ID: 65005
Title: Rural electrification using hybrid solar-wind energy systems
Author: S. K. Satheesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (8) 811-812 (2023)
Subject: Rural electrification using hybrid solar-wind energy systems
Keywords: Rural electrification,hybrid solar-wind energy systems
Abstract: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
assessment reports have warned us about the impact of
climate change. This is highlighted by the rise in greenhouse gas concentrations over the past 50 years, which has
led to an observed increase in global mean temperature.
Warming of the atmosphere and oceans, diminishing
amounts of snow and ice, increase in sea level, and increase
in the concentrations of greenhouse gases have been observed. Observed temperature during each of the last three
decades has been successively higher than previous decades.
IPCC reports indicate that surface temperature change by
the end of the 21st century will likely exceed 1.5 to 2°C
relative to pre-industrial times. If the emissions of greenhouse gases continue, it can lead to further increase in
temperature with consequent changes in most of the components of the climate system. Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change has predicted many consequences. Increasingly rapid sea level rise, melting of glaciers, increase in
the number of extreme weather events, adverse impacts on
biodiversity are some examples. Reducing the consequences of climate change demand significant reductions
of greenhouse gas emissions. For India, climate change is
not just a science issue but involves several other factors
such as economics, water-energy-food security, health, insurance, law, international policy and so on.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 65004
Title: Annual Review of Plant Biology 2021.
Author: Sabeeha S. Merchant, Wilhelm Gruissem and Donald R. Reviewed by Sudhir K Sopory
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 790-792 (2023)
Subject: Annual Review of Plant Biology 2021.
Keywords: Annual Review, Plant Biology, 2021.
Abstract: This volume contains 131 well-compiled
reviews contributed by experts mainly
from USA, Europe, Canada and a few from
Japan, Vietnam, etc. The prefatory chapter is by Maarten Koornneef (Max Planck Institute (MPI), Germany and Wageningen
University (WU), The Netherlands).
Broadly, the volume has two chapters
on light perception – one on phytochrome
and the other on UV receptors. Following
different environmental clues, plants produce various signals. There is a chapter on
histidine kinases and two-component signaling. The role of ions as regulated by
ion channels and salicylic acid as a signal
in defence and other responses is covered
in two elaborate reviews. A major portion
of the book is devoted to new work that
has been reported to explain various developmental responses. Accordingly, there is
a chapter each on cell cycle, tuberous and
tuber root development, regulation of leaf
shape and epidermis, and development of
male gametophyte. In addition, there is a
review on pollen–pistil interactions and
embryogenesis
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 65003
Title: Nutraceutical studies of Solanum torvum Swartz.
Author: Acharya Balkrishna, Rama Shankar, Rashmi A. Joshi, Monali Joshi, Uday Bhan Prajapati , Anupam Srivastava and Vedpriya Arya
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 784-788 (2023)
Subject: Nutraceutical studies of Solanum torvum Swartz.
Keywords: Biochemical composition, geographical distribution, nutritional value, Solanum torvum, taxonomic study
Abstract: The present study deals with the taxonomic details, geographical distribution and nutritional aspects of Solanum torvum Swartz. used as a vegetable in the states of
Northeast India as well as in several South Indian
states. It is also widely distributed in Uttarakhand,
though its edible uses have not been reported from this
small state in North India. We conducted a study on the
nutritional potential of S. torvum berries by evaluating
fat, carbohydrates, proteins, energy, total ash and water
content using standard methods. HPLC profiling, as well
as HPTLC were performed using an in-house protocol
developed at Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar,
Uttarakhand. The presence of triterpenoids, glycosides,
alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and tannins indicates the nutritional and medicinal importance of S. torvum. Biochemical compounds like carbohydrates (15.5%
w/w), proteins (0.31%), fats (1.09% w/w), total ash (1.03%
w/w) and water content (82.41%) represent its appreciable nutritional value, especially as a low-fat diet and
also its contribution to fighting against nutrient deficiencies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ilodibia, C. V., Akachukwu, E. E., Chukwuma, M. U., Igboabuchi,
N. A., Adimonyemma, R. N. and Okeke, N. F., Proximate, phytochemical and antimicrobial studies on Solanumm acrocarpon L. J.
Adv. Biol. Biotechnol., 2016, 9(2), 1–7.
