrCl2 treatments. A total of 167 loci were determined and evaluated for DNA methylation after different treatments. The level of cytosine methylation initially decreased and then increased with increasing Sr concentration. Methylation was lowest after 10 mmol/l SrCl2 treatment. Strontium stress resulted in a 57.48 % alteration of DNA methylation pattern in 5’ –CCGG-3’ loci. The pattern variation initially decreased and then increased along with increasing strontium concentration. There was a positive correlation between the total methylation and full methylation induced by strontium stress, and weight and length of shoots and roots in soybean. Overall, the changes in the pattern and degree of methylation may be a key regulatory mechanism for soybean adaptation to strontium.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kan, U., Koichi, K., Tomotaro, D., Misuzu, W., Hiroyasu, S., Yoshimi, T. And Emi, Y., An overview of boron, lithium, and strontium in human health and profiles of these elements in urine of Japanese.Environ.Health Prev.Med., 2007, 12, 231-237. Xie, H. and Ye, Q., Strontium: friend or foe of bone formation? Osteoporosis Int., 2015, 26, 2213-2214.
Literature cited 2: Cohen-Solal, M., Strontium overload and toxicity: Impact on renal osteodystrophy. Nephrol. Dial. Transpl., 2002, 17, 30-34 Sreedhar, B., Satya Vani, Ch., Keerthi Devi, D., Sreeram, V. And Basaveswara Rao, M.V., Nucleation controlled in the aggregative growth of strontium carbonate microcrystals.Am.J.Mater.Sci, 2012, 2 (5), 142-146.

ID: 63370
Title: Impact of observed climate change on the classification of agro climatic zones in India
Author: N.Chattopadhyay, A.K. Sahai, P.Guhathakurta, S.Dutta, A.K.Srivastava, S.D. Attri, R.Balasubramanian, K.Malathi and Swati Chandras
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 (3) 480-486 (2019)
Subject: Impact of observed climate change on the classification of agro climatic zones in India
Keywords: Agroclimatic zones, classification, climatic parameters, climate change
Abstract: The classification of agro climatic zones in India was made in the 1990s for identifying priorities and developing strategies for location-specific and need-based research as well as overall agricultural development in the country. Long-term climatic parameters, particularly temperature and rainfall along with soil and crop information were used for the classification of agroclimatic zones. It has been documented with a fair degree of accuracy that overall climate is changing, particularly with respect to temperature over the Indian region. Thus it is anticipated that in the recent past, climate change may be reflected in the agoclimatic zones as well and ultimately affect the criteria of their classification based on climatic parameters. The objective of the present study is to examine the trends and spatial/temporal variability of temperature, rainfall, rainy days, and heavy rainfall in different agroclimatic zones of the country, which may help in better understanding of the further initiatives on reclassification of agroclimatic zones, if required .Using various long-term gridded data from 1985 and instrumental datasets starting from 1951 to 1980, studies have been made to observe changes in different components of the climatic variables , i.e temperature and rainfall. it has been observed that there are significant changes in temperature and rainfall, both temporally and spatially, across India and there is a definite shift in temperature and rainfall patterns in the recent past compared to 1951-1980.It has also been inferred that there is a need to reconsider the classification of agroclimatic zones in India under the scenario of observed climate changes in the country.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: ICAR, agroclimatic zone specific research. In Indian Perspectives under NARP, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, 1991. Kothawale,D.R., Munot ,A.A. and Krishna Kumar,K., Surface air tempertue variability over India during 1901-2007 and its association with ENSO.Climate Res., 2010, 42, 89-104; doi:10.3354/cr00857.
Literature cited 2: Srivastava, A.K., Kothawale, D.R.and Rajeevan, M.N., Variability and long-term changes in surface air temperatures over the Indian subcontinent. In Observed Climate Variability and Change over the Indian Region, Springer, Singapore, 22 November 2016, 2017, 1st edn, pp.17-36. Naidu, C.V., Srinivasa Rao, B.R. and Bhaskar Rao, D.V. Climatic trends and periodicities of annual rainfall over India.Meteorol.Appl.,1999, 6, 395-404; doi:10.1017/S1350482799001358.

