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ID: 59647
Title: Camelina sativa: success of a temperate biofuel crop as intercrop in tropical conditions of Mhow, Madhya Pradesh
Author: RANJIT SINGH, MOHD. NASIM, S. TIWARI.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (3) 359-360 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Camelina sativa, biofuel crop as intercrop in tropical conditions, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh
Abstract: Camelina Sativa or false flax is oil yielding plant f the family Brassicaceae. It is an annual crop of the temperate region. It is also a self-pollinating and autogamous plant. The most acceptable chromosome number for this plant is 2n=40 and other values could be due to variation among populations.It can be sown on frozen grounds as well. The plant is gaining popularity as a feedstock for bio-diesel in Europe and North America .Yield potential of Camelina is at par with Brassica. It gives a good yield of 1987 to 3320 Kg/ha. Camelina is a low-input crop and its nutrients requirement is also very less; hence it can be grown on marginal lands. It has around 40% of oil content. The possible industrial uses of Camelina include its use in cosmetics and bio-diesel fuels. Wu and Leung attempted to optimize bio-diesel production from Camelina oil through alkaline transesterification. Krohn and Fripp studied the environmental feasibility of camelina biodiesel compared to petroleum diesel .Camelina proved better due to its lower life-cycle energy than traditional bio-diesel crops like soybean and canola.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Mulligan, G.A., Can. Field Nat., 2002, 116, 623-631. Jalas, J., Suomien, J. and Lampinen, R. (eds), Atlas florae European. Distribution of vascular plants in Europe, Helsinki University, Finland, 1996, vol. 11, p.310.
Literature cited 2: Robinson, R.G., Camelina: a useful research crop and a potential oilseed crop. Report, Minnesota Agricultural experiment station, university of Minnesota, Bulletin, 1987, p.579. Bonjean, A. and Goffic, F., Oleag. Corps Gras Lipides, 1999, 6, 28-34

ID: 59646
Title: Global temperatures may not increase by 4?c by the end of this century.
Author: A. Parker.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (3) 356-359 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Global temperatures, century. 4 ?c.
Abstract: Global warming exists in computations and sometimes reconstruction but without much support from measurements directly by thermometers or indirectly by tide gauges.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Parker, A. Environ.Sci, Indian J., 2014, 9(1), 3 Parker, A., Environ.Sci. Indian J., 2014.
Literature cited 2: Scafetta, N., Earth-sci.Rev., 2013,126, 321-357. Scafetta, N., Energy Environ. 2013, 24(3-4, 455-496.

ID: 59645
Title: Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Water Resource Management.
Author: Manju sundriyal, Kailash N. Bhardwaj, Prashant Singh and Vijay K. Dhaundiyal.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (3) 347-348 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Remote sensing, GIS, Water Resource Management.
Abstract: Use of Remote Sensing (RS) and GIS in natural resource and environmental monitoring has been advocated strongly in recent years. Considering this, a two day work shop was organized. The major discussions in the workshop comprised (i)application of remote sensing and GIS management such as water resource, retreat of glaciers, status of groundwater reservoirs and polluting water resources , if any,(ii) development of GIS, DEM and other hydrological models for water resource conservation and management , and (iii) use of such information system for enhancing recharge, improving governance and economy in water resource use.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Manju sundriyal, Uttrakhand science Education and Research centre (USERC), 33, Vasant Vihar, Phase II, Dehradun 248 006, India; Kailash N. Bhardwaj, Uttarakhand state council for Science and Technology (UCOST), Vigyan Dham & Regional Science Centre, Po-Jhajhra, Dehradun 248 007, India.
Literature cited 2: Prashant Singh and Vijay K. Dhaundiyal, USERC/UCOST, Dehradun 248001, India.