Famuwagun, A. A., Taiwo, K. A., Gbadamosi, S. O., Oyedele, D.
J., Aluko, R. E. and Adebooye, O. C., Extraction optimization and
antioxidant properties of African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon)
leaf polyphenols. J. Food Qual., 2017, 1–14; http://doi.org/10.
1155/2017/2159183
Literature cited 2: Namani, S., Paripelli, S., Chinni, S. V., Kasi, M., Subramaniam, S.
and Rathinam, X., In vitro anti-oxidant assay, HPLC profiling of
polyphenolic compounds, AAS and FTIR spectrum of Malaysian
origin Solanum torvum fruit. Indian J. Pharm. Educ. Res., 2016,
50(2), S11–S20.
Eletta, O. A. A., Orimolade, B. O., Oluwaniyi, O. O. and Dosumu,
O. O., Evaluation of proximate and antioxidant activities of Ethiopian eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) and Gboma eggplant (Solanumm acrocarpon L.). J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage., 2017, 21(5),
967–972.
ID: 65002
Title: Genetic analysis of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) based on microsatellite markers
Author: Soumya Bharati Babu , Govindharaj Guru-Pirasanna-Pandi, C. Parameswaran , Jayaraj Padhi , G. Basana-Gowda , M. Annamalai, Naveenkumar Patil , Chanchala Meher , S. Sabarinathan and Prakash Chandra Rath
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 777-783 (2023)
Subject: Genetic analysis of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) based on microsatellite markers
Keywords: Brown planthopper, genetic diversity, microsatellite markers, monsoon, rice
Abstract: Brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) is one of
the most destructive pests of rice in Southeast Asia. It
expresses a differential reaction to resistant rice cultivars and various insecticide groups in different geographic locations. Therefore, genetic diversity among
N. lugens populations must be understood for their effective management. Hence, in the present study, the genetic
structure and diversity of 22 N. lugens populations collected from 22 hotspot regions of India were analysed
using with genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR)
markers. Results revealed that the mean genetic diversity
was 0.399 and polymorphic information content was
0.337 in the 30 selected SSR markers. Further, molecular
variance revealed only a 2% variation among the populations and 98% within a population. In cluster and
population structure analysis, all 22 populations were
sub-grouped into three groups. Interestingly, the North
and West Indian populations showed high genetic similarity and assembled into one cluster in cluster analysis.
The East and South Indian populations were evenly
segregated into the remaining two clusters. Similarly,
the North and West Indian populations shared the
same compartment in principal coordinate analysis.
This variation might be associated with the N. lugens
migration due to wind movement of the southwest
monsoon in two branches, viz. Arabian Sea branch and
Bay of Bengal branch. The present study provides molecular evidence for genetic variation among different
populations of N. lugens in India. The information
could be helpful to devise an efficient management
strategy against this pest in different rice ecosystems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pathak, H., Tripathi, R., Jambhulkar, N. N., Bisen, J. P. and Panda,
B. B., Eco-regional rice farming for enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability, NRRI Research Bulletin No. 22, ICAR National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, 2020, p. 28.
Hunter, M. C., Smith, R. G., Schipanski, M. E., Atwood, L. W. and
Mortensen, D. A., Agriculture in 2050: recalibrating targets for sustainable intensification. BioScience, 2017, 67(4), 386–391; https://
doi.org/10.1093/biosci/bix010
Literature cited 2: Mondal, D. et al., Yield loss assessment of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
due to different biotic stresses under system of rice intensification
(SRI). J. Entomol. Zool. Stud., 2017, 5(4), 1974–1980.
Pandi, G. G. P., Chandar, S., Pal, M. and Soumia, P. S., Impact of
elevated CO2 on Oryza sativa phenology and brown planthopper,
Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) population. Curr.
Sci., 2018, 114(8), 1767–1777.
ID: 65001
Title: Thermal regimes, age and sex modulate feeding attributes of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Author: Uzma Afaq, Gyanendra Kumar and Omkar Omkar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 771-776 (2023)
Subject: Thermal regimes, age and sex modulate feeding attributes of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Keywords: Age, biocontrol, food, sex, temperature, Zygogramma bicolorata.
Abstract: Feeding attributes of phytophagous insects are greatly
influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. Therefore, we
assessed the combined effect of temperature, age and
sex on food consumption and utilization efficiencies of
Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister. This Mexican beetle
is known as one of the most promising candidates for
the biocontrol of Parthenium hysterophorus Linnaeus,
a noxious weed of barren, grazing and farming lands.