ID: 63369
Title: China’s export evolution in the dynamic global product space from 2000 to 2011
Author: Shan Li, Xun Li, Haohui Chen and Wei Lang
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 (3) 470-479 (2019)
Subject: China’s export evolution in the dynamic global product space from 2000 to 2011
Keywords: Developing countries, export evolution ,foreign trade, global product space, path creation, path dependence
Abstract: China’s massive export trajectory can enlighten many developing countries regarding foreign trade. Based on the ‘product space’ theory, the present study analyses the evolution of China’s export economy from three perspectives: 1) comparative advantage from a longitudinal perspective, and (2) diversification from a horizontal perspective, and (3) location in dynamic global product space from a spatial perspective. Results show that China’s export economy is becoming more diversified and has evolved from a polarized structure to a relatively balanced system. At the same time, China has been moving from a peripheral location to a core place in the clusters of global product space. This study concludes that both path dependence and path creation are important in driving China’s export evolution process.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: : Lang, W., Chen, T. And L, X., A new style of urbanization in China: transformation of urban rural communities. Habitat Int., 2016, 55 (1), 1-9. Lall, S., The technological structure and performance of developing country manufactured exports, 1985-98.Oxford Dev. Stud., 2000, 28 (3), 337-369.
Literature cited 2: Rodrik, K., What’s so special about China’s exports. China World Econ., 2006, 14 (5), 1-19. Boone, J., Competitive pressure: the effects on investments in product and process innovation. R and J.Econ. 2000, 31 (3), 549-569.

ID: 63368
Title: Bioavailability of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in long-term sewage-drained soils of Tamil Nadu
Author: Veeramani Kathavarayan, S. Avudainayagam, K.Sara Parwin Banu, N.Chandrasekharan, S.Karthikeyan, K.Bhuvaneswari and P.T. Ramesh
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 (3) 448-459 (2019)
Subject: Evaluation of superoxide anion level and membrane permeability in the functionally different organs of Triticum aestivum L.exposed to high temperatue and antimycin A
Keywords: Heavy metals, health risk, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, sewage contamination
Abstract: Heavy metals and organic contaminants are reported in sewage discharged sites. Screening and assessment of their toxic concentration in soils of the discharged sites of major cities in Tamil Nadu, India have been carried out in the present study. The major cities included Coimbatore (Ukkadam; U), Madurai (Avanaiyapuram; A), Tiruchirappalli (Rettamalai; R), Nesapakkam (N) and Koyambedu (K) Chennai Corporation. The total aquaregia-extractable concentrations of cadmium, chromium, lead and nickel were measured and found to be highest in U, followed by A, R,N and K. Their potential bioavailabilities were quantified in the following order: Cd-N>U>K>R>A; Cr-N>AK>R>U; Pb-N>K>R;U>A; Ni-N.K>R>U>A. Bioavailable Factor was found to be highest for Cd in U (2.9 %-83%) followed by Cr in N (1.1%-62.3 %) and Ni in (1.70%-52.7%) N. With regard to organic contamination, the major pesticides belonged to 13 organochlorine, 10 organoposphate and 8 synthetic pyethroids reported below detectable concentration. Among the 16 US EPA priorty poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) only 15 were detected. However, PAHs were found to be less than the permissible concentration for soils less than the permissible concentration for soils (0.3 mg kg-1) in sewage –contaminated sites. The results show that there is potential risk of transfer of heavy metals to higher trophic level of the food chain.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Strauss, M. and Bluemetal, U., Human waste use in agriculture and aquaculture: Utilization practice and health perspectives. IRCWD Report 09/90, International Reference Centre for Waste Disposal, Duebendrof, Germany, 1990. https://www.cpursehero.com/fiole/33493434/chp-19-water-pollution-India-An-Economic-Appraisalpdf
Literature cited 2: http://www.worldometers.info/worldppopulation/india-population Anon, National Agricultural Technological Project report on ‘use of urban and industrial effluent in agriculture’, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, 2004.

