ID: 65995
Title: Sustainability science
Author: Vinod Kumar Gaur
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 (5) 511-512 10 Sep (2024)
Subject: Sustainability science
Keywords: None
Abstract: It is now universally recognized that the key to sustainable
living is participative management of local and regional
environments and resources by their communities and
managers. The recognition is rooted in the perception that
local and regional communities do indeed adapt to changing
socio-economic and environmental trends by modifying or
adopting new practices to protect and enhance their livelihood bases and opportunity spaces. Community knowledge
gained from an intuitive understanding of nature’s work
and the resulting phenomena, infused with long experiential learning of their temporal perturbations, served people
well for a long time, in evolving a stable order of life and
work through times of moderate change. This subconsciously assimilated feedback from natural processes into
human lives, in turn, maintained the seamless flow of ecosystem services through the human–nature system, leisurely
adapting to slow evolving emergence of their new forms.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 65994
Title: WhatsApp text messaging follows a daily rhythm in both formal and informal settings
Author: Nishi Soni, Saurabh Jaiswal, Sudhir Kumar, Shalie Malik and Sangeeta Rani
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 (4) 491-493 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: WhatsApp text messaging follows a daily rhythm in both formal and informal settings
Keywords: Behaviour, circadian rhythm, social networking, WhatsApp
Abstract: We examined and compared the 24-hour pattern of
WhatsApp messaging between a formal cohort of n = 59
members of the Indian scientific society and an informal cohort of n = 41 family members. In particular,
we analysed and calculated the intensity and pattern
of messaging activity across 24 hours in relation to the
sunrise and sunset timings, as well as the overall daily
activity period. There was a daily periodicity in the
WhatsApp messaging, with their close coupling to the
time of day in formal compared to that in the informal
cohort. However, the messaging activity pattern appeared to conform to a daily rhythm in both coho
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Astaburuaga, R., Basti, A., Li, Y., Herms, D. and Relógio, A., Circadian regulation of physiology: relevance for space medicine.
REACH, 2019, 2, 14–15.
Alhola, P. and Polo-Kantola, P., Sleep deprivation: impact on cognitive performance. Neuropsychiatr. Dis. Treat., 2
Literature cited 2: Evans, J. A. and Davidson, A. J., Health consequences of circadian
disruption in humans and animal models. Prog. Mol. Biol. Transl.
Sci., 2013, 119, 283–323.
Kio, S. I., What students are saying on Facebook about their
schools? Webology, 2015, 12, 1–12
ID: 65993
Title: Role of climatic conditions on malaria transmission in Chhattisgarh state of India through a modelling study
Author: Shambhavi Krishna and Shailendra Rai
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 (4) 483-490 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Role of climatic conditions on malaria transmission in Chhattisgarh state of India through a modelling study
Keywords: Climate change, entomological inoculation rate, rainfall, temperature, VECTRI.
Abstract: India represents 3% of the global malaria burden.
Chhattisgarh is the second-most endemic region in India
in terms of malaria transmission. The research related
to the effect of weather variables on malaria transmission
through dynamic modelling is at an early stage in India.
We attempted to do it with the help of the VECtor
borne disease community model of International Centre for Theoretical Physics, TRIeste model for the
Chhattisgarh region during 2000–2019. The highest
malaria transmission is found in August and September. We also found that the malaria transmissions are
found to be more endemic in the districts, namely Baster,
Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon,
Raigarh, Jashpur, Balrampur, Bemetara and Baloda Bazar
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Alonso, P. and Tanner, M., Public health challenges and prospects
for malaria control and elimination. Nat. Med., 2013, 19, 150–155;
https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.3077.
Kumar, A. et al., Surveillance based estimation of burden of malaria
in India, 2015–2016. Malar. J., 2020, 19, 156; https://doi.org/10.
1186/s12936-020-03223-7.
Literature cited 2: Akpalu, W. and Codjoe, S., Economic analysis of climate variability
impact on malaria prevalence: the case of Ghana. Sustainability,
2013, 5(10), 4362–4378.
