Enter records

ID: 66034
Title: Revolutionizing soybean disease detection using the internet of things with deep convolution networks
Author: Devendra Singh Bais, Vibha Tiwari , Savita Kolhe and B. K. Mishra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (7) 827-833 10 Oct (2024)
Subject: Revolutionizing soybean disease detection using the internet of things with deep convolution networks
Keywords: Convolution networks, image augmentation, machine learning, soybean plant disease, sustainable crop management.
Abstract: Soybean diseases pose a significant obstacle to the increase in worldwide demand for soybean, leading to significant reductions in production. This study introduces an innovative approach that utilizes convolution neural network (CNN) and the internet of things (IoT) to efficiently identify and categorize various types of soybean leaf infections. A deep CNN model has been developed using the AlexNet architecture to effectively classify soybean plant diseases. A collection of 11,493 leaf images of 14 soybean diseases, including healthy plants was acquired from the ground using IoT devices and camera modules. Achieving 99.39% and 97.01% accuracy and F1-score respectively, helps not only in early disease detection, but also brings about a transformative approach to sustainable soybean crop management. This initiative lays the foundation for a strengthened agricultural future, enabling increased crop production and improved economic well-being in the cultivation of soybean, all facilitated by the integration of innovative technologies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Welfare, F., Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Annual Report 2022–23, Ministry Agric. Farmers Welfare, Govt of India, 2022; https://agricoop.gov.in/Documents/annual_report_english_2022_ 23.pdf Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. ‘soybean’. Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 May 2023; https://www.britannica.com/plant/soybean
Literature cited 2: Pagano, M. C. and Miransari, M., The importance of soybean production worldwide. In Abiotic and Biotic Stresses in Soybean Production, Academic Press, San Diego, 2016, pp. 1–26; https://doi. org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801536-0.00001-3 Daniels, A. and Company, M., Evaluation of the PPPIAD Project on soybean. FICCI, 2016; https://ficci.in/api/study_details/20539

ID: 66033
Title: Climate-resilient banking: a comprehensive framework for optimizing industrial sector loan portfolios
Author: Neha Chhabra Roy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (7) 818-826 10 Oct (2024)
Subject: Climate-resilient banking: a comprehensive framework for optimizing industrial sector loan portfolios
Keywords: Banking and industrial sectors, climate resilient response systems, climate risks, loan portfolio planning.
Abstract: This study underscores the critical significance of climate-related risks within the banking and industrial sectors, emphasizing the need for a climate-resilient response system and strategic loan portfolio planning. It introduces an efficient methodology for identifying key climate-linked risks (CLRs) across the impacted sectors, capturing their diverse impacts, quantifying them and subsequently designing optimal loan portfolios. A comprehensive review of the literature and primary responses from CLR experts, coupled with secondary data sources, forms the basis of our analysis. Initially, CLR impacts were categorized into push and pull indicators based on empirical weighted averages. Subsequently, fuzzy logic theory was employed to quantify CLRs in the form of composite index across industries. Finally, the study proposes portfolio planning for banks using the mean variance portfolio. The proposed control approach assesses sectoral severity, prioritizes sectors, identifies root causes and recommends cost-effective strategies, thus enhancing the overall resilience of the banking ecosystem.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gerlak, A. K., Weston, J., Mcmahan, B., Murray, R. L. and MillsNovoa, M., Climate risk management and the electricity sector. Climate Risk Manage., 2018, 19, 12–22. Moňoková, A., Vilčeková, S., Mečiarová, Ľ. and Krídlová Burdová, E., Environmental sustainability assessment of family house alternatives and application of green technologies. IOP Conf. Series: Earth Environ. Sci., 2017, 92, 12044
Literature cited 2: Santos, A. Q., da Silva, A. R., Ledesma, J. J., de Almeida, A. B., Cavallari, M. R. and Junior, O. H., Electricity market in Brazil: a critical review on the ongoing reform. Energies, 2021, 14(10), 2873. Batten, S., Sowerbutts, R. and Tanaka, M., Let’s talk about the weather: the impact of climate change on Central Banks. Bank of England Working Paper number 603, 2017, p. 12.

