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ID: 65869
Title: The evolution of diabetes treatments: from insulin therapy to synthetic biology
Author: Shubhangi Sharma and Jaspreet Kaur
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (6) 662-670 25 March (2024)
Subject: The evolution of diabetes treatments: from insulin therapy to synthetic biology
Keywords: Blood glucose levels, diabetes, insulin analogs, traditional and new-age treatments, synthetic biology
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world and a leading cause of many cardiovascular diseases. Today, there is a wide range of options available to treat diabetes. Over the last few decades, the clinical field has gone through a major shift in the direction of genetic engineering and synthetic biology. This has led to many new techniques and treatments that can help manage diabetes. The purpose of this study is to summarize the advancement of diabetic treatments from old, conventional methods to new-age treatments which hold the potential to cure diabetes. While reviewing published research and review articles, we found that over the last few decades, there has been a surge in more handy devices to monitor and manage blood glucose levels. With advancements in the field of science, techniques such as genetic engineering, nanotechnology and synthetic biology are being used to design new devices or artificially engineer cells to relieve the symptoms associated with the disease. While the old conventional ways of taking medications or managing glycaemic levels using insulin syringes are more common, new-age treatments like insulin patches, synthetic cells, and synthetic receptors will likely gain popularity in the coming years.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sun, H. et al., IDF Diabetes Atlas: global, regional and countrylevel diabetes prevalence estimates for 2021 and projections for 2045. Diabetes Res. Clin. Pract., 2022, 183, 109119. Whiting, D. R., Guariguata, L., Weil, C. and Shaw, J., IDF Diabetes Atlas: global estimates of the prevalence of diabetes for 2011 and 2030. Diabetes Res. Clin. Pract., 2011, 94, 311–321.
Literature cited 2: Kannan, R., India is home to 77 million diabetics, second highest in the world. The Hindu, 14 November 2019. Gromada, J., Chabosseau, P. and Rutter, G. A., The α-cell in diabetes mellitus. Nature Rev. Endocrinol., 2018, 14, 694–704.

ID: 65868
Title: Cashless economy: the impact of digital innovation in India
Author: S. Sangeeta Kumari, K. M. Singh and Nasim Ahma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (6) 650-661 25 March (2024)
Subject: Cashless economy: the impact of digital innovation in India
Keywords: Cashless economy, digital innovation, economic growth, financial transactions, internet connectivity
Abstract: Digitalization has brought a revolutionary change in every walk of human life, giving the average person many digital options for payment and settlement. Information communication technology enabled the transformation of our banking system from paper to virtual mode, facilitating speedy and secure fund transfers. Post-demonetization (8 November 2016), the cashless economy got a boost, and about 98% of transactions have become cashless. A cashless policy empowers industries, leading to an increase in employment opportunities and reducing cash-oriented fraud. The Reserve Bank of IndiaDigital Payments Index was recorded at 349.30 as of March 2022 against 304.06 for September 2021, indicating significant growth, rapid adoption and deepening of digital payment across the nation. During the financial year 2021–22, digital transactions surged to 7195 crores, with the value increasing to Rs 17.44 billion. There is a strong need to make policies for protection against cyberattacks, encourage digital literacy, and ensure adequate rural penetration of internet connectivity and banking infrastructure, with awareness among rural masses to strengthen organized indigenous markets. This article provides an insight into the cashless economy and the impact of digital innovation on India’s financial system.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kaur, P., Cash to cashless economy: challenges and opportunities. Int. J. 360 Manage. Rev., 2019, 7(1), 520–528. Rupa, R., Demonetization: a way to cashless economy. Intercontinental. J. Finan. Res. Rev., 2016, 5(7), 81–88.
Literature cited 2: Badam, D. and Gochhait, S., Digitalization and its impact on Indian economy. Eur. J. Mol. Clin. Med., 2020, 7(6), 2131–2140. IBEF, Digital Payments and their impact on the Indian economy. India Brand Equity Foundation, 2021; www.ibef.org