Klinkenberg, E., McCall, P. J., Wilson, M. D., Amerasinghe, F. P.
and Donnelly, M. J., Impact of urban agriculture on malaria vectors
in Accra, Ghana. Malar. J., 2008, J7(1), 15.
ID: 65992
Title: Biological characterization of the predominant strains of fall armyworm in India with regards to biocontrol agents and pheromone
Author: Smita Patil, Nishtha Nayyar, Gandhi Gracy, Jagadeesh Patil, Subaharan Kesavan, Sivakumar Gopalsamy, Kandan Aravindram, Rangeshwaran Rajagopal, Ashwitha Gopal, Vinay Kumar Thirumalahatti Munikrishnappa, M. L. Mahalakshmi, Chaitra Mallasamudra,
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 (4) 475-482 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Biological characterization of the predominant strains of fall armyworm in India with regards to biocontrol agents and pheromone
Keywords: Biocontrol, CO1-CS, CO1-RS, genetic strains, invasive fall armyworm, pheromones
Abstract: The invasion of fall armyworm (FAW) to the Eastern
hemisphere poses a major challenge to the food security
efforts of several nations including India. Invasive
FAW population is primarily composed of two predominant strains differentiated based on the mitochondrial
cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene, known as COI-RS
(hybrid strain) and COI-CS (corn strain). COI-RS, in
particular was found to be different from the ancestral
rice strain in America and displayed characteristics of
typical inter-strain hybrid population. Although the
ancestral populations have been tested for their mating
behaviour and response toward pheromones and biocontrol agents, similar studies have not been performed
on the invasive populations. We report here the interstrain mating behaviour of COI-RS and COI-CS populations from India along with their susceptibilities towards
different biocontrol agents. COI-RS larvae were more
susceptible to SpfrNPV infection compared to COI-CS
larvae. The response towards other biocontrol agents
was similar in the two strains. Electroantennogram response study revealed that the two strains differed in
their response towards FAW pheromone, where COICS males displayed higher mean antennal response towards Z-9-tetradecenyl acetate (87%), Z-11-hexadecenyl
acetate (12.5%) and Z-7-dodecenyl acetate (0.5%) than
COI-RS males. Similar to the ancestral population, we
found unidirectional mating between COI-RS females
and COI-CS males while the reverse cross did not yield
viable offspring. However, further detailed studies are
required to confirm this observation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Montezano, D. G. et al., Host plants of Spodoptera frugiperda
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Americas. Afr. Entomol., 2018, 26,
286–300.
Rwomushana, I., Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) invasive
species Compendium, Wallingford, UK, CABI, DOI, 2019, 10.
Literature cited 2: Goergen, G., Kumar, P. L., Sankung, S. B., Togola, A. and Tamò,
M., First report of outbreaks of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), a new alien invasive
pest in West and Central Africa. PLoS ONE, 2016, 11, e0165632.
Sharanabasappa, S. et al., First report of the fall armyworm,
Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an alien
invasive pest on maize in India. Pest Manage Horticult. Ecosyst.,
2018, 24(1), 23–29
ID: 65991
Title: Climate change hazards along the Indian coastal districts: spatial analysis on a climatic impact-driver framework
Author: Reshma Gills, Shelton Padua , C. Ramachandran , Eldho Varghese , K. R. Ratheesh , Grinson George , Rose P. Bright , E. Vivekanandan , J. Jayasankar and A. Gopalakrishnan
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 (4) 461-474 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Climate change hazards along the Indian coastal districts: spatial analysis on a climatic impact-driver framework
Keywords: Cyclone, flood, heatwave, multi-hazard, sea level rise, shoreline change.
Abstract: Concepts, approaches and frameworks for assessing
the impacts of climate change are evolving quickly.
