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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
Literature cited 1: Martins, A.M., Pagilla, M.K., Heijnen, J.J. and van Loosdrecht, M.C.M., Filamentous bulking sludge-a critical review. Water Res., 2004, 38 (4), 793-817. Hu, M. Wang, X., Wen, X. And Xia, Y., Microbial community structures in different wastewater treatment plants as revealed by 454-pyrosequencing analysis. Bioresour. Technol., 2012, 117, 72-79.
Literature cited 2: Bengtsson, S., de Biois, M., Wilen, B.M. and Gustavsson, D.A. comparison of aerobic granular sludge with conventional and compact biological treatment technologies.Environ.Technol., 2018, 13, 1479-1487; doi:110.1080/09593330.2018.1452985. Van Loosdrecht, M.C.M and Brdjanovic, D., Anticipating the next century of wastewater treatment .Science, 2014, 344 (6191), 1452-1453.

ID: 63363
Title: India needs genetic modification technology in Agriculture
Author: : S.Datta, B.S. Dhillon, P.L. Gautam, J.L.Karihaloo, M. Mahadevappa, C.D. Mayee, G. Padmanaban, A. Paida, R.S. Paroda, M. Sharma, T.R. Sharma, N.K. Singh, R.B. Singh, R.V. Sonti, A.K. Tyagi, A. Varma and K. Veluthambi
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) 390-394 (2019)
Subject: India needs genetic modification technology in Agriculture
Keywords: Bt-cotton, food security, gene editing, genetically modified crops, mustard
Abstract: India does not have a clear stand on the release and consumption of genetically modified crops (food).The only approved crop is Bt-cotton, which has put India on the global map as a cotton exporting country. Even so, Bt, brinjal is under moratorium and GM mustard is prevented from undergoing commercial trial. All these decisions are not based on sound scientific principles. Activism against has successfully prevented exploitation of a powerful technology that can contribute to India’s food and nutrition security. This article attempts to give a balanced perspective of genetic modification technology as one of the serious options to be considered on case to case basis. Ambivalence will seriously affect India’s food security in the future.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kesavan, P.C.and Swaminathan, M.S., Modern technologies for sustainable food and nutrition security.Curr.Sci. 2018, 115, 1876-1883. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects, The National Academy Press, 2016; https://doi.org/10.17226/23395
Literature cited 2: European Commission, a decade of EU-funded GMO research (2001-2010), 2010; etc, europa.eu-funded GMO research (2001-2010), 2010; ec, europa.eu/research/biosociety/pdf/a_decade_of_eufunded_gmo_research.pdf. Klumper, W. And Qaim, M.A., Meta-analysis of the impacts of genetically modified crops. PLOS ONE, 2014, 9, e11629; doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0111629.

ID: 63362
Title: Research dynamics in Indian fisheries and aquaculture a scientometric analysis Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Author: Nirmal Singh, Surjya Narayan Dutta, and Tarvinder Singh Handa
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) 382-389 (2019)
Subject: Research dynamics in Indian fisheries and aquaculture a scientometric analysis
Keywords: Aquaculture, fisheries, chronological growth, international collaboration, network visualization, scientometric study
Abstract: The study was carried out to map out the dynamics of scientific output in fisheries and aquaculture in India during the decade 2007-2016, applying scientometric tools. The publication pattern, most productive journals and author have been identified and statistical analysis of citations to publications has been executed. The data was retrieved from ‘Scopus’ database for phrase such as ‘fisheries’, ‘fishery’ and ‘aquaculture’ as main operators. The search results were filtered for journals articles, English language and for the period I January 2007-31 December 2016.The authorship, geographical and keyword landscape were visualized using free to use visualization software. The study revealed that the number of articles on fisheries and aquaculture have more than doubled from 2007 to 206.The results indicated a significant correlation between number of citations and number of years from which the article has been published. The United States emerged to be the top most collaborator of India to work in this field followed by South Korea, United Kingdom, Japan and Germany. The network visualization is expected to be useful to the scientific community in analysing the research trends in subject under study and further strengthening the research activities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: FAO, How to feed the world in 2050: insights from an expert meet of FAO.2009, 1-35; http://www.fao.org/wsfs/forum2050/wsfs-forum/en/. World Bank, Fish to 2030: prospects for fisheries and aquaculture, 2014.
Literature cited 2: Subasinghe, R., Fishing for development, background paper for session 3: Green growth in fisheries and aquaculture, 2014; https://www.oecd.org/tad/events/Fishing-for-development-2014-Session-3-GG-in-aquaculture.pdf. Thorpe, A., Reid, C., Van Anrooy, R., Brugere, C. And Beeker, D., Poverty reduction strategy papers and the fisheries sector: an opportunit forgone? J. Int. Dev., 2006, 18 (4), 489-517.