Temperature, age and sex influenced food consumption,
its utilization and ecological efficiencies of the beetle.
Temperature between 27°C and 30°C was found optimal for 20-day-old adults of Z. bicolorata to convert and
utilize the food biomass to body mass. Above and below
the optimal temperature and age, the feeding attributes
declined. Young females kept at 27°C consumed more
food and laid more number of eggs compared to other
females at different temperatures. This study reveals
that females are more voracious feeders than the males
regardless of temperature regimes. The present findings
can be helpful to mass-multiply Z. bicolorata in the laboratory for the biocontrol of Parthenium weed in fields
and agricultural farms. The results also suggest that
global climate change may affect the biocontrol potential of the insect, but field investigations are needed to
support the present findings.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Barros-Bellanda, H. C. H. and Zucoloto, F. S., Effects of intraspecific competition and food deprivation on the immature phase of
Ascia monuste orseis (Lepidoptera, Pieridae). Iheringia – Ser. Zool.,
2002, 92, 93–98.
Karsai, I. and Hunt, J. H., Food quantity affects traits of offspring
in a paper wasp, Polistes metricus. Environ. Entomol., 2002, 31,
99–106.
Literature cited 2: Moreau, J., Berney, B. and Thiery, D., Assessing larval food quality
for phytophagous insects: are the facts as simple as they appear?
Funct. Ecol., 2006, 20, 592–600.
Kiggundu, A., Host–plant interactions and resistance mechanism to
banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) in Ugandan Musa
germplasm. M.Sc. thesis, University of the Orange Free State,
Bloemfontain, South Africa, 2000.
ID: 65000
Title: Incubation study of kinetics and mineralization rate of nitrogen in organic sources of Ultisol
Author: Lumbini Kalita, N. J. Singh, Lala I. P. Ray and A. K. Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 765-770 (2023)
Subject: Incubation study of kinetics and mineralization rate of nitrogen in organic sources of Ultisol
Keywords: Incubation study, kinetics, nitrogen mineralization, organic sources, traditional farming practice.
Abstract: Age-old traditional farming practices are generally followed by tribal inhabitants using locally available organic
sources of plant nutrients. The aim of the present study
was to determine the kinetics and rate of mineralization
of different local organic sources of North East region
of India. An incubation study of 100 days was carried
out using locally available organic sources, i.e. farmyard
manure (FYM; T1), poultry manure (T2), pig manure
(T3) and vermicompost (T4) at the rate of 120 kg N/ha
(considering recommended dose of fertilizer of rice as
120 kg N/ha). Bulk soil sample of Typic kandihumultis
at 0–15 cm was collected from the College of Post
Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Umiam,
Meghalaya research farm and treated with organic
sources and kept in an incubator at field capacity soil
moisture and 25°C temperature. Observations were
taken at 10 days interval up to 100 days of incubation
(DOI). A control treatment (T0) of no organic source
was used for comparison. The results showed that the
average nitrogen mineralization rate (Nmin) of T3 was
highest (64.88%), followed by T2 (57.77%), T4 (42.98%)
and T1 (35.24%). The highest Nmin rate of T3 and T2
was noted at 60 DOI as 79.37% and 76.10% respectively.
At 50–60 DOI, total nitrogen, available nitrogen and
nitrogen fractions (ammonical nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen) released were the highest irrespective of the organic
sources. R2 (coefficient of determinate) of first-order
kinetics of all organic sources was found to be: 0.91
(T3) > 0.90 (T2) > 0.89 (T4) > 0.88 (T1), while R2 of second-order kinetics was: 0.66 (T3) > 0.65 (T2) > 0.64 (T1
and T4). It has been concluded that T3 is the best organic
nutrient source among the treatments considered for
this study.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Murugan, A. V. and Swarnam, T. P., Nitrogen release pattern from
organic manures applied to an acid soil. J. Agric. Sci., 2013, 5(6),
174–184; ISSN 1916-9752, E-ISSN 1916-9760.
Grzyb, A., Wolna-Maruwka, A. and Niewiadomska, A., Environmental factors affecting the mineralization of crop residues. Agronomy,
2020, 10(12), 1951.