Due to their particular geographic location, proximity
to oceans, concentration of populated regions, and infrastructure, coastal communities are particularly sensitive to the effects of climate change. The present study
aims to develop a thematic map based on the CID (climatic impact-drivers) framework proposed in the assessment report-6 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) to evaluate the climate change’s physical hazards in the coastal districts of India. The study
points out that West Bengal and Odisha are the two
states with the highest cyclone hazard index values
making them most vulnerable to cyclones. At the same
time, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal respectively fall in the extremely severe category of flood,
heatwave and shoreline change hazards. The maritime
state of Gujarat along with Diu and Daman experiences
maximum severity for the sea level rise hazard. The
multi-hazards index developed in the study by considering 14 threshold-based CID indices showed that the
coastal state of Andhra Pradesh has the highest proneness to the physical hazards due to climate change
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Masson-Delmotte, V. et al. (eds), Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. In Contribution of Working Group I Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2021.
Weiskopf, S. R. et al., Climate change effects on biodiversity, ecosystems, ecosystem services, and natural resource management in
the United States. Sci. Total Environ., 2020, 733, 137782.
Literature cited 2: Santos, R. M. and Bakhshoodeh, R., Climate change/global warming/climate emergency versus general climate research: comparative bibliometric trends of publications. Heliyon, 2021, 7, e08219.
Abbass, K., Qasim, M. Z., Song, H., Murshed, M., Mahmood, H.
and Younis, I., A review of the global climate change impacts, adaptation, and sustainable mitigation measures. Environ. Sci. Pollut.
Res. Int., 2022, 29, 42539–42559.
ID: 65990
Title: Multi-criteria based hydrological zonation for water harvesting site suitability in Nuh watershed of Haryana, India
Author: Smita Jaiswal, Susama Sudhishri, Man Singh, Vinay K. Sehgal, Anil Kumar Mishra, Anchal Dass, Dinesh Sharma, P. Venkatesh, Love Kumar, Prashant Singh, Rashmi Yadav and Sangeeta
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 (4) 452-460 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Multi-criteria based hydrological zonation for water harvesting site suitability in Nuh watershed of Haryana, India
Keywords: Analytic hierarchy process, hydrological zonation, site suitability, watershed, water harvesting
Abstract: The present study aims to develop a protocol for determining the suitability of ponds in Nuh watershed,
Haryana, India, using hydrological zoning, analytic
hierarchy process, weighted overlay approach and
geospatial techniques. Maximum area is in moderate
and low run-off zones, with 50.43% and 32.4% of the
area covering 104 and 129 ponds respectively. Area
under least, moderate, high suitable zones are 33.2%,
51.92% and 11.38% respectively. Also, 137 more ponds
are proposed, with 2, 49 and 86 ponds having very
high, high and moderate suitable zones respectively. If
these 472 ponds are revived, additional areas can be
brought under irrigation in the watershed.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, New
Delhi, Annual Report 2021–22.
Susama, S. and Dass, A., A report on revival of village ponds
through scientific interventions, Water Technology Centre, ICARIARI, New Delhi, 2022, p.
Literature cited 2: Vaidya, O. S. and Kumar, S., Analytic hierarchy process: an overview of applications. Eur. J. Oper. Res., 2006, 169(1), 1–29.
Yahaya, S., Ahmad, N. and Abdalla, R. F., Multicriteria analysis of
flood vulnerable areas in Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin, Nigeria.
Eur. J. Sci. Res., 2010, 42, 71–83
ID: 65989
Title: Constructing an innovative theoretical framework for tea grower’s adoption of carbon sequestration practices using PLS-SEM
Author: K. Shanmuga Surya , C. Cinthia Fernandaz, C. Karthikeyan , P. P. Murugan , K. Boomiraj , S. P. Thamaraiselvi , S. Manivasakan and Bindu Rajashekar
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 (4) 445-451 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Constructing an innovative theoretical framework for tea grower’s adoption of carbon sequestration practices using PLS-SEM
Keywords: Adoption, carbon sequestration practices, climate change, social influence, tea growers.