ID: 63367
Title: Evaluation of superoxide anion level and membrane permeability in the functionally different organs of Triticum aestivum L.exposed to high temperatue and antimycin A
Author: Antimycin A, high temperature, membrane permeability, superoxide anion, Triticum aestivum L.
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 (3) 440-447 (2019)
Subject: Evaluation of superoxide anion level and membrane permeability in the functionally different organs of Triticum aestivum L.exposed to high temperatue and antimycin A
Keywords: Antimycin A, high temperature, membrane permeability, superoxide anion, Tritcum aestivum L.
Abstract: The act of antimycin A (AA) as an activator of the alternative respiratory pathway(AP) on the rate of superoxide anion (O2•-) generation and membrane permeability was studied in the functionally different organs of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L) following short-term and long-term high temperature (HT).The results indicated a significant increase in the O2•- generating rate in etiolated wheat seedlings and seedlings grown under normal daylight regime following short-term ( 8% -37%) and long-term 13%-65 %) HT depending on the stage of development. The damages induced by HT were related to the permeability of membranes in the functionally different organs of wheat seedlings. However, our results demonstrated that increase in the O2•- generating rate in etiolated wheat seedlings was significantly lower following the combined effect of AA and HT, than under stressful conditions without AA. Take together, our observations show that the induction of AP, provoked by AA, prevents over-reduction of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, alleviating reactive oxygen species formation and protecting the etiolated wheat seedlings against oxidative damage.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bita, C.E and Gerats, T., Plant tolerance to high temperature in a changing environment: scientific fundamentals and production of heat stress-tolerant crops. Front. PlantSci., 2013, 4, 1-18. Wahid, A., Gelani, S., Ahraf, M. and Foolad, M.R., Heat tolerance in plants: an overview. Environ. Exp. BNot., 2007, 61, 199-223.
Literature cited 2: Hasanuzzaman, M., Nahar,K., Alam,M., Roychowdhury ,R. and Fujita, M. Physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of heat stress tolerance in plants. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2013, 14, 9643-9684. Vanlerberghe, G.C. Alternative oxidase: a mitochondrial respiratory pathway to maintain metabolic and signalling homeostasis during abiotic and biotic stress in plants. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2013, 14, 6805-6847.

ID: 63366
Title: Ecological status of areas awarded to tribals under Forest Rights Act 2006-a geospatial study of Adilabad Forest Division, Telangana, India
Author: Deepthi Guntuka and Sidhananad Kukrety
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 (3) 434-439 (2019)
Subject: Ecological status of areas awarded to tribals under Forest Rights Act 2006-a geospatial study of Adilabad Forest Division, Telangana, India
Keywords: Biodiversity, core area index, edge density, Forest Rights Act, Patch density
Abstract: Forest fragmentation and deforestation are major causes of biodiversity loss around the globe. Owing to high human and cattle population in India, the immense pressure on natural resources has led to greater degradation of natural ecosystems. The land-scape–level changes have in turn resulted in changes in species diversity and composition. Adilabad district has the largest proportion of forest area in Telangana, India. We studied the impact of land right awards granted under the Recognition of Forest Rights Act (RoFR), 2006 in the Adilabad Division. We hypothesize that the forest area awarded to the tribal under RoFR and illegal encroachment in forests have adversely impacted the forest biodiversity. To verify our hypothesis, we calculated edge density (ED), patch density (PD) and core area index (CAI) of all the Reserve Forest area using FRAGSTATS and compared the results with the pre-RoFR situation. Our results indicate that ED and PD increased predominantly across the Reserve Forest blocks where a large number of rights was granted under to RoFR, whereas CAI decreased. Statistically for all the three parameters, pre-and post-RoFR have a significant adverse impact on the forests. Our findings are consistent with our hypothesis, and indicate that the continued use of forest areas for agriculture in RoFR and encroachment areas may further adversely impact the ecosystem. There is an urgent need to identify and implement conservation actions that would allow restoration of biodiversity of the Reserve Forest areas adversely affected by land rights awarded under RoFR. Measures such as aggregation of the scattere RoFR areas towards the Reserve Forest boundary and improved agricultural practices such as agroforestry may alleviate such adverse impacts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: http:fsi.nic.in (accessed on 17 May 2017) http://bsienvis.nic.in/files/Biodiversity% 20Hotspots%20in%20India.pdf(accessed on 18 May 2017)
Literature cited 2: http://dahd.nic.in/sites/default/files/BAH_%26_FS_Book.pdf (accessed on 18May 2017) Julieta, B.M. and Victor, A.R., Habitat fragmentation, edge effects and biological corridors in tropical ecosystems, 2008.