ID: 66032
Title: Local institutions in Ladakh, India: community-based resource management in mountain agropastoralism
Author: Padma Ladon and S. C. Garkoti
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (7) 812-817 10 Oct (2024)
Subject: Local institutions in Ladakh, India: community-based resource management in mountain agropastoralism
Keywords: Agropastoralism, indigenous communities, local institutions, mountainous region, natural resource management, traditional knowledge.
Abstract: This study analyses the status and challenges faced by traditional institutions in natural resource management in the Trans-Himalayan region of Leh-Ladakh, India. Employing mixed methods, including informal interviews, field observations and focus group discussions, it examines the roles of local institutions like goba, lorapa and lurhupa in preserving the traditional agricultural system. Rapid urbanization due to market forces, acculturation, livelihood changes and policies is minimizing reliance on traditional practices. Increasing population further undermines the relevance of these institutions. Participation decline and shifts from consensus-based to rotational selection methods are observed. Altered dietary habits, crop–livestock changes and improved socio-economics impact the structure, role and future of these systems in resource management. Ensuring their continuation is crucial for sustainable resource governance, particularly in fragile ecosystems like Ladakh
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gadgil, M., Diversity: cultural and biological. Trends Ecol. Evol., 1987, 2, 369. Crawford, S. E. S. and Ostrom, E., A grammar of institutions. Am. Polit. Sci. Rev., 1995, 89(3), 582–600.
Literature cited 2: Berkes, F. and Folke, C., Linking social and ecological systems for resilience and sustainability. In Linking Social and Ecological Systems: Management Practices and Social Mechanisms for Building Resilience (eds Berkes, F., Folke, C. and Colding, J.), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 1998, pp. 1–25. IPCC, Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2014.

ID: 66031
Title: Experimental studies of currents flowing through the supports of an overhead power line
Author: Ivanov Valeriy, Daich Leonid, Voitkevich Sofia and Lissitsyn Dmitriy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (7) 808-811 10 Oct (2024)
Subject: Experimental studies of currents flowing through the supports of an overhead power line
Keywords: Chemical corrosion, leakage currents, overhead power lines, spreading currents, support elements.
Abstract: Structural elements of high-voltage overhead power lines located underground are subject to chemical corrosion. In addition, they are affected by stray currents flowing in the ground caused by current-carrying elements of the overhead power lines (OPL). In the present study, a mathematical model has been developed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate leakage currents and spreading currents along the structural elements of OPL supports. The results are presented here.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ibrahim, I., Meyer, M., Takenouti, H. and Tribollet, B., AC induced corrosion of underground steel pipelines. Faradaic rectification under cathodic protection: II. Theoretical approach with electrolyte resistance and double layer capacitance for Bi-tafelian corrosion mechanism. J. Braz. Chem. Soc., 2017, 28(8), 1483–1493. Zakharov, D. B., Yabluchanskiy, P. A. and Titov, A. V., Assessment of AC corrosive effect on the underground pipeline when crossing power-lines. Territoriia Neftegaz, 2013, 12, 68–74
Literature cited 2: Lower, S., Electrochemical corrosion; https://chem.libretexts.org/ Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Chem1_(Lower)/16%3A_Electrochemistry/16.08%3A_Electrochemical_Corrosion (accessed on 23 March 2023). Jackson, J. E., Lasseigne, A. N., Olson, D. L. and Mishra, B., ACinduced bias potential effect on corrosion of steels. Generation 2 Materials Technology LLC, Defense Technical Information Center, Foxfire, USA, 5 February 2009; https://archive.org/details/DTIC_ ADA509930/mode/2up (accessed on 23 March 2023)