Abstract: Carbon sequestration in agricultural soils is crucial in
mitigating the adverse effects of global climate change
and enhancing soil fertility. Among various crops, tea
plantations show significant promise in adopting carbon
sequestration practices. Consequently, the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu was purposefully selected for the
study, involving 120 tea growers chosen using the
snowball sampling method. A theoretical framework
was developed to assess the factors influencing tea
grower’s adoption of carbon sequestration practices.
Partial least squares-structural equation modelling
(PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse the gathered data.
The results demonstrated that factors such as ‘knowledge’, ‘attitude’, ‘innovativeness’, ‘perceived benefits’
and ‘perceived need’ had a significant and positive influence on tea grower’s adoption of carbon sequestration
practices. In contrast, ‘social influence’ had no significant effect, underscoring the importance of increasing
awareness, providing financial incentives, establishing
pricing structures and implementing government policies related to soil carbon sequestration.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Amsalu, A. and De Graaff, J., Determinants of adoption and continued use of stone terraces for soil and water conservation in an
Ethiopian highland watershed. Ecol. Econ., 2007, 61(2), 294–302.
Bekele, W. and Drake, L., Soil and water conservation decision behavior of subsistence farmers in the Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia:
a case study of the Hunde-Lafto area. Ecol. Econ., 2003, 46(3),
437–451
Literature cited 2: Lal, R., Soil carbon sequestration impacts on global climate change
and food security. Science, 2004, 304(5677), 1623–1627.
Kalita, R., Kumar Das, A. and Nath, A. J., Assessment of soil organic carbon stock under tea agroforestry system in Barak Valley,
North East India. Int. J. Ecol. Environ. Sci., 2016, 42(2), 175–182
ID: 65988
Title: Field investigations of hydraulic jumps in natural channels with discrepancy corrections for experimental-based formulations
Author: Maisnam Bipinchandra Singh, Ngangbam Romeji and Thiyam Tamphasana Devi
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 (4) 438-444 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Field investigations of hydraulic jumps in natural channels with discrepancy corrections for experimental-based formulations
Keywords: Hydraulic jump, length of jump, natural channels, sequent depth ratio.
Abstract: The phenomenon of hydraulic jumps has been widely
studied in laboratory flumes. However, few studies
have been made to bridge the discrepancy encountered
in the formulation of relations ascribing hydraulic
jumps based on laboratory model studies and that occur
in natural conditions. Most of the predictive formulae
for sequent depth ratio and length of jump proposed in
the literature have not been verified in the field. The
present study attempts to link the field investigation
data of hydraulic jump in a weir with laboratory channel
flume observation for similar flow conditions. The hydraulic jump parameters were collected in the field using
feasible technologies in the study weir. The weir selected
for this study has geometric, kinematic and Froude
similarities with the laboratory model. The comparison
of laboratory model data and field measurements
showed inconsistency. It is observed that the sequent
depth ratio and length of the jump are inaccurately
predicted by the laboratory relation compared to the
field observations by the laboratory relation. A field validated-based relationship is suggested for the calculation of sequent depth and length of jump in a smooth
rectangular channel for Froude numbers ranging from
4 to 10.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Braden, G. E., The hydraulic jump in natural streams. In Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Sciences, 1957, 38, 78–79.
Bakhmeteff, B. A., Hydraulics of Open Channels, McGraw-Hill,
New York, 1932.
Literature cited 2: Harleman, D. R. F. Discussion of ‘Turbulence characteristics of the
hydraulic jump’. Trans. ASCE, 1959, 124, 959–962.
Gill, M. A., Effect of boundary roughness on hydraulic jump. Int.
Water Power Dam Constr., 1980, 32(1), 22–24.