ID: 63361
Title: Teaching geosciences in a changing world
Author: Rasoul Sorkhabi
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) 360-361 (2019)
Subject: Teaching geosciences in a changing world
Keywords: Teaching geosciences, changing world
Abstract: Aside from astronomy, all natural sciences directly deal with Earth, but one science that specifically studies Earth as a planetary system is geosciences or earth science. Goescience encompasses a vast field, including geology, geochemistry, geophysics, oceanography and meteorology. Geoscience is an important science o society and should be a fundamental part of public and school education. For the developing countries endowed with natural resources as well as facing environmental challenges, natural hazards and resource mismanagement, geosciences education and research should be regarded as a high priority and vital to national security.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Saha, D., Curr. Sci., 2018, 115 (4), 595-596. Sorkhabi, R., Curr. Sci., 2018, 11 (7), 1245-1246.
Literature cited 2: Sorkhabi, R., J.Geol.Soc.India, 1997, 49 (5), 64-606. There are several introductory books on the history of geosciences: Faul, H. and Faul,C., It Began with Stone: A History of Geology from the Stone: A History of Geology from the Stone Age to the Age of Plate Tectonics (Wiley, New York, 983, P.288); A History of Geology by Gabriel Gohau (Rutgers University Press, New York, 1990, p.25); A Brief History of Geology by Kieran D.O’Hara (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 201, p.264.

ID: 63360
Title: Magmatic epidote in the Grenvillian granitoids of North Purulia Shear zone, Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex, India and its significance
Author: Ankita Basak, Bapi Goswami, Ananya Singha, Somshubhra Das and Chitta Bhattacharyya
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 (2) 298-303 (2019)
Subject: Magmatic epidote in the Grenvillian granitoids of North Purulia Shear zone, Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex, India and its significance
Keywords: Granitoids, magmatic epidote, oxygen fugacity, shear zone emplacement
Abstract: Magmatic epidotes of granitoid pluton from North Purulia Shear Zone, eastern India, are identified by textural and chemical criteria. The accessory sphene, epidote, allanite and magnetite in the granitoid indicate high f02 during crystallization. Hornblendes were crystallized between 1.2 and 4.8 kbar, 753°C and 783°C as well as high f02 (>Ni-Nio buffer). Preservation of magmatic epidote in pluton emplaced at low pressure is due to rapid magma ascent (>3.1 km/year). Fast upward transportation of parental magma of the pluton took place through extensional voids along the regional shear zone.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Naney, M.T., Phase equilibria of rock-forming ferromagnesian silicates in granitic systems. Am J. Sci., 1983, 283 (10) 993-1033. Zen, E. and Hammarstorm, J.M., Magmatic epidote and its petrologic significance. Geology, 1984, 12, 515-518.
Literature cited 2: Schmidt, M.W. and Thompson, A.B., Epidote in calc-alkaline magmas: an experimental study of stability, phase relationship, and the role of epidote in magmatic evolution. Am. Mineral, 1996, 81, 462-474. Brandon, A.D., Creaser, R.A and Chacko, T., Constraints on rates of granitic magma transport from epidote dissolution kinetics. Science, 1996, 271, 1845-1848.