ID: 65867
Title: Laboratory science: representations of reproductive biology in Carl Djerassi’s An Immaculate Misconception: Sex in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction
Author: Ajay Kumar and Adrene Freeda Dcruz
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (6) 646-649 25 March (2024)
Subject: Laboratory science: representations of reproductive biology in Carl Djerassi’s An Immaculate Misconception: Sex in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction
Keywords: Artificial reproduction, ethical implications, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, laboratory on stage, mutual incomprehension.
Abstract: Carl Djerassi’s ‘An Immaculate Misconception: Sex in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction’ belongs to the science-in-theatre genre. The play revolves around the incidents in a reproductive biology laboratory and investigates the ethical implications of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a pathbreaking scientific innovation in the field of assisted reproductive technology. In selecting key scientific themes as the subject matter of his literary works, Djerassi attempts to disseminate scientific ideas to a non-scientific audience. This is a significant step towards narrowing the gap of mutual incomprehension between scientists and non-scientists.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Snow, C. P., The two cultures. Leonardo, 1990, 23, 169–173. Djerassi, C., Contemporary ‘science-in-theatre’: a rare genre. Interdiscip. Sci. Rev., 2002, 27, 193–20
Literature cited 2: Shepherd-Barr, K., Science on Stage: From Doctor Faustus to Copenhagen, Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, USA, 2012. Djerassi, C., An Immaculate Misconception: Sex in an Age of Mechanical Repro

ID: 65866
Title: Insect–plant mutualism
Author: Krishna Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (6) 637-638 25 March (2024)
Subject: Insect–plant mutualism
Keywords: None
Abstract: It is a common belief that except silkworms, honey bees and lac insects, all other insects are harmful creatures, damaging stored grains, crops and ornamental plants. Besides, they act as carriers or vectors of a number of harmful pathogens and microbes transmitting various dreadful diseases to human beings and animals. Apart from this hostile and acrimonious relationship between insects and plants, there is a friendly and cordial relationship between them, where both benefit each other and coexist in perfect harmony. For example, many plants and insects have developed or evolved a mechanism that is of mutual interest. Generally, the insects living in close association with plants, protect them in return for food. Plants of Acacia sp. harbour colonies of ants of Pseudomyrmex sp. These ants live within the hollow, swollen stipular thorns of the plants feeding on the nectar and proteins produced in the petioles and tips of the new leaves respectively. In return, these ants aggressively guard and protect the plants from herbivores.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 65865
Title: Reservoir-influenced land ecosystem
Author: Pulak Das
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (6) 637-637 25 March (2024)
Subject: Reservoir-influenced land ecosystem
Keywords: None
Abstract: Reservoirs intensify open-water evaporation and enhance moisture supply for precipitation in the vicinity . Around a reservoir, higher water tables support increased soil moisture and higher groundwater levels, which may cause increased vegetation growth . Studies worldwide indicate that reservoirs affect the microclimatic and soil moisture conditions in their surroundings, resulting in a noticeable increase in vegetation and overall normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Woldemichael, A. L., Hossain, F., Pielke Sr, R. and Beltrán-Przekurat, A., Water Resour. Res., 2012, 48(9), W09547; doi:10.1029/ 2011WR011684. Hausner, M. B. et al., Ecol. Eng., 2018, 120, 432–440; https://doi.org/10.1016/j. ecoleng.2018.06.024
Literature cited 2: Sun, L. et al., Adv. Water Resour., 2021, 153, 103946; https://doi.org/10.1016/j. advwatres.2021.103946. Tian, M., Zhou, J., Jia, B., Lou, S. and Wu, H., Remote Sensing, 2020, 12, 2860; doi: 10.3390/rs12172860.