ID: 65987
Title: Q-DAI: design and implementation of a QGIS plugin for disaggregation of soil moisture content at 30 m spatial resolution
Author: Neha K. Nawandar† , Shaunak Sen and S. Janardhanan
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 (4) 432-437 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Q-DAI: design and implementation of a QGIS plugin for disaggregation of soil moisture content at 30 m spatial resolution
Keywords: DisPATCh, SMAP/SMOS, soil moisture content, QGIS, Qt creat
Abstract: Soil moisture content (SMC) plays a significant role in
land surface water and energy cycle and is essential in
performing various field-related studies. It is a crucial
parameter provided by passive L-band sensors on soil
moisture active passive/soil moisture ocean salinity satellite missions at a resolution of ~36–40 km. To obtain inference from the SMC data and apply it to different
applications, its study and analysis are required that is
achievable using any geographic information systems
software. Quantum Geographic Information System
(QGIS) is an open-source software with a user-friendly
graphical user interface (GUI) and a repository of application-specific plugins. However, no plugin provides
SMC or downscales the SMC product for a required
location. Q-Daily Arial Image (Q-DAI), the QGIS
plugin proposed here, implements a downscaling algorithm to obtain the low-resolution SMC product from
SMAP/SMOS at fine resolution using inputs from
high-resolution satellite imagery. The plugin is developed
by designing a GUI using Qt Creator and defining its
functionality using Python. Q-DAI is tested on QGIS
3.16.16 on Windows 10, 8 GB RAM PC and QGIS 3.22
on a macOS Ventura laptop. Q-DAI can be used to obtain high-resolution SMC for any location, and in this
article, sample results of Q-DAI implemented for Delhi
region data have been shown.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Coleman, M. L. and Niemann, J. D., Controls on topographic
dependence and temporal instability in catchment‐scale soil moisture patterns. Water Resour. Res., 2013, 49(3), 1625–1642.
Ranney, K. J., Niemann, J. D., Lehman, B. M., Green, T. R. and
Jones, A. S., A method to downscale soil moisture to fine resolutions using topographic, vegetation, and soil data. Adv. Water Resour.,
2015, 76, 81–96.
Literature cited 2: Ines, A. V. and Droogers, P., Inverse modelling in estimating soil
hydraulic functions: a genetic algorithm approach. Hydrol. Earth
Syst. Sci., 2002, 6(1), 49–66.
Loew, A., Impact of surface heterogeneity on surface soil moisture
retrievals from passive microwave data at the regional scale: the
upper Danube case. Remote Sensing Environ., 2008, 112(1), 231–
248
ID: 65986
Title: Open access availability patterns of Indian research publications during the last two decades
Author: Vivek Kumar Singh, Prashasti Singh and Anurag Kanaujia
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 (4) 423-431 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Open access availability patterns of Indian research publications during the last two decades
Keywords: Access to knowledge, Indian research, open access, open science, research funding
Abstract: In the current era of knowledge-based economies and
societies, access to knowledge and scientific advances is
a key requirement for the scientific, technological and
economic development of a country. Scientific research
outcomes are often considered by many as a public
good and hence it is often advocated that they should
be openly and freely accessible to the scientific community and the wider society. To fulfil such aspirations, there have been several initiatives towards open
access (OA), both globally and at national levels, including many important declarations and policies. India
has also taken several initiatives over the last two decades
to promote OA to scientific research outcomes, including putting in place mandates that require that all public
funded research should be openly accessible. This article
presents a quantitative analysis to understand how
much of Indian research output from 2001 to 2020 is
openly accessible, which in turn presents a reflection
on the effectiveness of the various OA initiatives. The
major OA routes adopted by Indian researchers and
the subject-specific OA availability patterns are identified. Finally, the OA availability levels for funded and
non-funded Indian research publications are determined.
The results indicate growth in OA availability of Indian
research papers, with green and gold OA routes being
the preferred ones. A higher OA availability is observed
in case of funded research publications. The article
concludes with a brief discussion on the major patterns
observed and their policy implications
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: UNESCO, Open Science, 2021; https://www.unesco.org/en/openscience (accessed on 12 February 2024).
2. https://arxiv.org/ (accessed on 28 August 2023).