ID: 66030
Title: Wastewater management policies: a perspective and roadmap for India
Author: Rajneesh Kumar , Avinash Mishra and Manish Kumar Goyal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (7) 795-807 10 Oct (2024)
Subject: Wastewater management policies: a perspective and roadmap for India
Keywords: Climate change, internet of things, stakeholders, water management, water policy
Abstract: Wastewater management policies of India need updates due to inadequate infrastructure and the environmental impacts that the country is currently facing. The study analyses the wastewater situation in India, revealing infrastructure deficiencies and environmental impacts, and is backed by successful international case studies for valuable insights. The proposed roadmap for policy evolution in India involves key components such as regulatory enhancement, sustainable practices, monitoring and enforcement strengthening, government involvement, industry and community collaboration/participation and public awareness. Advanced monitoring, data analytics with data integration and decision support systems are emphasized. Challenges in policy implementation are discussed, followed by expected outcomes. This provides a comprehensive framework for revitalizing wastewater management policies of India, ensuring a sustainable future.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Liu, J., Gu, W., Liu, Y., Li, W. and Shao, D., Influence of anthropogenic nitrogen inputs and legacy nitrogen change on riverine nitrogen export in areas with high agricultural activity. J. Environ. Manage., 2023, 338, 117833. Kumar, R., Saini, G. K. and Jawed, M., Advancements in heavy metal remediation through biological wastewater treatment technology. In New Trends in Removal of Heavy Metals from Industrial Wastewater, Elsevier, the Netherlands, 2021, pp. 675–704.
Literature cited 2: Kumar, R., Mishra, A. and Goyal, M. K., Water neutrality: concept, challenges, policies, and recommendations. Groundw. Sustain. Dev., 2024, 26, 101306. Kumar, R., Goyal, M. K., Surampalli, R. Y. and Zhang, T. C., River pollution in India: exploring regulatory and remedial paths. Clean Technol. Environ. Policy, 2024, 26, 2777–2799; https://doi.org/10. 1007/s10098-024-02763-9.

ID: 66029
Title: Revision and adoption of international health regulations – a novel step towards building a healthy community of human beings
Author: Long Chen
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (7) 786-786 10 Oct (2024)
Subject: Revision and adoption of international health regulations – a novel step towards building a healthy community of human beings
Keywords: None
Abstract: Since the 19th century, rapid development of the world economy has promoted trade between countries, but has also caused the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera and smallpox worldwide. The original quarantine laws and regulations can no longer meet the needs of epidemic prevention and control. In order to prevent the spread of epidemics, many countries in the world have taken quarantine measures and formulated quarantine regulations, which have gradually developed from regional coordination to international cooperation. On 23 July 1851, the first international health conference was held in Paris, France, in which the quarantine principle of ‘maximum protection and minimum restriction’ was put forward. Thus, the prelude of international health cooperation was opened. In 1892, the Seventh International Sanitary Conference signed the first International Sanitary Convention, which provided institutional guarantee for international health cooperation. However, international health cooperation in this period was limited to cholera isolation and related health policies
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 66028
Title: Nano-agriculture: cultivating a sustainable future with nanoparticles
Author: Pankaj, Sarita Devi, Gayatri Kumari and Monika
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (7) 785-785 10 Oct (2024)
Subject: Nano-agriculture: cultivating a sustainable future with nanoparticles
Keywords: None
Abstract: In the pursuit of effective techniques, scientists and researchers are increasingly turning to advanced methods to tackle the challenges that global food production is facing. One groundbreaking innovation revolutionizing the sector is the utilization of nanoparticles. These tiny particles, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometres in size, show promise in enhancing crop productivity, minimizing harm and contributing to food security1 . Here we explore the role of nanoparticles in agriculture and their potential to shape its future. Nanoparticles possess properties that make them highly suitable for agricultural use. Their small size facilitates improved absorption and nutrient transportation, increasing crop yields. Additionally, nanoparticles can proficiently carry doses of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, plummeting the quantity of chemicals needed, therefore curtailing their environmental impact.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Shang, Y., Hasan, M. K., Ahammed, G. J., Li, M., Yin, H. and Zhou, J., Molecules, 2019, 24(14), 2558. Zhou, P. et al., Nanomaterials, 2020, 11(1), 26.
Literature cited 2: Seleiman, M. F., Almutairi, K. F., Alotaibi, M., Shami, A., Alhammad, B. A. and Battaglia, M. L., Plants, 2020, 10(1), 2. Chaud, M., Souto, E. B., Zielinska, A., Severino, P., Batain, F., Oliveira-Junior, J. and Alves, T., Toxics, 2021, 9(6), 131.