ID: 65864
Title: Flash floods and their cascading tumults: an example from Teesta River valley, Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim, India
Author: Dilli Ram Dahal , Manish Mehta, C. M. Bhatt and Khayingshing Luirei
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1280-1284 25 May (2024)
Subject: Flash floods and their cascading tumults: an example from Teesta River valley, Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim, India
Keywords: Cloudburst, GLOF, Himalaya, Sikkim, South Lhonak Lake
Abstract: Rapid melting of snow/ice and heavy rainfall have resulted in the formation and expansion of moraine dammed lakes, creating a potential danger from glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Around 9:30–10 p.m. on 3 September 2023, the South Lhonak Lake, a glacial lake in the upper reaches of Sikkim Himalaya, burst its banks following a cloudburst in the catchment area of Lachung River. The water, with all the debris it picked up along the way, rammed into the dam, causing parts of it to give way. This led to massive flooding downstream. This catastrophic event changed the landscape in many parts of the upper reaches of Sikkim, making the whole region more fragile and vulnerable.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Valdiya, K. S., Paul, S. K., Chandra, T., Bhakuni, S. S. and Upadhyaya, R. C., Tectonic and lithological characterization of Himadri (Great Himalaya) between Kali and Yamuna rivers, Central Himalaya. Himal. Geol., 1999, 20(2), 1–17. Mehta, M., Shukla, T., Bhambri, R., Gupta, A. K. and Dobhal, D. P., Terrain changes, caused by the 15–17 June 2013 heavy rainfall in the Garhwal Himalaya, India: a case study of Alaknanda and Mandakini basins. Geomorphology, 2017, 284, 53–71
Literature cited 2: Valdiya, K. S., Environmental Geology: Indian Context, Tata McGraw Hill, New Delhi, 1987, p. 538. Das, S., Ashrit, R. and Moncrieff, M. W., Simulation of a Himalayan cloud burst event. J. Earth Sys. Sci., 2006, 115(3), 299–313.

ID: 65863
Title: Soil enzymatic activity, nutrient dynamics and biplot analysis under varied plant population and nutrient management in machine-planted chickpea
Author: M. Karthika , K. Bhanu Rekha, K. S. Sudhakar , A. Madhavi , S. Triveni and P. Rajaiah
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1273-1279 25 May (2024)
Subject: Soil enzymatic activity, nutrient dynamics and biplot analysis under varied plant population and nutrient management in machine-planted chickpea
Keywords: Enzyme activity, nutrient management, PCAbiplot, planting density, soil nutrient dynamics.
Abstract: Soil dehydrogenase (14.2, 11.3 mg TPF g–1 day–1 ), alkaline phosphatase (109.5, 86.7 mg PNP g–1 soil h–1 ), acid phosphatase (69.7, 51.6 mg PNP g–1 soil h–1 ) and urease activity (60.4, 39.9 mg NH4 g–1 2 h–1 ) in chickpea at flowering and harvest with seed rate @ 105 kg ha–1 . Among, nutrient management the corresponding activity (14.9, 11.7 mg TPF g–1 day–1 ), (120.7, 96.7 mg g PNP g–1 soil h–1 ), (70.5, 52.7 mg g PNP g–1 soil h–1 ) was higher with 75% RDF + microbial consortia (MC). Contrarily, urease activity (62.3, 38.7 mg g NH4 g–1 2 h–1 ), soil available soil nitrogen (181.3, 179.0 kg ha–1 ) and phosphorus (78.3, 76.5 kg ha–1 ) were higher under 125% RDF + MC. PCA indicated that among nutrient management, first principal component explained 71.37% variability to urease activity, available soil potassium and dehydrogenase activity and second component (22.34%) to available soil phosphorus and nitrogen. Among planting density, first component explained variability (66.87%) to acid phosphatase and second component (32.11%) to available phosphorus
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: van der Heijden, M. G. A., Bardgett, R. D. and van Stralen, N. M., The unseen majority, soil microbes as drivers of plant diversity and productivity in terrestrial ecosystems. Ecol. Lett., 2008, 11, 296–310. Khan, S., Hesham, A. E. L., Qiao, M., Rehman, S. and He, J. Z., Effects of Cd and Pb on soil microbial community structure and activities. Environ. Sci. Poll., 2010, 17, 288–296.
Literature cited 2: Jiao, X. G., Gao, C. S., Lu, G. H. and Sui, Y. Y., Effect of long-term fertilization on soil enzyme activities under different hydrothermal conditions in Northeast China. Agric. Sci. China, 2011, 10, 412–422. Wolińska, A. and Zofia, S., Dehydrogenase Activity in the Soil Environment (ed. Rosa Angela Canuto), Dehydrogenases Intech, Open Access Textbook, 2012, 10.5772/48294.