Literature cited 2: Strategies for preservation of and open access to scientific data in
China, National Research Council, Washington DC; https://nap.
nationalacademies.org/read/11710/chapter/1#ii (accessed on 29 August
2023).
www.budapestopenaccessinitiative.org (accessed on 27 August 2023).
ID: 65985
Title: Post centennial of micelles: an overview
Author: Animesh Kumar Rakshit , Bappaditya Naskar, and Satya Priya Moulik
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 (4) 406-422 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Post centennial of micelles: an overview
Keywords: Computer simulation, micelle, mixed micelles, polymeric micelles, second CMC
Abstract: Micelles of different types and properties are basically
formed by the assembly of surfactants. The conditions
for the formation of micelles, their shapes, sizes and
morphologies are also different, and are discussed for
surfactants, block copolymers and ionic liquids in the
present article. Theories by Debye and others, Markov
chain model, ladder model of micelle growth are employed to understand in detail the thermodynamics of micelles and mixed micelles formation. Apart from these,
other concepts like effect of additives on micelle formation, application of polymeric, multicompartment
micelles in drug delivery, fundamentals of formation of
single and double critical micelle concentration and
computer simulation methods for amphiphile aggregation are reviewed in the present study
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Vincent, B., McBain and the centenary of the micelle. Adv. Colloid Interf. Sci., 2014, 203, 51–54.
McBain, J. W., Colloids and their viscosity. Trans. Faraday Soc.,
1913, 9, 99–101
Literature cited 2: McBain, J. W. and Martin, H. E., XCII – studies of the constitution of soap solutions: the alkalinity and degree of hydrolysis of
soap solutions. J. Chem. Soc. Trans., 1914, 105, 957–977.
McBain, J. W. and Salmon, C. S., Colloidal electrolytes, soap solutions and the
ID: 65984
Title: Assessing the agricultural innovation landscape of public agricultural research organizations in India through patents
Author: Ankita Kandpal, T. M. Kiran Kumara and Shruti 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 (4) 399-405 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Assessing the agricultural innovation landscape of public agricultural research organizations in India through patents
Keywords: Agricultural innovation, national agricultural research system, patent landscape, technological focus, valuation
Abstract: This study extensively explores the agricultural innovation landscape of Indian public agricultural
research organizations, emphasizing technological focus from the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) institutions and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). The findings reveal diverse
concentrations of patents in agricultural engineering, chemical processes and formulations, biotechnology and food categories. The prominent themes that emerged from the patent landscape include livestock health management, animal feed, chemical formulations, agricultural machinery and
aquaculture practices. However, the temporal shifts indicate an increased focus from biotechnology
to food, chemical and engineering during the last three decades. Patent statistics indicate variations
in technology scope, claims, inventor size and renewal term. SAUs had comparatively broader technology scope, shorter grant lag and a higher number of claims than the ICAR patents. On the other
hand, inventor size and renewal term were significantly higher in the ICAR patents. Survival functions demonstrate more longevity for the ICAR patents, with evolving dynamics in patent value over
different periods.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Suman Archana and Pandey Divya, Patent trends in ICAR institutes – a review. J. Intell. Property Rights, 2014, 19, 260–265.
Mittal Rekha and Singh, G., Patenting activities in agriculture from
India. J. Intell. Property Rights, 2005, 10, 315–320
Literature cited 2: Kandpal Ankita, Bhooshan Neeru and Pal, S., Recent trend in patenting
activity in India and its implications for agriculture. Agric. Econ.
Res. Rev., 2015, 28(1), 139–146.
Bessen, J., The value of US patents by owner and patent characteristics. Res. Policy
ID: 65983
Title: Biofertilizers: helping sustainable food production
Author: S. Garcha
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 (4) 395-398 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Biofertilizers: helping sustainable food production
Keywords: None
Abstract: Biofertilizers are products containing microorganisms which aid in crop nutrient acquisition, enhance soil
health and crop yield. They are an important tool in practice of sustainable agriculture. Constraints impeding
the adoption of biofertilizer technology can be dealt with by all stakeholders – scientists, farmers and policy
makers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: www.statista.com (accessed on 10 May
2024).
www.fao.org (accessed on 1 May 2024)
Literature cited 2: Hartmann, M. and Six, J., Nat. Rev. Earth
Environ., 2023, 4, 4–18.