ID: 59644
Title: Thermal performance of a low-concentration ethanol stove without pressure system.
Author: Andrianantenaina Mercelin Hajamalala.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 289-296 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Burner, ethanol stove, thermal efficiency, water boiling test.
Abstract: We report here the thermal performance of a new burner running on low -concentration ethanol (50? GL) without pressure system. The experimental method based on the water developed by Shell Foundation, consists of three phases of test used to study the performance of the stove. Test and calculation results show that the time to boil 2.5 l of water is 19.6 min in cold start and 18.4 min in hot start. The specific consumption is 25.55 g/l for the boiling task and 29.4 g/l for the simmering task. The thermal efficiency calculation of the stove is 55.75% in high power and 58.3 % in simmer with a turndown ratio of 2.24. The average thermal output of the stove is from a high of 1575 W to a low of 694 W. The optimal thermal output is 694 W, with a thermal efficiency of 59%. The results show that the burner can transform gradually the low ethanol-water mixture of 50% (w/w) to a vapour of ethanol-water mixture concentration of 68.55% (w/w) in cold start, 73.71% (w/w) in hot start and 68.47% (w/w) in simmer. Improving the nature of the burner components helps improve the performance of the stove and also has an impact on its lifespan. The performance of the stove depends on the variation of the concentration of ethanol fuel during the test. The experimental study showed that the stove running on 50% v/v ethanol- water mixture is a no smoking stove, with no danger of fires.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: International Resources Group, Jariala, A concept for success, January 2005; http://www.irgltd.com/Resource/Publications/Africa/Improving_Forest_Management_in_Madagascar.pdf (accessed on 10 October 2009) World Wildlife Federation, 2007; http://WWW.Worldwildlife.org (accessed on 10 October 2009)
Literature cited 2: INSAT, Institut National de la Statistique [Madagascar] and 2003-2004: synthesis report. Calverton, Maryland, USA, 2005. Intermediate Technology Development Group, Smoke -the Killer in the Kitchen, 2004; http://WWW.itdg.org/html/smoke/smoke_report_1.htm.

ID: 59643
Title: Monitoring of glacier changes and response time in Chorabari Glacier, Central Himalaya, Garhwal, India.
Author: Manish Mehta, D.P. Dobhal, Kapil Kesarwani, Bhanu Pratap, Amit Kumar and Akshya Verma.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 281-289 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Frontal areas, glacier change, mass balance, response time, snout retreat.
Abstract: Chorabari Glacier (6.6sq.km) in the Mandakini River basin, a tributary of the River Alaknanda, central Himalaya, Garhwal (India) has been monitored in terms of its length and frontal area (snout) changes for the period between 1962 and 2012. Global Positioning System, Survey of India toposheet (1: 50,000) and ground-based measurements were used to obtain the changes in morphology and size of the glacier. The result shows that the fontal area of the glacier has shrunk by 1% and 344?24 m length loss, with an average rate of 6.8?0.5 m a? ? from 1962 to 2012.The observed terminus records of Chorabari Glacier indicate that the positive mass balance can cause terminus advance in about a 17-year timescale. The lag time of glacier signal transferred from accumulation area to the snout by glacier flow is about 562 years. These observations as well as other studies carried out in the region show a significant reduction in glacier area. The increased retreat rate of the glacier snout is probably a direct consequence of global warming.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Kamp, U., Byne, M. and Bolch, T., Glacier fluctuations between 1975 and 2008 in the greater Himalaya Range of Zanskar, Southern Ladakh.J.Mt.Sci., 2011, 8, 374-389; DOI: 10.1007/s11629-011-2007-9. Bolch, T. et al., The State and fate of Himalayan glaciers .Science, 2012, 336 (6079), 310-314;DOI:10.1126/science.1215828.
Literature cited 2: Barry, R., The status of research on glaciers and global glacier recession: a review. Prog. Phys. Geogr., 2006, 30, 285-306; DOI: 10.1191/0309133306. Zemp, M., Roer, I., Kaab, A., Hoelzle, M., Paul, F. and Haeberli, W., Global glacier changes: facts and figures. World Glacier Monitoring Service, United Nations Environment Programme, Geneva, 2008, p.80