ID: 65862
Title: Automated kharif rice mapping using SAR data and machine learning techniques in GEE platform
Author: Saurabh P. Vyas , Mukesh Kumar, Dhaval Kathiria , Mandakini Jani , Mehul R. Pandya and Bimal K. Bhattacharya
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1265-1272 25 May (2024)
Subject: Automated kharif rice mapping using SAR data and machine learning techniques in GEE platform
Keywords: Google earth engine, large-scale rice mapping, machine learning, multi-temporal, SAR
Abstract: The present study employs temporal C-band Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to evaluate discriminability and estimate acreage of kharif rice across major Indian states. Utilizing multi-temporal Sentinel-1 Cband SAR data, including time-series cross-polarization vertical–horizontal channels, the research spanned states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam. Employing five machine learning algorithms on GEE, with random forest demonstrating high performance, achieved 98.59% accuracy and 0.92 kappa coefficient (κ) in Odisha. Subsequently, the RF algorithm was applied for kharif rice acreage estimation, yielding overall accuracies from 88.48% to 97.28% and κ between 0.87 and 0.96 with deviations from reported acreage ranging from 0.95% to 12% across diverse states. The study underscores the efficacy of SAR data and machine learning within GEE for precise large-scale automated mapping of kharif rice
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Department of Agriculture Cooperation (India). Agricultural Statistics at a Glance, 2021; https://desagri.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/ 2021/07/Agricultural-Statistics-at-a-Glance-2021-English-version. pdf Joshi, N. et al., A review of the application of optical and radar remote sensing data fusion to land use mapping and monitoring. Remote Sensing, 2016, 8(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8010070.
Literature cited 2: Fatikhunnada, A., Liyantono, L., Solahudin, M., Buono, A., Kato, T. and Seminar, K., Assessment of pre-treatment and classification methods for java paddy field cropping pattern detection on MODIS images. Remote Sensing Appl.: Soc. Environ., 2020, 17, 100281; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2019.100281. Ramadhani, F., Reddy, P., Kereszturi, G. and Procter, J., Mapping of rice growth phases and bare land using Landsat-8 OLI with machine learning. Int. J. Remote Sensing, 2020, 41(21), 8428–8452; https://doi.org/10.1080/01431161.2020.1779378.

ID: 65861
Title: In silico model and sensitivity analysis of plasma glucose regulation: towards an individualized maximal model for physiology and pathophysiology
Author: Vennila Minar, Viswanathan Mohan and Krishnakumar Ramarathnam
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1254-1264 25 May (2024)
Subject: In silico model and sensitivity analysis of plasma glucose regulation: towards an individualized maximal model for physiology and pathophysiology
Keywords: Glucose homeostasis, individualized maximal model, metabolic hormones, Sobol sensitivity analysis, type 2 diabetes.
Abstract: The present study focuses on metabolic hormone regulation of plasma glucose and its role in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We propose an individualized maximal model based on plasma glucose dynamics in healthy individuals, considering key substrates and hormones after oral intake. The model accurately simulates T2D pathophysiology, including effects of free fatty acids, glucagon, GLP-1, ghrelin and leptin on insulin and glucagon levels. Model simulations closely match clinical data from oral glucose tolerance tests in normal and T2D subjects. However, the model’s complexity poses challenges for parameter estimation. To address this, we conducted a Sobol sensitivity analysis to identify influential parameters and simplify the model while preserving its dynamic interpretation. This approach reveals critical parameters influencing glucose regulation, aiding in understanding model dynamics and improving computational efficiency
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes? Groop, L. and Pociot, F., Genetics of diabetes – are we missing the genes or the disease? Mol. Cellular Endocrinol., 2014, 382(1), 726–739.
Literature cited 2: Srinivasan, R., Kadish, A. H. and Sridhar, R., A mathematical model for the control mechanism of free fatty acid-glucose metabolism in normal humans. Comput. Biomed. Res., 1970, 3, 146–166. Foster, R. O., Soeldner, J. S., Tan, M. H. and Guyton, J. R., Short term glucose homeostasis in man: a system dynamic model. Trans. Am. Soc. Mech. Eng. (ASME), 1973, 95(3), 308–314.