ID: 63359
Title: Agriculture development-based mapping of agro-ecological sub-regions and its implications for doubling farmers’ income in India
Author: S.K. Srivastava, N.P.Singh, Jaspal Singh, K.V. Rao and S.J. Balaji
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 (2) 282-287 (2019)
Subject: Agriculture development-based mapping of agro-ecological sub-regions and its implications for doubling farmers’ income in India
Keywords: Agro-ecological sub regions, agricultural development, characterization and mapping, doubling farmers’income.
Abstract: Prioritizing and targeting less developed regions is one of the multi-pronged strategies for doubling farmer’s income (DFI) in India. Using an indicator approach, the present study assessed and mapped agro-ecological sub-regions (AERs) based on ten indicators representing production, infrastructure, information, marketing and income of the farmers. On the basis of the composite index of agriculture development. AESR 9.1 and AESR 1.1 were found to be the most and the least developed regions respectively. Further, the potential districts for each of the less-developed AESRs have been identified for greater prudency in planning. The study concludes that for achieving the target of DFI within the stipulated time-frame, it is imperative to mainstream AESR-based planning in technological development and dissemination. The evidences revealed large and equitable response of the efforts targeted towards less-developed regions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chand, R., Doubling Farmer’s Income: Rationale, Strategy, Prospects and Action Plan. NITI Policy Paper 01/2017, New Delhi, NITI Aayog, Government of India, 2017. MoA & FW, Status of Farmers’ Income: Strategies for accelerated Growth. Report of the Committee on Doubling Farmers Income Growth. Report of the Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (Volume II), Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, 2017.
Literature cited 2: Krishnan, A. And Singh,M. Soil climatic zones in relation to cropping patterns, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, 1968, pp.172-185. Murthy, R. S. and Pandey, S., Delineations of agro-ecological regions of India. In Paper presented in Commission V, 11th Congress of Inter-departmental Science Students’ Society, Edmonton, Canada, 19-27 June 1978.

ID: 63358
Title: Bleaching stress on Indian coral reef regions during mass coral bleaching years using NOAAOISST data
Author: Mohit arora, Nandini Ray Chaudhury, Ashwin Gujrati and Ramesh Chandra Patel
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 (2) 242-250 (2019)
Subject: Bleaching stress on Indian coral reef regions during mass coral bleaching years using NOAAOISST data
Keywords: Bleaching threshold, degree heating week, mass coral bleaching, sea surface temperature
Abstract: Coral reefs are one of the most ancient, highly productive marine bio-diverse ecosystems on earth. They are threatened to collapse under rapid climate change. ENSO is an extreme climate change event which elevates sea-surface temperature (SST) of tropical oceans. This elevated SST increases the level of thermal stress on coral reefs. Also, coral reefs are the most sensitive among all ecosystems due to temperature change; they exhibit bleaching when SST exceeds normal summer maxima and remains high for more than 28 days. Bleaching threshold, positive SST anomaly and degree heating week (DHW) are commonly used indices for calculating thermal stress on coral reefs. The major coral reef regions in India are Andaman, Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar and Gulf of Kachchh.SST from NOAA OISST v2 high-resolution daily dataset at 0.25° global grids from 1982 to the present was used for the present study. Here, we focus on the variations in SST experienced by Indian coral reef regions during known mass coral bleaching (MCB) years, viz.1998, 2010 and 2016.The year 2010 recorded the highest thermal stress for Andaman, Nicobar and Gulf of Kachchh regions, and the year 2016 was severe for Lakshadweep and Gulf of Mannar regions. In 2010 Nicobar was observed to be the most vulnerable according to DHW index.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Wilkinson, C.C., Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2004, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia, 2004. Cesar, H., Burke, L. and Pet-Soede, L., The economics of world-wide coral reef degradation. Cesar Environment Economic Consulting, The Netherlands, 2013.
Literature cited 2: Crabbe, M.J., Climate change, global warming and coral reefs: modelling the effects of temperature.Comput.Biol.Chem., 2008, 32, 311-314. Mumby, P.J., Hastings, A.and Edwards, H.J., Thresholds and the resilience of caribbean coral reefs. Nature, 2007, 450, 98.

ID: 63357
Title: Slump test: laboratory and numerical simulation –based approach for consistency of mill tailings paste
Author: S.K.Behera, Prashant, C.N.Ghosh, D.P.Mishra, P.K.Mandal, Aniket Verma, Sumeet Mohanty, Kanhaiya Mishra and P.K. Singh
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 (2) 235-241 (2019)
Subject: Slump test: laboratory and numerical simulation –based approach for consistency of mill tailings paste
Keywords: Computational fluid dynamics modelling g, mill tailings, paste fill, slump test
Abstract: Solid –to-water proportion decides the effectiveness of paste backfill in terms of transportation characteristics during mine backfilling. This article highlights various laboratory tests conducted to determine the optimum solid-to-water ratio. Also, numerical simulation was carried out using computational fluid dynamics technique (ANSYS FLUENT) to understand the slump lifting process and variation in volume of the paste with time. The optimum slump and spread for lead-zinc mill tailings paste were in the range 190-200 mm and 330-340 mm respectively. The optimum water content in the paste fill for this study was found to be 23 wt % .Results shows that the solid percentage is inversely related with slump and spread. Also, an optimum slump lifting speed needs to be maintained for accurate values of slump and spread.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: http://ibm.nic.in/writereddata/fioles/08092017094123Leadzinc2015 (Final).pdf (accessed on 21 December 2017). Edraki, M., Baumgartl, T., Manlapig, E., Bradshaw, D., Franks, D. M. Moran, C.J., Designing mine tailings for better environmental, social and economic outcomes: a review of alternatives approaches.J.Clean.Prod., 2014, 84 (1), 411-420; doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.04.07
Literature cited 2: Belem, T. And Benzaazoua, M., Design and application of underground mine paste backfill technology .Geotech.Geol.Eng. 2008, 26 (2), 147-174. Deb, D., Sreenivas, T., Dey, G.K. and Panchal, S., Paste backfill technology: essential characteristics and assessment of its application for mill rejects of uranium ores. Trans. Indian Inst. Metals, 2017, 70 (2), 487-495.