ID: 59642
Title: Diatom burst-driven silica depletion under the Antarctic sea ice: evidence from sponge spicules.
Author: Suhas Shetye, Rahul Mohan, Syed A. Jafar, Abhilash Nair, Shramik patil, Shridhar Jawak, Rajesh Asthana and Sahina Gazi
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 273-277 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Diatoms, dissolved silica, sea ice, sponge spicules.
Abstract: Earlier studies have documented the role of diatoms in reducing the diversity and abundance of other silica-dependent organisms, such as radiolarian. Here we hypothesize that diatom burst-driven depletion of dissolved silica (Dsi) in the Antarctic under sea-ice waters affects other silica-biomineralizing organisms. We found intense diatom-dominated, ice-edge phytoplankton bloom in the Enderby basin resulting in severe depletion of DSi (<5?M) under the sea ice. We also found siliceous sponge spicules within the surface sediment collected from under the Antarctic sea ice. Dominance of small style spicules (170 spicules/g sediment) under the sea ice along with dissolution seen on them, suggests DSi deficiency in the Antarctic waters. We, therefore, conclude that there is a rapid depletion of DSi due to seasonal diatom blooms under sea ice in the Antarctic waters.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Treguer, P. J. and De La Rocha, C.L., The world ocean silica cycle.Annu.Rev.Mar.Sci., 2013, 5, 5.1-5.25. Wollast, R. and Mackenzie, F.T., In Silicon Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry (ed. Aston, S.R.), Academic Press, London, 1983, pp.101-142.
Literature cited 2: Maliva, R. G., Knoll, A.H. and Siminson, B.M., Secular change in the Precambrian silica cycle: insights from chert petrology. Geol.Soc.Am.Bull., 2005, 117, 835-845. Calvert, S.E., Sedimentary geochemistry of silicon. In Silicon Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry (ed. Aston, S.R.), Academic press, London, 1983, pp. 143-186.

ID: 59641
Title: Solar photovoltaic assistance for LHB rail coaches
Author: M.Shravanth Vasisht, C. Vishal, J. Srinivasan, and Sheela K. Ramasesha
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 255-259 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Carbon dioxide emissions, diesel, rail coaches, solar modules.
Abstract: Awareness for the need of sustainable and ecofriendly mobility has been increasing and various innovations are taking place in this regard. A study was carried out to assess the feasibility of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) modules atop train coaches. Most long-distance trains having LHB coaches do not have self-generating systems, thus making power cars mandatory to supply the required power for lighting loads. Feasibility of supplementing diesel generator sets with power from solar PV modules installed on coach rooftops has been reported in this communication. Not only is there a conservation of fuel, there is also a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. This work has shown that the area available on coach roof-tops is more than sufficient to generate the required power, during sunlight hours, for the electrical loads of a non-A/C coach even during winter. All calculations were done keeping a standard route as the reference. Taking the coast of diesel to be Rs 66/litre, it was estimated that there will be annual savings of Rs 5,900,000 corresponding to 90,800 litres diesel per rake per year by implementing this scheme. The installation cost of solar modules would be recovered within 2-3 years. Implementation of this scheme would also amount to an annual reduction of 239 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Arsie, I.Rizzo, and Sorrentino, M., A model for the optimal design of a hybrid solar vehicle. Rev. Automot.Eng., 2008, 29 (3), 439-447. Tindo the world ' s first solar bus. Adelaide City Council; http:// www.adelaide City Council.com/assets/acc/Environment/energy/docs/tindo_fact_sheet.pdf.
Literature cited 2: Around the world in a polar air-plane-solar Impulse, HB-SIA-solar impulse, 2009; http://www.solarimpulse.com/pdf/hb-sia/hb-sia_en.pdf. Shravanth Vashisht, M., Sridhar, B.S. and Dhanyavathi, A., Solar assisted power supply system for multi-services in railways. Electrical India, October 2011.