Literature cited 2: Risch, A. C. et al., Global impacts of fertilization and herbivore
removal on soil net nitrogen mineralization are modulated by local
climate and soil properties. Global Change Biol., 2020, 26(12),
7173–7185.
Braos, L. B., Ruiz, J. G. C. L., Lopes, I. G., Ferreira, M. E. and da
Cruz, M. C. P., Mineralization of nitrogen in soils with application
of acid whey at different pH. J. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr., 2020, 20(3),
1102–1109.
ID: 64999
Title: Data envelopment anaylsis in estimating economic efficiency of farm credit for adopting good agricultural practices in mango cultivation in Tamil Nadu, India
Author: B. Kavitha , M. Uma Gowri and K. Muthulakshmi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 758-764 (2023)
Subject: Data envelopment anaylsis in estimating economic efficiency of farm credit for adopting good agricultural practices in mango cultivation in Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords: Data envelopment analysis, economic efficiency, farm credit, good agricultural practices, mango cultivation
Abstract: Good agricultural practices (GAPs) in mango production
are essential to enable farm produce to be internationally
competitive with sufficient institutional credit. Economic
efficiency of 0.45 and 0.68 respectively for conventional
and GAP farms in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu,
India implies that there is scope to increase mango
output by 55% and 32% respectively, by optimum allocation of resources. The highest return invested by GAP
borrowers might be due to efficient use of resource and
GAPs. The extension workers should develop strategies
to increase income through adoption of GAPs, efficient
use of resources and strengthening the loan delivery
mechanism to enhance mango production.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: GoI, Horticulture sector can play an important role in doubling
farmers’ income. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare,
Government of India, 10 May 2021; https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1717447.
Tiwari, A., Afroz, S. B. and Kumar, V., Market vulnerabilities and
potential of horticulture crops in India: with special reference to top
crops. Indian J. Agric. Mark., 2021. 35(3), 1–20.
Literature cited 2: Kumar, A., Singh, D. and Kumar, P., Performance of rural credit
and factors affecting the choice of credit sources. Indian J. Agric.
Econ., 2010, 62(3), 297–313.
Satyasai, K. J. S. and Tiwari, A., Rural credit: can we make it more
inclusive? In 23rd Annual Conference of SSCA, ICAR National
Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, Telangana, Special Proceedings: ISBN: 978-81-950383-0-5, 2021, pp.
143–160; https://www.nabard.org/auth/writereaddata/tender/2609-
223632can-we-make-rural-credit-inclusive.pdf
ID: 64998
Title: Effective elastic thickness of the continental lithosphere with particular reference to the India–Eurasia collision system
Author: V. H. Arjun, V. M. Tiwari and Sandeep Gupta
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 748-757 (2023)
Subject: Effective elastic thickness of the continental lithosphere with particular reference to the India–Eurasia collision system
Keywords: Continental rheology, effective elastic thickness, flexural modelling, isostasy, lithosphere
Abstract: The effective elastic thickness (EET) of the lithosphere
is a measure of the lithosphere’s ability to flex under
long-term geological and topographic loads. It is often
estimated through analyses of gravity and topographic
data. The EET has a significant role in regulating the
geodynamic evolution of both the continental and oceanic
plates. Estimates of EET derived from geophysical data
are consistent with rheological models in the oceanic
regions. However, there are extensive debates on the
estimates of EET and rheological models over the continental areas; differences are probably due to the complex
structure and history of the continental plates. For instance, according to one model of continental rheology,
popularly known as the ‘Jelly Sandwich’, the mechanical
strength of the lithospheric plate is distributed in the upper crust and the lithospheric mantle. In another model,
dubbed as ‘Crème Brulee’, the lithospheric mantle is
weak, and the mechanical strength of the lithosphere is
limited to the upper portion of the crust. These model
differences have arisen because of inconsistent results
obtained using different datasets, e.g. the distribution of
earthquakes, EET, gravity anomaly and rheology. This
article discusses the evolution of these contrasting models
and the critical necessity to resolve the model differences.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Barrell, J., The strength of the Earth’s crust – Part I. Geologic tests
of the limits of strength. J. Geol., 1914, 22, 28–48.
Le Pichon, X., Francheteau, J. and Bonnin, J., Plate Tectonics, Developments in
Literature cited 2: Watts, A. B., Crustal and lithosphere dynamics: an introduction and
overview. In Treatise on Geophysics, Elsevier, 2015, pp. 1–48.