ID: 66027
Title: A study on the genetic diversity of tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona)
Author: Suhasini karthikeyan Walter devaa U. Ramesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (7) 777-777 10 Oct (2024)
Subject: A study on the genetic diversity of tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona)
Keywords: None
Abstract: The tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) is one of the popular ornamental fish that is native to the freshwaters of Indonesia1 . The species was first described by Dutch ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker in 1855. In the past and present century, this fish has made its way to become quite popular in the global aquarium trade. They inhabit a variety of fresh waters (rivers, streams, lakes, etc.) with moderate flow of water and are clear and turbid with shallow depths with a pH range of 6–7.5 and temperatures between 23°C and 26°C. The tiger barb grows up to a maximum length of 7–10 cm and is generally omnivorous, where they consume phytoplankton, aquatic insects and other aquatic invertebrates and often swim in schools. The female fish is larger than the male; they have a life span of seven years, and the female lays more than 500 eggs.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kottelat, M., Raffles Bull. Zool., 2013, 27, 147, 483. Do Tiger barbs really nip fins?, Practical Fishkeeping, 2016; https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/do-tiger-barbs really-nip-fins/
Literature cited 2: Alderton, D., Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, Dorling Kindersley Limited, UK, 2019, p. 83.

ID: 66026
Title: De-notified and notified protected area: Kappathagudda Wildlife Sanctuary and its importance for the conservation of mammals in the Deccan Plateau of Karnataka, India
Author: Santanu Mahato, Honnavalli N. Kumara and S. Babu
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 746-755 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: De-notified and notified protected area: Kappathagudda Wildlife Sanctuary and its importance for the conservation of mammals in the Deccan Plateau of Karnataka, India
Keywords: Human disturbance, mammals, spatial overlap, temporal segregation, wildlife sanctuary.
Abstract: The Deccan Plateau of peninsular India is a semi-arid region that falls between the Eastern and Western Ghats. The region, though unique and rich in biodiversity, has been ignored in terms of conservation and research. Many of the grasslands and scrub forests of these plains have been overexploited by mining or wind energy farms, assuming that they are just ‘barren lands’. Many areas have undergone several denotifications and renotifications as Protected Areas. The Kappathagudda Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Karnataka is one such area that has been overlooked by the management for a long time due to a lack of information on its biodiversity and awareness regarding its importance. We studied the presence and activity patterns of mammals using 20 camera traps for 1035 trap nights and recorded 18 species of large mammals, including three antelopes: four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), chinkara (Gazella bennettii), and blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), along with the major carnivores of the plains: gray wolf (Canis lupus), striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), leopard (Panthera pardus), and golden jackal (Canis aureus). The presence of mammals was less in the areas where human activity was high. Mammals showed high adjustment by shifting their regular activity patterns to avoid humans. Records of the gray wolf and striped hyaena added conservation values to the WLS. However, the Sanctuary has experienced rapid and unsustainable habitat alteration that requires a suitable scientific management strategy.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bardgett, R. D. et al., Combatting global grassland degradation. Nature Rev. Earth Environ., 2021, 2, 720–735. McGahey, D., Jonathan, D., Nora H. and Robert M. O., Pastoralism and the Green Economy: A Natural Nexus? IUCN and UNEP, Nairobi, 2014, p
Literature cited 2: Bengtsson, J. et al., Grasslands – more important for ecosystem services than you might think. Ecosphere, 2019, 10, e02582. Madhusudan, M. D. and Vanak, A. T., Mapping the distribution and extent of India’s semi‐arid open natural ecosystems. J. Biogeogr., 2023, 50, 1377–1387.