ID: 63356
Title: Individual borrowing and default behaviour in surplus and constrained credit environments: evidence from India
Author: Padmavathi Koride, and Anjula Gurtoo
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 (2) 227-234 (2019)
Subject: Individual borrowing and default behaviour in surplus and constrained credit environments: evidence from India
Keywords: Behaviour, borrower, constraint, credit terms, surplus
Abstract: The present article studies borrowing behaviour between credit surplus and credit constrained environments in the context of microfinance, with respect to rural borrowing. Surplus and constrained environments get defined based on the number of the state-promoted self help groups (SHGs) in the district, and the volume of credit disbursed through these SHGs. Four hundred nineteen respondents comprising of farmers, off-farm workers, farm labourers, small businesspersons, SHG members and chit-fund or cooperative members were interviewed in the surplus district of Chittoor and the constrained district of Nalgonda in the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh. Statistical analyses comprising of OLS, binary logistic regression, ANOVA, t-test and chi-square tests show that surplus environments offer more adverse credit terms especially for farmers and farm labourers. Further, surplus causes over-borrowing and defaults. Constraint propels planned repayments. Both the environments offer varying credit terms across trades. We also observe better lending terms when farmers and traders are among lenders in a constraint environment. Interlinking factor markets like land, labour and capital in a constrained environment leads to efficient outcomes, reinforcing the theory of New Institutional Economics.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Datta, U., Socio-economic impacts of Jeevika: a large-scale self-help project in Bihar, India. World Develop., 2015, 68, 1-18. Banerjee, A.V., Brezaa, E., Duglo, E., and Kinnan, C., Do credit constraints limit entrepreneurship? Heterogeneity in the returns to microfinance, 2017.
Literature cited 2: Foltz, J.D., Credit market access and profitability in Tunisian agriculture. Agric. Econ., 2004, 30 (3), 229-240. Augsburg, B., De Haas, R., Harmgart, H. and Meghir, C., The impacts of microcredit: evidence from Bosnia and Herzegovina.Am.Econ.J:Appl.Econ. 2015, 7 (1), 183-203.