Pratt, A. and Stokes, G. G., On the deflection of the plumb-line in
India caused by the attraction of the Himalaya mountains and the
elevated regions beyond, and its modification by the compensating
effect of a deficiency of matter below the mountain mass. Proc. R.
Soc. London, 1859, 9, 493–496
ID: 64997
Title: US News Global Ranking of Subjects 2022–23
Author: Gangan Prathap
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 743-747 (2023)
Subject: US News Global Ranking of Subjects 2022–23
Keywords: Engineering, global rankings, higher educational institutions, natural sciences, research performance
Abstract: The performance of Indian higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the US News 2022–23 Best Global
Universities Rankings and Subject Rankings shows that engineering and natural sciences constitute
most of the country’s research base. There are many areas in which no Indian school has distinguished itself.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Prathap, G., Shanghai Ranking’s global ranking of academic subjects
2018. Curr. Sci., 2019, 116(2), 232–238.
Prathap, G., Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022. Curr. Sci., 20
Literature cited 2: Balaram, P., The Shanghai Rankings. Curr. Sci., 2004, 86(10), 1347–
1348.
Virk, H. S., Shanghai Rankings and Indian universities. Curr. Sci.,
2004, 87(4), 416.
ID: 64996
Title: Protected vegetable cultivation for climate resilience and nutritional security in Eastern Ladakh, India
Author: Sonam Spaldon, Anwar Hussain, Kunzes Angmo, M. S. Kanwar, Jigmet Laskit, Phunstog Tundup and Diskit Dolker
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 737-742 (2023)
Subject: Protected vegetable cultivation for climate resilience and nutritional security in Eastern Ladakh, India
Keywords: Climate resilience, extreme climatic conditions, nutritional security, organic products, protected vegetable cultivation
Abstract: Eastern Ladakh, India, experiences a harsh climate with temperatures dropping below zero, thus restricting agricultural activities for a short period. Therefore, the inhabitants depend completely on dairy
products, packed and processed foods. Traditional farming practiced in the study region is purely
indigenous and, by default, organic in nature. Therefore, the region has the potential to produce organic products under protected structures, which will be a source of income generation. The present
study was conducted through frontline demonstrations at three locations, viz. Nyoma, Mudh and Tsaga
in Ladakh for two consecutive years from 2019 under protected structures, viz. local greenhouse and
low tunnel. A comparison of productivity levels between demonstrated variety and local checks was
also made. A significant outcome was that the farmers have learned to produce quality vegetables not
just to increase their income but also for nutritional security. There is a positive attitude among the
locals on the importance of protected cultivation as a self-sustainable technology, nutritionally secure,
and uplifting socio-economic conditions with climate-resilient features that will be a boon for this
region despite extreme climatic conditions
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Namgail, T., Bhatnagar, Y. V., Mishra, C. and Bagchi, S., Pastoral
nomads of the Indian Changthang: production system, land use and
socioeconomic changes. Hum. Ecol., 2007, 35, 497–504.
Angmo, K., Kumar, Y., Kanwar, M. S., Spaldon, S., Yatoo, S. and
Ahmad, M. S., Technological intervention in alfalfa to combat fodder
scarcity in 2. Changthang Ladakh, India. Pharma Innov. J., 2021,
11(3), 878–882.
Literature cited 2: Angmo, K., Kanwar, M. S., Dar, R. A. and Rawat, S. G., Recent
Changes in yak herding practices in Eastern Ladakh and implications for local livelihoods. In Yak on the Move: Transboundary
Challenges and Opportunities for Yak Raising in a Changing Hindu
Kush Himalayan Region (eds Ning, Wu et al.), International Centre for
Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2016.
Miehe, G., Miehe, S., Kaiser, K., Reudenbach, C., Behrendes, L.
and Schlütz, F., How old is pastoralism in Tibet? An ecological approach
to the making of a Tibetan landscape. Palaeogeogr., Palaeoclimatol.,
Palaeoecol., 2009, 276(1–4), 130–147.