ID: 63365
Title: Wildlife conservation through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in India
Author: Anju Baroth and V.B. Mathur
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 (3) 405-411 (2019)
Subject: Wildlife conservation through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in India
Keywords: Corporate social responsibility, corporate, protected areas, wildlife conservation
Abstract: In India, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has always been embedded in the tradition of philanthropy and has focused on education, health and religious activities. Through the introduction of Companies Act 2013, these efforts are being institutionalized through a framework for taking up defined activities and spending limit. With 869 protected areas covering 165, 088.36 sq.km (5.02% of the total geographic area), India is one of the mega-biodiverse countries in the world, and requires substantial capital and efforts to conserve and manage the wide arrary of wildlife it holds. This study has employed secondary data analysis to highlight the activities adopted by the corporate towards wildlife conservation. It is observed that only a handful of companies are committed to supporting wildlife under CSR. Given the relatively large ecological footprint of companies, it becomes more binding on them to contribute with a modest investment to overall prospects of biodiversity conservation that can bring substantial economic and reputational benefits to them, and at the same time bring the much-needed support and funds for the conservation cause. The Act provides an excellent framework for engaging the corporates in identifying the conservation needs and fulfilling their responsibility towards nature.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sundar, P., Beyond Business: From Merchant Charity to Corporate Citizenship, Tata MacGraw-Hill, New Delhi, 2000. Ministry o Corporate Affairs, Government of India (GoI), Schedule VII of the companies Act 201-Ministry of Corporate Affairs, 28 February 2014; retrieved from http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry /pdf/CompaniesActNotification3_2014.pdf
Literature cited 2: Pricewater Coopers, Handbook on Corporate Social Responsibility in India, PWC-CII, Gurgaon, 2013. National Wildlife Database, Protected Areas of India, 2019; retrieved from http://www.wiienvis.nic.in/Database/Protected_Area_54.aspx.

ID: 63364
Title: Aerobic granular sludge: the future of wastewater treatment
Author: Y.V. Nancharaih, M.Saravajith and T.V. Krishna Mohan
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 (3) 395-404 (2019)
Subject: Aerobic granular sludge: the future of wastewater treatment
Keywords: Activated sludge, aerobic granulation, sequencing batch reactor, wastewater treatment
Abstract: Water, food and energy security are interlinked and central to sustainable development. Wastewater is a key element in the water-food-energy nexus, and recovery of resources can link water, nutrient and energy cycles. Effective treatment of wastewater is essential for public health and sanitation, water reclamation, preventing environmental pollution and protecting water resources. Furthermore, the treated wastewater is essential for public health and sanitation, water reclamation, preventing environmental pollution and protecting water resources. Furthermore, the treated wastewater is a potential resource and its reuse will partially offset supply and demand in water-stressed areas. A century-old activated sludge (AS) process is still widely employed, though not sustainable in terms of large land footprint, higher costs and complex designs for achieving biological nutrient removal. The recently developed aerobic granular sludge (GS) process is a better replacement for AS and promises sustainable wastewater treatment for atleast the next century. The GS process uses familiar sequencing batch reactor technology for simultaneous removal of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other pollutants from wastewater. Among the available biological treatment options, GS process is the most preferred choice because of smaller land footprint, lower costs and effective wastewater treatment. Accumulating research shows that the GS technology has gained enormous popularity; it is increasingly considered for capacity extension as well as new wastewater treatment plants in domestic and industrial sectors.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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