ID: 59640
Title: The ' mystic ' sand dune-covered temples of Talakad, Mysore district, Karnataka: evidence of earthquake-related destruction.
Author: A.B.Roy and M.S.Sethumadhav.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 246-254 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Ancient temples, disaster archaeology, neotectonic landform changes, Paleoseimicity, sand dunes.
Abstract: Low-lying sediment mound, known as Talakad sand dunes, on the left bank of the meandering Kaveri River at Talakad, Mysore district, Karnataka, is an enigmatic geomorphic feature. Archaeological excavations in the area revealed the presence of a cluster of ancient temples, mostly in dilapidated condition, which were presumably built during the time-period dating back between 6th and 17th century AD. It is generally believed that the temples were entombed under a pile of riverine sand dunes during the ' eco-disaster ' that lashed the region in the 17th century. Our field studies coupled with archaeological reports on excavations indicate that the mound is not entirely made of dune sands. Virtual absence of sand deposits over some severely damaged temples occurring near the top suggests that destruction could not have taken place only because of the load of the overlying sands. On the other hand, the scale of destruction witnessed in some of the affected temples can only be explained by the incidence of earthquakes of high magnitude. Additional proof of earthquake-related destruction comes from the occurrence of sedimentary layers (beds) containing fragmented pieces of building materials like bricks and stones in silt and clay-bearing flood plain deposits at the sites of the destructed temples and other buildings. Historical records of repeated renovation or rebuilding of temples at the same place provide further proof of recurrent incidence of earthquake-related destruction. Geomorphic changes manifested in the form of shifting of river courses consequent with the rise of the sediment mound also indicate uplift-related earth movements which must have ensued repeated earthquakes in the region.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Hanumantha Rao, M. and Nagaraju, S., Excavations at Hemminge 1964, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Karnataka, Mysore, 1974, pp.1-80 Devaraj, D.V., Narasimha Murthy, A.V., Krishnamurthy, M.S. and Swamy, Excavations at Talakad, 1992-93, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Karnataka, Mysore, 1996, Vol.1, p. 318.
Literature cited 2: Srikantia, S.V. and Anantharamu, T.R.., The Talkad sand dunes in Mysore District of Karnataka-their description, evolution and origin.J.Geol.Soc.India, 1997, 50, 315-321. Valdiya, K.S., Late Quaternary movements and landscape rejuvenation in southeastern Karnataka and adjoining Tamil Nadu in Southern Indian Shield J.Geol.Soc.India, 1998, 51, 139-166.

ID: 59639
Title: Catastrophic heavy rainfall episode over Uttarakhand during 16-18 June 2013-observational aspects
Author: S.D.Kotal, Soma Sen Roy and S.K. Roy Bhowmik.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 234-245 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Heavy rainfall episode, mesoscale convective system, Synoptic features, thermodynamic features.
Abstract: Widespread very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall occurred over Uttarakhand and its neighbouring states during 16-18 June 2013, which caused flash floods, landslides, large-scale loss of lives and damage to property. The present study analyses the dynamical and thermodynamical features associated with this torrential rainfall episode. The analysis suggests due to strong interaction between an oncoming midtropospheric trough in the westerlies and the strong lower-tropospheric southeasterly monsoon wind flow in association with a monsoon low-pressure system over the North Indian region , a lower tropospheric wind convergence zone developed over Uttarakhand and its neighbouring regions. A strong Bay of Bengal current of air With wind speed of 40 kts in the northern periphery of the monsoon low, pumped a lot of moisture into the region. Supported by strong orographic effect due to high terrain and strong moisture feeding from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, a large-scale quasistationary regenerative mesoscale convective system (MCS) developed over the zone of convergence. The episode was comparable to the 2010 Leh flash flood episode, in that the synoptic conditions were similar in both cases. However, while the Leh episode resulted from repeated surges of westward travelling MCS across the Tibetan Plateau, the present case was due to quasistationary regenerative MCS over the region.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Webster, P.J., Toma, V.E. and Kim, H.-M., were the 2010 Pakistan floods predictable? Geophys.Res.Lett., 2011, 38, Lo4806; doi: 10.1029/2010GL046346. Wang, B., Liu, J., Kim, H.J., Webster, P.J. and Yim,S.Y., Recent change of the global monsoon precipitation (1979-2008). Climate Dyn., 2012, 39 (5), 1123-1135.
Literature cited 2: Rudari, R., Entekhabi, D. and Roth, G., Terrain and multiple-scale interactions as factors in generating extreme precipitation events.J. Hydrometerol., 1999, 5, 390-404. Sen Roy, S. and Sen Roy, S., Regional variability of convection over northern India during the pre-monsoon season. Theor. Appl. Climatol., 2011, 103, 145-158.