ID: 64995
Title: A study on consumer awareness, perception and willingness to pay for biofortified products in Delhi, India
Author: M. L. Geetha, P. Venkatesh, Girish K. Jha, Dharam Raj Singh and V. Sangeetha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 728-736 (2023)
Subject: A study on consumer awareness, perception and willingness to pay for biofortified products in Delhi, India
Keywords: Biofortification, consumer awareness, malnutrition, perception, willingness to pay
Abstract: Malnutrition, which can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and ill health, will disproportionately impact
people. Biofortification is an initiative to ensure improved nutritional outcomes in developing countries, where approaches to food supplements and commercially marketed fortified foods are limited.
A primary survey was carried out in and around the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India.
A total of 134 respondents from urban and 123 respondents from rural areas were interviewed. The
results revealed that the majority of respondents in urban areas (72%) presumed that biofortified
products were higher in micronutrients than those in rural areas (49%). The findings reveal that age
and gender negatively impact consumer awareness of biofortification, while education, food habits
and income exert a positive and significant impact. The policy implications drawn should enable the
development of consumer-based food products by creating a niche market and using an appropriate
marketing channel to increase consumer acceptance and WTP.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: John, P., Tanzania recording steady progress against malnutrition.
Online, 2009; http://216.69.164.44/ipp/guardian/2007/10/03/99636.
html (accessed on 20 April 2010).
WHO, WHO fact sheet on malnutrition, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2018.
Literature cited 2: Branca, F. and Ferrari, M., Impact of micronutrient deficiencies on
growth: the stunting syndrome. Ann. Nutr. Metab., 2002, 46(Suppl.
1), 8–17.
Ezzati, M., Vander Hoorn, S., Lopez, A. D., Danaei, G., Rodgers,
A., Mathers, C. D. and Murray, C. J., Comparative quantification of
mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected risk factors.
Global Burden Dis. Risk Factors, 2006, 2, 241–396.
ID: 64994
Title: Localized eradication of mango stone weevil Sternochetus mangiferae (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in India
Author: Abraham verghese, M. A. rashmi, D. K. nagaraju, J. P. singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 725-727 (2023)
Subject: Localized eradication of mango stone weevil Sternochetus mangiferae (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in India
Keywords: Localized eradication, mango stone weevil, Sternochetus mangiferae,Fabricius, Coleoptera, Curculionidae, India
Abstract: The mango stone (nut) weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae) is a monophagous pest of
mango, Mangifera indica. It is found in
almost all the mango-growing areas of the
world, except Egypt, Italy, Israel and the
Canary Islands
. In India, it is found mainly
in the south2
. The adults lay eggs on immature fruits of 2–4 cm diameter. The grubs
that hatch bore into the core of the fruit
and eventually get enveloped by the seed
coat. The grubs pass through five instars
and pupate within the seed. The adults that
emerge from the seed burrow through the
pulp and emerge through a hole in the
rind3,4. During this process, they damage
the pulp and contaminate it with their excreta, making it unfit for market, export
and industry
. The overall loss varies from 5% to 80% (ref. 5). Early infestation can also
lead to fruit drop. The weevil is of quarantine significance in fresh fruit export.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: international Institute of Entomology (IIE),
Distribution Maps of Plant Pests, CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 1995, Series
A, No. 180 (3rd revision).
Tandon, P. L. and Verghese, A., World List
of Insect, Mite and other Pests of Mango,
Technical Document No. 5, ICAR-Indian
Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR),
Bangalore, 1985, p. 22.
Literature cited 2: Nagaraju, D. K., Ph.D. thesis, Kuvempu
University, Karnataka, 2005.
Woodruff, R. E. and Fasulo, T. R., July
2015; http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/fruit/beetles/mango_seed_weevil.htm
(accessed on 6 July 2023)
ID: 64993
Title: Designation of Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger Reserve: steps towards landscape level biodiversity conservation
Author: Kanchan puri, Ritesh joshi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 723-725 (2023)
Subject: Designation of Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger Reserve: steps towards landscape level biodiversity conservation
Keywords: Designation of Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Tiger Reserve, landscape level biodiversity conservation
Abstract: It is now widely acknowledged that landscape-level conservation is an important
paradigm that addresses scaling up our
conservation initiatives and actions, especially when the entire world, including wild
species, faces the consequences of climate
change, pollution and expanding linear infrastructure. Current conservation instruments, including the protected areas on
which the species rely, are insufficient to
halt biodiversity loss. Thus, conservation
initiatives in the wider landscape surrounding protected areas are needed to achieve
the impact required for reversing negative
biodiversity trends1
. Landscape conservation facilitates bringing all the sectors and
stakeholders in a single platform to collaborate their ideas on managing important
biodiversity areas for long-term sustainability. As several ecological and evolutionary processes are associated with the
management of an area, systematic conservation planning is needed to ensure sustainable developments of the area, including
economic, cultural, social and economic
developments. Over the last decade, Governments have been making efforts to consider
the biodiversity-rich areas and management and conservation of species across
the larger landscapes, not confining the
conservation approaches to the protected
habitats
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kleijn, D. et al., In the Future of Agricultural
Landscapes, Part I (Advances in Ecological
Research), Elsevier, UK, 2020, pp. 127–
159; doi:10.1016/bs.aecr.2020.08.004.