ID: 66025
Title: Cryptofauna monitoring structure: an efficient tool for biodiversity monitoring in coral lagoons
Author: R. Raghuraman, Jukenti Nikita, S. Govindan, C. Viswanathan, M. Gopi, J. Joyson Joe Jeevamani, V. Deepak Samuel, R. Purvaja and R. Ramesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 740-746 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Cryptofauna monitoring structure: an efficient tool for biodiversity monitoring in coral lagoons
Keywords: Biodiversity, coral lagoons, cryptofauna, habitats, islands
Abstract: Cryptofauna are an overlooked faunal group due to their hidden nature and the use of conventional survey methods, despite playing a significant role in the ecosystem complex as keystone taxa. In this study, a structural framework, viz. cryptofauna monitoring structure (CMS) was developed to assess cryptofauna living in the lagoon reef environment and their preference to various substrates. The efficiency of CMS modules was tested by deploying them in coral lagoons in Agatti and Kavaratti of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, India. A total of 24 CMS units, sets of four, were deployed in these islands at live coral, dead coral and sandy habitat sites. Retrieval of CMS units revealed a total of 424 individuals of motile and sessile organisms representing 12 different taxonomic groups collected. Among the habitats, the sandy area had a high taxa number while the dead coral area had a high taxa abundance. Polychaetes and gastropods were the dominant faunal groups regardless of habitat and island. The present study suggests that CMS can be an efficient tool to assess cryptofauna diversity, which could make monitoring cryptobionts more affordable and environment-friendly. In addition, this study lays the foundation for research into cryptic reef benthos in India
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Danovaro, R. et al., Implementing and innovating marine monitoring approaches for assessing marine environmental status. Front. Mar. Sci., 2016, 3, 213. Sheppard, C. R. C., Coral cover, zonation, and diversity on reef slopes of Chagos Atolls, and population structure of major species. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser., 1980, 2, 193–205.
Literature cited 2: Huston, M. A., Patterns of species diversity in relation to depth at Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Bull. Mar. Sci., 1985, 37, 928–935. Briggs, J. C., Tropical diversity and conservation. Conserv. Biol., 1996, 10, 713–718

ID: 66024
Title: In vitro evaluation of anti-hyperglycaemic activity of medicinal plants traditionally used in Sikkim, North East India
Author: Abhishek Byahut , Arundhati Bag and Mingma Lhamu Sherpa
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 735-740 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: In vitro evaluation of anti-hyperglycaemic activity of medicinal plants traditionally used in Sikkim, North East India
Keywords: Anti-hyperglycaemic activity, α-amylase, diabetes, glucose uptake, medicinal plants
Abstract: Sikkim in North East India, has a rich ethnomedicinal practice and a large proportion of the local people rely on medicinal plants for the management of diabetes. Anti-hyperglycaemic effect of ten medicinal plants traditionally used by the local population in Sikkim to treat diabetes was evaluated using two in vitro methods – glucose uptake in yeast cells and α-amylase inhibition assay. Most of these medicinal plants demonstrated anti-hyperglycaemic effect, amongst which the leaves of Catharanthus roseus and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis displayed considerably greater activity than the other plant extracts. Both C. roseus and N. arbor-tristis showed greatest increase in glucose uptake at 25 mM glucose concentration (80.20% ± 3.01 and 78.83% ± 2.66 respectively), and maximum α-amylase inhibition of 72.29% ± 0.58 (IC50 = 154.30 µg/ml) and 69.98% ± 1.16 (IC50 = 150.48 µg/ml) respectively at 250 µg/ml concentration of the extracts. The values were comparable to the standard drugs. Ethnomedicinal practices largely rely on observations, experience and regional beliefs. Support from scientific assessment studies will not only encourage traditional practices in the region, but also contribute in the development of alternative drugs of natural origin for diabetes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Khan, M. A. B., Hashim, M. J., King, J. K., Govender, R. D., Mustafa, H. and Al Kaabi, J., Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes – global burden of disease and forecasted trends. J. Epidemiol. Glob. Health, 2020, 10(1), 107–111. International Diabetes Federation, IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th Edition, 2022; https://diabetesatlas.org/idfawp/resource-files/2021/07/IDF_ Atlas_10th_Edition_2021.pdf (accessed on 4 August 2024)
Literature cited 2: van Andel, T. and Carvalheiro, L. G., Why urban citizens in developing countries use traditional medicines: the case of Suriname. Evid. Based Complement. Altern. Med., 2013, 2013, 687197. Banerjee, A., Chakraborty, P. and Bandopadhyay, R., Urgent conservation needs in the Sikkim Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. Biodiversity, 2019, 20(2–3), 88–97