ID: 65860
Title: Artificial intelligence for crop yield prediction: a bibliometric analysis
Author: M. Lokeshwari, Girish Kumar Jha, K. V. Praveen and Anshu Bharadwaj
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1245-1253 25 May (2024)
Subject: Artificial intelligence for crop yield prediction: a bibliometric analysis
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, bibliometric analysis, crop yield prediction, deep learning, machine learning, remote sensing, VOSviewer.
Abstract: The synergy between artificial intelligence (AI) and agricultural sciences has garnered substantial attention, especially in the realm of crop yield prediction. The present bibliometric analysis examines the worldwide research trends about the application of AI in predicting crop yields. The global literature on crop yield prediction using AI published between 1997 and 2022 is searched in the Scopus database. Five hundred and forty research articles were used to compile the analysis; they were located in the Scopus database and processed through the VOSviewer. Our research reveals a significant surge in scholarly publications, particularly focusing on countries including China, the United States, India and Canada. These research endeavours aim to apply AI methodologies for forecasting agricultural produce yields in tandem with developments in remote sensing technologies that facilitate more accurate yield predictions. These insights offer a valuable reference for researchers and illuminate potential directions for future investigations in the domain of AI-based crop yield prediction
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Oladipupo, A. T., Introduction to machine learning. In New Advances in Machine Learning (ed. Zhang, Y.), IntechOpen, UK, 2010, pp. 1–8. McQueen, R. J., Garner, S. R., Nevill-Manning, C. G. and Witten, I. H., Applying machine learning to agricultural data. Comput. Electron. Agric., 1995, 12, 275–293.
Literature cited 2: Xu, X. et al., Design of an integrated climatic assessment indicator (ICAI) for wheat production: a case study in Jiangsu Province, China. Ecol. Indic., 2019, 101, 943–953. Filippi, P. et al., An approach to forecast grain crop yield using multi-layered, multi-farm data sets and machine learning. Precis. Agric., 2019, 20, 1015–1029.

ID: 65859
Title: Rock magnetism and preliminary archaeointensity results from Harappa potsherds, India
Author: E. Sai Krishna, M. Venkateshwarlu, M. R. Kapawar , P. D. Sabale , N. Ramesh Babu and V. S. Shinde
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1236-1244 25 May (2024)
Subject: Rock magnetism and preliminary archaeointensity results from Harappa potsherds, India
Keywords: Archaeointensity, IZZI protocol, potsherds, Rakhigarhi, rock magnetism.
Abstract: New archaeointensity results from the Indian archaeological excavation at the historical Harappa Rakhigarhi site, India, dating from the third millennium BC, are reported. Fifteen samples from nine potsherd fragments were collected and subjected to the IZZI Thellier palaeointensity method. Detailed rock magnetic measurements were performed on representative potsherds. Rock magnetic properties indicate that magnetite is the dominant carrier of remanent magnetization. Archaeointensity values range from 23.65 ± 1.23 µT to 41.22 ± 1.82 µT (mean 32.64 ± 0.81 µT), while corresponding virtual axial dipole movements range from 5.06 to 10.60 × 1022 Am2 (mean 8.11 × 1022 Am2 ).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aitken, M. and Weaver, G., Magnetic dating: some archaeomagnetic measurements in Britain. Archaeometry, 1962, 5, 4–18. Tarduno, J. A. et al., Antiquity of the south Atlantic anomaly and evidence for top-down control on the geodynamo. Nat. Commun., 2015, 6, 7865; doi:10.1038/ncomms8865.
Literature cited 2: Davies, C. and Constable, C., Geomagnetic spikes on the core-mantle boundary. Nat. Commun., 2017, 8, 15593; http://doi:10.1038/ ncomms15593. Korte, M., Donadini, F. and Constable, C., Geomagnetic field for 0–3 ka: 2. A new series of time-varying global models. Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 2009, 10, Q06008; http://doi:10.1029/2008GC002297.