ID: 59638
Title: Can post offices of rural India be the driver for agricultural technology dissemination? Experiences of action research.
Author: S.K. Dubey, R.R.Burman, J.P. Sharma, K. Vijayaragavan, V. Sangeetha, Ishwari Singh and H.S. Gupta.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 195-202 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Collaborative activities, farm technology, post offices, variety dissemination.
Abstract: Action research on validating the linkages with post offices in the dissemination of farm technology was done. Post offices and their personnel (50) at the district block and villages levels in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, were contacted. Organizational analysis of Indian Postal Department helped identify the scope for entering into linkages for the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. Seeds of improved varieties were disseminated and different possible dissemination modes were experimented. The trend analysis of post office works showed sharp decline (about 50%) in the mail and delivery of ordinary post. Similarly, the sale of postal stamp and revenue stamp had declined to the same extent. The collaborative activities through tie-ups with other agencies like SBI, ICICI, mutual fund agencies; Oriental Insurance, etc. had increased (15-20%), which provided the opportunity for establishing linkages. Up to summer/zaid 2013, more than 1900 farmers under 18 post offices in five states covering 181 villages have been reached through this innovative technology dissemination model. The major crops included in the programme are W heat, Paddy, Pigeon Pea, bajra, mustard, bottle gourd, pumpkin and okra. The farmer-to-farmer diffusion of improved variety of wheat was found to be 32 times of the total area originally covered by seed quantity disseminated through post offices. The cost sharing and capacity building of farmers and post office personnel were other innovative interventions to make the linkages more successful. Based on the experiences and lessons learnt, future action plans have been suggested.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Sulaiman, R.V.and van den Ban, A.W., Agricultural extension in India-the next step. Policy Brief 9, NCAP, New Delhi, 2000. Selvarajan, S. and Joshi, P.K., Socio-economic policies in natural resource management. In International Conference on Managing Natural Resource for Sustainable Agricultural Production in the 21 st Century, New Delhi, 2000.
Literature cited 2: Kumar, P., Food demand and supply projections for India, agricultural economics. Policy paper 98-01, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 1998. Bhalla, G.S., Hazell, P. and Kerr, J., Prospects for India ' s cereal supply and demand to 2020. Food, Agriculture and the Environment, Discussion Paper 29, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, D.C.USA, 1999.

ID: 59637
Title: Mine Vue radar for delineation of abandoned mine galleries.
Author: K.K.K. SINGH AND JAN FRANCKE.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 181-183 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Mine Vue radar, Abandoned mine galleries.
Abstract: Abandoned mine workings frequently occur beneath many urban areas in India and other parts of the world. On a site due to be developed, if abandoned mine workings are suspected, it is essential that they are accurately located and suitable remediation measures taken to make them safe. A properly procured, supervised and interpreted site investigation should be undertaken to fully characterize the ground conditions.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Momayez, M., Hassani, F.P. Hara, A. and Sadri, A., CIM Bull., 1996, 89 (1001), 107-110 Cook, J.C., Geophysics, 1975, 40, 865-885.
Literature cited 2: Singh, K.K.K., Environ. Geol., 2003, 44, 20-27. Benson, A.K., Appl.Geophys., 1995, 33, 177-193.

ID: 59636
Title: Exploration for rare earth elements in North East India.
Author: Harbans Singh, Mohd. Sadiq and B.B. Sharma
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 178-180 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Exploration for rare earth elements, North East India.
Abstract: The rare earth elements (REE) are widely dispersed but occur as ore deposits. They have high density, high melting point, and high electrical and thermal conductance, which make them essential for a variety of emerging and critical technology applications. Thus these metals are increasingly becoming a critical strategic resource.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Ranjith, A., Sadiq, M. and Kannadasan, T., GSINER News, Shilong, 2012, 22, 7-8 Sukumaran, P. V., Curr. Sci., 2012, 102(6), 839-841.
Literature cited 2: WWW.Portal.gsi.gov.in Ranjith, A. and Sadiq, M., Rec. Geol. Surv. India, 2013, 145-146, 22-28.