Fu, N., Chen, L., Huang, H., Qu, P. and
Wei, Z., Environ. Pollut. Bioavail., 2021,
33, 164–173.
ID: 65982
Title: Key drivers for achieving India’s 100 GW nuclear power ambition
Author: D. K. Aswal and Anirudh Chandra
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 (4) 393-395 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Key drivers for achieving India’s 100 GW nuclear power ambition
Keywords: None
Abstract: India is projected to become the fourth
largest economy by 2050 and the second
largest by 2075 (ref. 1), driven by a young
workforce, increased consumer activity
and innovation. To meet the likely surge in
energy and electricity demand sustainably,
the country is focusing on renewable energy
and nuclear power. The intermittency of
renewables poses challenges to fulfil baseload electricity demands, making nuclear
energy the better alternative. With its high
load factors, long lifespan and low carbon
footprint, nuclear power provides a reliable
and clean baseload solution. Early recognition of these attributes led India to establish its civilian nuclear energy programme,
the ‘three-stage programme’, now in its 75th
year. Despite facing historic challenges like
cost overruns, lack of indigenous uranium,
trade bans, technological hurdles and local
opposition, at present nuclear power contributes 1.6% to the installed power capacity
and 2.8% to electricity generation in India
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Goldman Sachs, How India could rise to
the world’s second-biggest economy, 6
July 2023 (online); https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/how-indiacould-rise-to-the-worlds-second-biggesteconomy.html (accessed on 15 May 2024).
Press Trust of India, India aims to produce
100 GW nuclear power by 2047: AEC
Chairman Mohanty, Business Standard, 3
April 2024 (online); https://www.businessstandard.com/industry/news/india-aims-toproduce-100-gw-nuclear-power-by-2047-
aec-chairman-mohanty-124040301076_1.
html (accessed on 10 April 2024).
Literature cited 2: Garg, A., Patange, O., Vishwanathan, S S.,
Nag, T., Singh, U. and Avashia, V., Report
prepared for the Office of the Principle
Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India GoI), and Nuclear Power
Corporation of India Limited, PSA, GoI,
New Delhi, 2024.
Calabrese, E. J., Environ. Pollut., 2018,
241, 289–302.
ID: 65981
Title: Gut microbiota in human metabolic health and diseases: current perspective and impending aspects
Author: Neha Vaidh, Suman Ray, Tapas Chakma and Suyesh Shrivastava
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 (4) 391-392 25 Aug (2024)
Subject: Gut microbiota in human metabolic health and diseases: current perspective and impending aspects
Keywords: None
Abstract: The urban lifestyle results in various metabolic abnormalities, including metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty
liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome. A complex ecosystem of bacteria living in the gastrointestinal
tract – the gut microbiota, is essential for many physiological processes, such as immune system modulation
and nutrition metabolism. Changes in the richness and composition of the gut microbiota have been linked in
recent research to the onset and course of metabolic syndrome, a group of illnesses that includes hypertension,
insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia. It is possible to design targeted therapies, such as probiotics or dietary regimens to alter the microbiome and perhaps reduce the risk or severity of metabolic syndrome by understanding the complex pathways by which gut microbiota influence the condition.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Festi, D., Schiumerini, R., Eusebi, L. H.,
Marasco, G., Taddia, M. and Colecchia,
A., World J. Gastroenterol., 2014, 20(43),
16079–16094.
Su, Q. and Liu, Q., Front. Nutr., 2021, 8,
644138
Literature cited 2: André, P., Laugerette, F. and Féart, C., Nutrients, 2019, 11(8), 1887.
Dekaboruah, E., Suryavanshi, M. V.,
Chettri, D. and Verma, A. K., Arch. Microbiol., 2020, 202(8), 214