ID: 65858
Title: Barren Island volcano: a multi-source analysis of two decades of volcanic activity
Author: Karishma Choudhary , Goutham Krishna Teja Gunda, Mijanur Ansary, Mamta Chauhan , Yateesh Ketholia and D. S. Manjula
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1225-1235 25 May (2024)
Subject: Barren Island volcano: a multi-source analysis of two decades of volcanic activity
Keywords: Andaman Sea, Barren Island volcano, FIRMS, SO2, satellite observations, volcanic radiative power.
Abstract: Barren Island volcano is the only active stratovolcano within Indian territory. Following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which had a magnitude of 9.3 Mw, the volcano gained global attention due to its sudden unrest and violent behaviour. It has been intermittently active since then, between 2005 and 2022. Due to the remote location and inaccessibility of the volcano, Earth Observation technology is the only feasible approach for regular monitoring. The present study utilizes satellite images and their derived products, such as volcanic radiative power, fire information for resource management system, and SO2 data, to understand various volcanic features and assess the volcanic characteristics and patterns during the active phases over the last two decades. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the multi-source satellite datasets in monitoring India’s lone active volcano.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Peter, J., Remote sensing observations for volcano monitoring and hazard mitigation. Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sensing, 2000, XXXIII (Part B7), 905–910. Coppola, D. et al., Thermal remote sensing for global volcano monitoring: experiences from the MIROVA system. Front. Earth Sci., 2020, 7, 362.
Literature cited 2: Gunda, G. K. T., Chauhan, M., Ansary, M., Chauhan, P., Goud, S., Batham, A. and Sankaran, B., Volcanic ash modelling of Barren Island Volcano, India, using satellite data. J. Indian Soc. Remote Sensing, 2023, 1–17. Gunda, G. K. T. et al., Modelling of volcanic ash with HYSPLIT and satellite observations: a case study of the 2018 Barren Island volcano eruption event, Andaman territory, India. Curr. Sci., 2021, 121(4), 529–538

ID: 65857
Title: Sustainable fodder production in South Asia through silvopastoral systems
Author: Sumit Sow , Shivani Ranjan, Navnit Kumar , Nilanjaya , Harun Gitari , Parmeswar Dayal and Sanjay Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1217-1224 25 May (2024)
Subject: Sustainable fodder production in South Asia through silvopastoral systems
Keywords: Climate change, environmental sustainability, fodder, livestock, silvopastoral system.
Abstract: Silvopasture is a farming practice involving the integration of tree and livestock grazing operations on the same land. Intensive management of these systems enables them to generate short and long-term economic returns from forest products and forage. Silvopastoral systems have been considered to increase efficiency while reducing the environmental burden and extreme ranching/animal husbandry systems. Over the past few years, there has been a rapid accumulation of scientific evidence supporting the role of silvopasture in meeting the fundamental needs of not only humans but also the animal population in the era of climate change. In South Asian countries like India, the silvopastoral system can be a viable option to provide balanced food as well as shelter for the livestock. This review aims to provide a critical and systematic evaluation of the scientific literature about the effect of different silvopasture systems on the fodder production, environment and performance of livestock, especially in the context of South Asia. We conducted a search using PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar to identify the key literature on the theme. A total of 98 manuscripts underwent a four-step PRISMA appraisal process, resulting in the final selection. This process resulted in a final sample of 56 articles, which were used to explore the potential for long-term improvement in fodder quality through expanding the silvopastoral system. One of the key conclusions is that by improving the social acceptability of these silvopastoral systems and also addressing the challenges, their economic and environmental sustainability can be further enhanced.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: GoI, Economic Survey, Government of India, 2021–2022. 2021, p. 250; https://www.indiabudget.gov (accessed on 14 August 2023). Naik, P. K., Swain, B. K. and Singh, N. P., Production and utilisation of hydroponics fodder. Indian J. Anim. Nu
Literature cited 2: Sangameswaran, R. and Ramesh, K., Exploring the strategies for climate smart livestock production in India: opportunities and challenges. Climate Change Environ. Sustain., 2021, 9(1), 101–106. Lerner, A. M., Zuluaga, A. F., Chará, J., Etter, A. and Searchinger, T., Sustainable cattle ranching in practice: moving from theory to planning in Colombia’s livestock sector. Environ. Manage., 2017, 60, 176–184; doi:10.1007/s00267-017-0902-8.