ID: 63355
Title: Doubling farmers’ income through Populus deltoids-based agroforestry systems in northwestern India: an economic analysis
Author: S.B. Chavan and R.S. Dhillon
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 (2) 219-226 (2019)
Subject: Doubling farmers’ income through Populus deltoids-based agroforestry systems in northwestern India: an economic analysis
Keywords: Agroforestry, economics, intercropping, land equivalent ratio, poplar
Abstract: There is widespread use of poplar in pulp and paper , match splints, pencil and plywood industries, in northern India. The practice of closer spacing geometry with compact block in poplar cultivation does not permit intercropping from the third year onwards, which discourages small landholders. In 2008, poplar was planted at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India in three spacing geometries of 5x4m, 10x2 m, and 18x2x2m (paired row) at a constant density of 500 trees ha-1.In the present study, two cropping rotations (sorghum-the present study, two cropping rotations (sorghum-berseem and cowpea-wheat) were intercropped in all three spacing geometries of poplar (up to eight years of rotation), and compared with sole cropping as a control. The results showed that yield of annual crops reduced considerably over the years due to enhancing competition for light, moisture and nutrients. The overall yields of annual crops in various spacing geometries of poplar were reduced by 5.67 % in the second year to 45.59 % in eight years of plantation. The study resulted in 10 x 2 m spacing of poplar with sorghum-berseem crop rotation exhibiting the highest net returns (Rs 1, 191, 241ha-1), NPV @ 12 % discounting (Rs 409, 673 ha-1) , B:C ratio (1:2.22) , IRR (70%) , highest land equivalent ratio (2.28) and land expectation value (Rs 2, 242, 372 ha-1).In the study, LER and LEV calculated to increase the efficiency and adoptability of agroforestry systems. Therefore, on the basis of economics, the present study concludes that the intercropping of sorghum-berseem and cowpea-wheat in poplar planted at a spacing of 10 x 2 m is more profitable and helpful in doubling farmers’ income over traditional agriculture in northwestern India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Koshal, A.K., Changing current scenario of rice-wheat system in Indo-Gangetic plain region of India. Int. J. Sci. Res. Pul., 2014, 4, 1-13. Panwar, P., Chauhan,S.K., Kaushal,R., Das,D.K., Ajit,Arora,G., and Chaturvedi,O.P.,Carbon sequestration potential of poplar-based agroforestry using the Co2 FIX model in the Indo-Gangetic region of India.Trop.Ecol., 2017, 58, 439-447.
Literature cited 2: Bhatta,R., Kukal ,S.S., Busari,M.A., Arora,S. and Yadav,M., Sustanability issues on rice-wheat cropping system. Int. Soil Water Conserv. Res., 2016,4, 64-74. Chavan, S.B. et al. Trees for life: creating sustainable livelihood in Bundelkhand region of Central India. Curr. Sci., 2016, 11, 994-1002.

ID: 63354
Title: On the recent floods in India
Author: Kamaljit Ray, P.Pandey, C.Pandey, A.P. Dimri and K.Kishore
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 (2) 204-218 (2019)
Subject: On the recent floods in India
Keywords: Advance warning system, disaster management, floods, governance, policy planning
Abstract: Floods in the Indian subcontinent have affected habitat, population, economy, etc. due to the detrimental effects of recent floods on the economy, governance, etc., it is imperative to understand the associated dynamics, manifestations and fallouts for proper policy planning recommendations. The present study endeavours to provide an integrated rationale of meteorological and geomorphological aspects associated with four recent extreme floods in Uttarakhand (2013), Srinagar (2014), Chennai (2015) and Gujarat (2017). It is important to mention here that these floods occurred under different atmospheric circulations and geomorphological setting and had an entirely different gambit for policy planning and governance. Consolidation of these issues will help policy planners and technologists, in case advance warning system based on these findings can be developed.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Berz, G. Eta l., World map of natural hazards- a global view of the distribution and intensity of significant exposures. Nat. Hazards, 2001, 23, 443-465; doi: 101023/A: 1011193724026. Valdiya, K.S., Geology, Environment and Society, University Press, Hyderabad, 2004, p.229.
Literature cited 2: Korup, O. And Clague, J.J., Natural hazards, extreme events, and mountain topography. Quaternary Sci.Rev. 2009, 28 (11), 99-990 Goswami, B.N., Venugopal, V.and Sengupta, D., Increasing trend of extreme rain events over India in a warming environment. Science, 2006, 314, 1442-1445.

ID: 63353
Title: Science educational and recreational benefits of the Bioresources Nature Park at Nilambur, Kerala, India
Author: U.M. Chandrashekara, P.K. Reshma
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 (2) 188-189 (2019)
Subject: Science educational and recreational benefits of the Bioresources Nature Park at Nilambur, Kerala, India
Keywords: Science educational and recreational benefits, Bioresources Nature Park, Nilambur, Kerala, India
Abstract: Throughout the tropics, growing human population, overexploitation and endangerment of biological resources are leading to habitat loss of flora and fauna, and in turn loss of biodiversity. In this context, the need for intensive in situ conservation measures, both at regional and global scale, has been stressed. However, due to various anthropogenic activities, such measures alone may not be always effective and feasible. Hence, apart from in situ conservation, ex situ conservation and mass propagation of plants are important not only to conserve but also to sustainably utilize these resources.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: May, R.M., Nature, 1975, 257, 737-738. Nayar, M.P., In Biodiversity and Tropical Forests: The Kerala Scenario eds Pushpangadan P. and Nair, K.S.S), The State Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, Thiruvanthapuram, 1997, pp.7-80.
Literature cited 2: CBD Secretariat, Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Report, Montreal, Canada, 2002.