Jhala, Y. V., Qureshi, Q. and Nayak, A. K.,
Technical Report, National Tiger Conservation Authority, New Delhi and Wildlife
Institute of India, Dehradun, 2020
Literature cited 2: Parveen, T. and Ilyas, O., Curr. Sci., 2021,
121(12), 1572–1583.
Pawar, D. et al., CATnews, 2020, 71, 18–19.
ID: 64992
Title: Mangroves for sustainable social and economic well-being
Author: K. Kathiresan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 721-722 (2023)
Subject: Mangroves for sustainable social and economic well-being
Keywords: Mangroves, sustainable, social and economic well-being
Abstract: Climate change is a global emergency. All
countries must remove 7.6% of atmospheric
carbon dioxide (CO2) per year from 2020
to 2030 so the temperature does not exceed
2°C. If this is not implemented, the impacts
will be catastrophic, resulting in major disaster risks, according to the Paris Agreement
2015. In this critical situation, mangroves
can provide a nature-based solution for climate change issues as they are a carbon-rich
system that efficiently removes atmospheric CO2, generating higher carbon biomass
than any other aquatic systems and also
stores far greater carbon than any other
ecosystem on the Earth1,2, making them
indispensable for climate change mitigation
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Donato, D. C., Kauffman, J. B., Murdiyarso,
D., Kurnianto, S., Stidham, M. and Kanninen, M., Nature Geosci., 2011, 4, 293–
297.
Alongi, D. M., Science, 2020, 2, 57;
doi:10.3390/sci2030057
Literature cited 2: Kathiresan, K. and Rajendran, N., Estuarine Coastal Shelf Sci., 2005, 65, 601–606.
Pelayo Menéndez, Iñigo, J., Losada, Saul
Torres-Ortega, Siddharth, N. and Michael,
W. B., Sci. Rep., 2020, 10, 4404; https://
doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-61136-6
ID: 64991
Title: A pragmatic approach to formatting manuscripts of research papers
Author: Yateendra Joshi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 719-720 (2023)
Subject: A pragmatic approach to formatting manuscripts of research papers
Keywords: pragmatic approach, formatting manuscripts, research papers
Abstract: Are you annoyed by the insistence of some
journals on exact formatting, such as ‘Do
not put a period at the end of figure captions’ or ‘Use superscript numerals to indicate affiliations’? ‘Wish the journal would
give greater attention to having my manuscript reviewed quickly than to such formatting trivia’, I hear you muttering. Research
itself is difficult and costs money, time and
effort, and writing an account of that research in the form of a publishable manuscript is not particularly easy either. By the
time a manuscript is ready for submission
to the chosen journal, its authors have exhausted nearly all the energy and attention
they are willing to spend on that research –
and need to keep plenty in reserve for addressing the reviewers’ comments, multiple
revisions and proofreading. After uploading their manuscripts, authors would probably turn with relief to the next research
project instead of wasting their time on
checking whether ‘&’ is used instead of
‘and’ in parenthetical citations or whether
the citation number is placed after – instead
of before – the dot that ends a sentence.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kozlov, M., Nature, 2023; https://www.
nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01846-9
Jiang, Y., Lerrigo, R., Ullah, A., Alagappan,
M., Steven, S. M., Goodman, N. and Sinha,
S. R., PLoS ONE, 2019, 14, e0223976;
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223976
Literature cited 2: Allana, G., LeBlanc, A. G., Barnes, J. D.,
Saunders, T. J., Tremblay, M. S. and Chaput,
J.-P., PLoS ONE, 2019, 14, e0223116;
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223116