ID: 65856
Title: Revolutionizing agriculture: role of agricultural mechanization and global trends in farming technology
Author: Neeru Bhooshan, M. S. Raman, Sakshi Gupta, Geetika Suyal, Amarjeet Singh and Akriti Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1209-1216 25 May (2024)
Subject: Revolutionizing agriculture: role of agricultural mechanization and global trends in farming technology
Keywords: Farm mechanization, IPC technologies, patents, prominent assignor, XLPAT database
Abstract: Agricultural mechanization plays a pivotal role in transforming the farming sector across the globe. The number of patents granted in the field of agricultural mechanization hold significance as they encourage innovation, protect intellectual property and drive technological advancements. The present study examined patents data collected from XLPAT database, wherein 500,000 records out of which 479,010 patent grants/applications were considered. Trajectory of patents during COVID pandemic showed there was an apparent downturn in both the quantity of patent applications submitted and the number of patents officially granted. Developed countries have exhibited varying trends in agricultural mechanization and patent activities. China, the United States and India stand as examples. China has rapidly adopted mechanization in its agriculture, contributing to higher yields and efficiency. The United States has a long history of mechanized farming, and its advancements in this field have greatly impacted global agriculture. The standardization of reaping and threshing offer better agricultural equipments by agricultural startups. Expansion of patents in farm mechanization has led to increased productivity, resource efficiency, equity for small and marginal holders, affordability, eco-consciousness and food security.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Afridi, F., Bishnu, M. and Mahajan, K., Gender and mechanization: evidence from Indian agriculture. Am. J. Agric. Econ., 2023, 105, 52–75; https://doi.org/10.1111/ajae.12315. Jha, S. N., Singh, K., Mehta, C., Kotwaliwale, N., Saxena, S., Shakyawar, D. and Sharma, K., Achievements in agricultural engineering in independent India. Indian Agriculture after Independence, Indian Council Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India, 2022, 1st edn, pp. 282–310.
Literature cited 2: Banerjee, S. and Punekar, R. M., A sustainability-oriented design approach for agricultural machinery and its associated service ecosystem development. J. Clean Prod., 2020, 264, 121642; https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121642. Mehta, C. R., Chandel, N. S. and Rajwade, Y. A., Smart farm mechanization for sustainable Indian agriculture. Ama Agric. Mech Asia Af., 2020, 51, 99–105; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348234345.

ID: 65855
Title: Unveiling the importance of small-scale and seasonal wetlands: policy imperatives for groundwater sustainability in India
Author: Priyanka Sarkar Robert Luetkemeier
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (10) 1206-1208 25 May (2024)
Subject: Unveiling the importance of small-scale and seasonal wetlands: policy imperatives for groundwater sustainability in India
Keywords: None
Abstract: Groundwater (GW) – the largest distributed storage of freshwater worldwide (although not uniformly) – accounts for approximately 99% of all the freshwater on Earth1 . In addition to the crucial ecological and hydrological significance, GW is central to various aspects of human development including a source of water for drinking and other domestic uses, food production, thus contributing to overall human well-being2 . Globally, at least 1.7 billion people live in areas experiencing over-exploitation of GW and an unknown number are experiencing problems related to lowering of the water table, GW pollution, land surface subsidence, saltwater intrusion in coastal regions, decoupling of GW-dependent ecosystems and long-distance telecoupling effects3–5 . The 2022 UN World Water Development Report has identified intensive abstraction as the leading cause of long-term depletion of GW, with the Asia-Pacific region as the largest GW abstractor worldwide
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: United Nations, The United Nations World Water Development Report 2022 – Groundwater: making the invisible visible. UNESCO, Paris, 2022; https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-world-water-development-report-2022. Velis, M., Conti, K. I. and Biermann, F., Sustain. Sci., 2017, 12, 1007–1017; https:// doi.org/10.1007/s11625-017-0490-9.
Literature cited 2: Gleeson, T., Wada, Y., Bierkens, M. F. P., and Van Beek, L. P. H., Nature, 2012, 488, 197–200; https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11295. Lall, U., Josset, L. and Russo, T., Annu. Rev. Environ. Resour., 2020, 45, 171–194; https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ102017-025800.