ID: 66023
Title: Mechanical garlic weeder for sustainable agriculture: a greener alternative
Author: Dilip Jat and S. Syed Imran
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 729-734 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Mechanical garlic weeder for sustainable agriculture: a greener alternative
Keywords: Eco-friendly alternative, garlic, mechanical weeder, organic farming, sustainable agriculture
Abstract: Weed management in garlic cultivation is resourceintensive, with chemical herbicides posing environmental risks. To address this problem, a tractor-drawn 19-row garlic weeder has been developed, offering an ecofriendly alternative. Rigorous testing revealed its efficacy through various treatments. Single weeding achieved 57.4% weed control, while double weeding reached 91.1%, and combining double weeding with manual methods peaked at 96.1%. Notably, this matched the 97.5% efficiency of three manual weedings. The weeder’s operating cost was Rs 2019/ha for single weeding, presenting a 49.8% cost-saving compared to three manual weedings. This innovation emerges as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for garlic cultivation in organic farming.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Indiastat, 2022; https://www.indiastat.com/data/agriculture/garlic/ data-year/all-years (accessed on 15 November 2023). Lawande, K. E., Khar, A., Mahajan, V., Srinivas, P. S., Sankar, V. and Singh, R. P., Onion and garlic research in India. J. Hortic. Sci., 2009, 4(2), 91–119.
Literature cited 2: Shahi, V., Shahi, B., Kumar, V. and Singh, K. M., Performance evaluation and impact of small weeding tools for drudgery reduction of farm women. J. Pharmacogn. Phytochem., 2018, SP4, 5–7. Sarkar, B., Kumar, R., Mishra, J. S. and Bhatt, B. P., Comparative performance of different weeding tools in maize. Indian J. Weed Sci., 2016, 48(3), 330–332

ID: 66022
Title: Sustainable solution for drinking water supply in rural India affected by groundwater pollution
Author: Srinivasan Ramaswamiah, S. A. Pandit , Manoj Kumar Jindal , Gowrisankar Ganesan , Kavitha Devi Ramkumar , Karunakara Naregundi , Jean Riotte, K. Sudeep Kumara and Hemant Moger
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 719-728 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Sustainable solution for drinking water supply in rural India affected by groundwater pollution
Keywords: Drinking water, perennial lakes, polluted groundwater, roof-water harvesting, sustainable solutions.
Abstract: The present study explores sustainable solutions for providing safe drinking water in an area currently served only by groundwater. Groundwater development here has reached criticality and is contaminated with fluoride and uranium. As there are only a few small seasonal streams in the area, roof-water harvesting and utilization of tank/lake water are tested as alternative approaches for drinking water supply. The study area is in the Chikkaballapura district of eastern Karnataka, India, where the average annual rainfall is 700 mm. The quantity of roof water that can be harvested from the built structures in the study area can adequately meet the drinking water requirements, although not the entire domestic water needs. A nearly perennial lake located in the upper reaches of the micro-watershed stores 301 million litres of water that needs only routine filtration and chlorination. This study shows that sustainable water management practices such as roofwater harvesting and lake water utilization can replace the contaminated groundwater for drinking purposes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: UNEP, Globally, 3 billion people at health risk due to scarce data on water quality, March 2021; https://www.unep.org/news-and stories/story/globally-3-billion-people-health-risk-due-scarce-datawater-quality World Bank, The World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India – Rural population – actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank in November of 2022; https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.RUR.TOTL
Literature cited 2: Central Ground Water Board, National compilation on dynamic ground water resources of India, 2023; https://cgwb.gov.in/cgwbpnm/public/uploads/documents/17014272111704550895file.pdf Srinivasan, R. et al., Reverse osmosis units in groundwater based public water supply system in rural eastern Karnataka, India: an analysis. Curr. Sci., 2022, 123(12), 1493–1498.