ID: 59635
Title: The culture of environmental education: insights from a citizen science experiment in India.
Author: Sindhu Radhakrishna, V.V.Binoy and Anitha Kurup.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 176-178 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: C ulture of environmental education, citizen science experiment, India
Abstract: The impact of culture on environmental education is well acknowledged by theorists and practitioners in the field; however, the particular mechanisms by which cultural factors may influence environmental educational practices are still relatively unexplored .In this note we describe a citizen science initiative that we attempted to implement in a rural area in southern India, and draw on our experiences with the project to show how cultural beliefs regarding the purpose of school education and the importance of environmental issues can interact in subtle ways to present challenging scenarios to environmental educators.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Falk, J.H., Heimlich, J.E. and Foutz, S., Free-Choice Learning and the Environment, CA, AltaMira Press, Walnut Creek, 2009. Dillon, J., Rickinson, M., Teamey, K., Morris, M., Choi, M.Y., Sanders, D. and Benefield, P., School Sci.Rev, 2006, 87, 107-111.
Literature cited 2: Farmer, J., Knapp, D. and Benton, G., J. Environ.Educ., 2007, 38, 33-42. Kransy, M.E. and Bonney, R., In Environmental Education and Advocacy: Changing perspectives of Ecology and Education (eds Mappin, M.J. and Johnson, E.A.), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2005.

ID: 59634
Title: Thwarting changing landuse-a step towards Ganga rejuvenation
Author: Shikha Sharma and Madhoolika Agrawal.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (2) 174-175 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Thwarting, Changing landuse, Ganga rejuvenation.
Abstract: The establishment of the Ministry for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenatation by the Government of India has sprouted a new hope for River Ganga. The river is breathing on a ventilator supplemented with variable doses of pollutants. One may ponder whether the sanction of crores of rupees will accomplish what has not been since the last 27 years (Foundation of Ganga Action Plan (GAP), 1986). The GAP I and II failed to accomplish what has been documented in their dossiers. One of the issues the plan lacked was watershed development and land-use changes in the basin.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Status paper on River Ganga -state of environment and quality, Report, National River Conservation Directorate, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, 2009. Pollution assessment: River Ganga, Report, the Central pollution control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, 2013.
Literature cited 2: Varanasi to have three new ghats, Times of India, 31 May 2014, p.2. Ekness, P., Ecohydrological impacts of climate and land uses changes on watershed systems: a multi-scale assessment for policy, Dissertation, university of Massachusetts, Amherst scholar works@UMass Amherst, 2013, paper 789.

ID: 59633
Title: Primitive breeding in an ancient Indian frog genus Indirana.
Author: : Nikhil Gaitonde and Varad Giri.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (1) 109-112 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Amplexus, anuran, Indirana, reproductive mode, terrestrial eggs.
Abstract: The Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot is rich in herpetofauna and harbours numerous endemic species. Unfortunately, many of these understudied species are threatened due to habitat loss, pollution, infectious diseases and climate change. Indirana (family Ranixalidae) is an ancient frog genus, endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Unlike most amphibians, it lays terrestrial eggs and has semi-terrestrial tadpoles. We barely have any knowledge about their development, life history, mating systems and reproductive ecology. Such information is crucial to design and implement successful conservation programmes. Hence, we studied the courtship, spawning behavior and reproductive mode of an Indirana sp. from Amboli Reserve Forest located in the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India. This species showcases a primitive type of inguinal amplexus and exhibits pronounced sexual size dimorphism, where females are significantly larger than the males. Average clutch size was 226 ? 41.5 eggs, with an egg diameter of 3.25 ? 0.32 mm. Fertilization rate was 87% with 100 % hatching success. Additionally, this frog has evolved terrestrial eggs without the dependent traits like parental care and large egg size/small clutch size witnessed in other terrestrially egg-laying anurans (frogs and toads). This frog has reproductive mode 19, with its characteristic semi-terrestrial tadpoles. This genus represents the extreme of the trend (from obligatory aquatic to completely terrestrial) that amphibians show towards terrestriality.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Duellman, W.E. and Trueb, L, Biology of Amphibians, The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1994, pp. 13-85. Haddad, C.F. and Prado, C.P., Reproductive modes in frogs and their unexpected diversity in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Bioscience, 2005, 55, 207-217.
Literature cited 2: Wells, K.D., The Ecology and Behavior of Amphibians, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2010, pp. 338-557. Gramapurohit, N.P. and Radder, R.S., Changes in plasma sex steroids in relation to reproductive behavior of the toad, Bufo melanostictus (Schn) Copeia, 2013, 2, 332-337.