ID: 66021
Title: Onion market dynamics: insights into price trends and integration patterns across major markets in India
Author: Mulla Areef, Yanamadala Radha and Seelam Rajeswari
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 708-718 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Onion market dynamics: insights into price trends and integration patterns across major markets in India
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, impulse response function, price transmission, onion market, seasonal price index, structural breaks
Abstract: The present study investigates the price behaviour, structural breaks, price cointegration and price transmission in major onion markets of India in light of the COVID 19 pandemic. The findings of this study revealed that seasonal price indices were highest in November for southern region markets. A major structural break in the selected markets was noted in August or September 2019, showing that the structural break did not align with the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period as anticipated. Further, the study found 11 cointegration equations at 1% significance level by trace test, indicating long-term cointegration in onion markets despite their geographical segmentation. Some markets exhibited bi-directional or uni-directional influences of prices on other selected markets, with Delhi showing the highest number of bi-directional influences. Additionally, the impulse response function revealed that the Delhi price shock had a positive effect up to seven periods, which later became a follower.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mahajan, K. and Tomar, S., COVID-19 and supply chain disruption: evidence from food markets in India. Am. J. Agric. Econ., 2020, 103(1), 35–52; doi:10.1111/ajae.12158. Ceballos, F., Kannan, S. and Kramer, B., Crop prices, farm incomes, and food security during the COVID-19 pandemic in India: phone-based producer survey evidence from Haryana state. Agric. Econ., 2021, 52, 525–542; doi:10.1111/agec.12633.
Literature cited 2: Ramsey A. F., Goodwin, B. K., Hahn, W. F. and Holt, M. T., Impacts of COVID-19 and price transmission in US meat markets. Agric. Econ., 2021, 52, 441–458; doi:10.1111/agec.12628. Saha, N., Kar, A., Jha, G. K., Kumar, P., Venkatesh, P. and Kumar, R. R., Integration of prices in major markets of onion and potato in India. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 2021, 91(9), 26–31; https://doi.org/10. 56093/ijas.v91i9.116072.

ID: 66020
Title: Contrasting portrayal of psychiatric genomics in Indian print news media
Author: Sabita Yadav, Tanu Shiva and G. Mahesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 127 (6) 701-707 25 Sep (2024)
Subject: Contrasting portrayal of psychiatric genomics in Indian print news media
Keywords: Content analysis, mental health, mixedmethod approach, newspapers, psychiatric genomics
Abstract: Social representations in health have several consequences in influencing attitudes and behaviours, and are important factors in concepts such as health literacy and stigma. We examined how the Indian print news media portray psychiatric genomics using a mixed method approach of content analysis. The sanguine picture of the optimism portrayed might represent an unjustified hyping in the worst cases. There was a gap between optimism showcased in the ‘predicted quality of life’ and the voices heard in the newspapers to corroborate the same. The prevalence of anti-stigmatizing themes hinted towards a progressive approach being disseminated to the readers. There is a visible interest in personalized medicine. The curve of psychiatric genomics leans towards precision medicine in the articles based on the themes analysed and ‘pharmacogenomic testing’ being mentioned. However, whether or not it will be marred by contrasting research studies and artistic depiction in movies is something to look forward to. It is reasonable to assume that a certain amount of skepticism and apprehension would be a possible reaction for those who read contradictory views about the field. This paves the way for future studies to understand public perception on this topic.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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