ID: 65950
Title: Formal banks, semi-formal SHGs or informal moneylenders, who is better? a study of borrower credit preference in India
Author: Padmavathi Koride and L. Ganesh
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 (2) 182-193 25 July (2024)
Subject: Formal banks, semi-formal SHGs or informal moneylenders, who is better? a study of borrower credit preference in India
Keywords: Agency theory, banks, moneylenders, preference, self-help groups
Abstract: The present study explores the factors driving borrowers’
preference for formal banks, self-help groups (SHGs)
and moneylenders. The study is based on a systematic
survey of 839 rural borrowers from southern India,
sampled from four districts with varied levels of credit
access (surplus, constrained and moderate credit). The
data was analysed using multinomial logistic regression in SPSS. Results show how banks and moneylenders
exclude borrowers based on relative wealth and gender.
SHGs service women borrowers but are preferred
more by wealthier borrowers, highlighting intragroup
inequalities. Yet, the three lenders service a variety of
purposes, justifying their demand in the market. The
study enhances understanding of rural borrowers’ constraints concerning various credit sources. The implications of this study are as follows: one is identifying
the lacunae in the formal banking system, which policy
amendments could address. Two, the study recommends an investigation of intragroup inequalities within SHGs. Third, the study underscores the demand for
multiple players in the rural credit markets and their
contribution to the borrower’s credit needs
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kumar, S. M. and Venkatachalam, R., Caste and credit: a woeful
tale? J. Develop. Stud., 2019, 55(8), 1816–1833.
Singh, R., Credit constraints and rural migration: evidence from six
villages in Uttar Pradesh. Migration Lett., 2018, 15(3), 389–399.
Literature cited 2: Lal, T., Impact of financial inclusion on poverty alleviation through
cooperative banks. Int. J. Soc. Econ., 2018, 45(5), 808–828.
Charron‐Chénier, R., Predatory inclusion in consumer credit: explaining black and white disparities in payday loan use. In Sociological Forum, 2020, vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 370–392
ID: 65949
Title: Virtual reality, augmented reality and its potential use case in space engineering
Author: Jai G. Singla, and Kshitija Suresh Shirke
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 (2) 175-181 25 July (2024)
Subject: Virtual reality, augmented reality and its potential use case in space engineering
Keywords: Augmented reality, engineering 3D models, mixed reality toolkit, virtual reality.
Abstract: The present article explores the potential and usefulness of
virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies in space engineering. VR is a realistic, interactive
3D computer-created world that you can explore as if you
really are there. In this work, we explored VR technology
usage in space borne systems and engineering. Usually,
designers use native mechanical design software like
CATIA and CREO to design and analyse various systems
and subsystems. System designers must also analyse
system interfaces, intricacies, and alignments from all
angles in an interactive and immersive fashion to foresee and avoid potential issues. Therefore, an in-house
virtual reality solution is developed to understand a
complex engineering sub-system/system; its assembly,
dis-assembly; sectional views and perform 360-degree
analysis of system/sub-systems by direct interaction in
a virtual environment. This technical paper also explores
the use of AR technology for various users to understand
intricate engineering models and assist the crew members remotely, even in case of unavailability of proper
communication. The AR application is equipped with
interactive simulations and demonstrations, enabling
engineers to manipulate and investigate 3D models in a
mixed-reality environment. Application is designed in
a generalized way to take any complex engineering
model as an input. The contribution of this work to the
field of space technology lies in its innovative approach
and in-house developments to visualize and interact with
complex models through VR and AR-based solutions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https://www.vive.com
https://www.oculus.com
Literature cited 2: https://microsoft.com/
Wan, W., Yang, Z., Du, X. and Zhao, X., Space make the virtual a
reality: a web-based platform for visualization and analysis with
earth observation satellite data. In IEEE 7th International Conference on Virtual Reality (ICVR), Foshan, China, 2021, pp. 279–285;
doi:10.1109/ICVR51878.2021.9483848
ID: 65948
Title: Sensory perception of humidity in the built environment for wellness: a scoping review
Author: Suchi Priyadarshani and Monto Mani
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 (2) 160-174 25 July (2024)
Subject: Sensory perception of humidity in the built environment for wellness: a scoping review
Keywords: Comfort, health, humidity, indoor environmental quality, sensory perceptions, welln
Abstract: Water vapour in the air is an essential element that
directly affects all animate and inanimate constituents
of the planet. It is a fundamental constituent in all
interactions that characterize life and planetary systems. Water vapour in the air is distinctly associated
with the functioning of the human sense organs. All five
senses, i.e. smell, touch, sight, sound and taste respond
to water vapour in the air. The sensory mechanisms
determine a human being’s physiological and psychological balance, which is the foundation of wellness,
relevant on a planetary scale. However, the sensory
mechanisms associated with water vapour in the built
environment have not been discerned holistically, particularly its role in human wellness. The present article
reviews sensory perceptions and responses attributed
to humidity/water vapour in the built environment and
examines its role in promoting human wellness, drawing insights from diverse interdisciplinary disciplines.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Song, G., Improving Comfort in Clothing, Elsevier, 2011, 1st edn;
doi:10.1533/9780857090645.
Climate Application and User Interface. Indian Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India; https://
imdpune.gov.in/caui/smartcities.html (accessed on 11 January 2022).
Literature cited 2: Cavazzana, A., Larsson, M., Hoffmann, E., Hummel, T. and
Haehner, A., The vessel’s shape influences the smell and taste of
cola. Food Qual. Prefer., 2017, 59, 8–13; doi:10.1016/j.foodqual.
2017.01.014.
Dietrich, A. M., The sense of smell : contributions of orthonasal
and retronasal perception applied to metallic flavor of drinking
water. J. Water Supply: Res. Technol.-Aqua, 2009, 58(8), 562–570;
doi:10.2166/aqua.2009.122.
ID: 65947
Title: Promoting sustainable livelihoods: evidence from the tribal regions of Marayoor, Kerala
Author: N. D. Yogendra
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 (2) 153-159 25 July (2024)
Subject: Promoting sustainable livelihoods: evidence from the tribal regions of Marayoor, Kerala
Keywords: Income, lemongrass, livelihood and sustainability, tribal cluster.
Abstract: The success of tribal farmers and rural youths in adopting advanced cultivation and processing techniques for
lemongrass in Marayoor, Idukki district, Kerala, as
part of the United Nations Development Programme
and Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic
Plants collaboration is discussed in the present study. The
project, implemented across four tribal clusters from
2020 to 2022, focused on re-evaluating and enhancing
lemongrass essential oil production technology. Results
showed a three to four-fold increase in tribal farmer’s
income and year-round job opportunities for rural
youths in the aromatic industry. Improved cultivation
and processing methods led to self-sufficiency among
tribal farmers and rural youths, reducing reliance on
forest resources.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Thekkan, S. and Paulsamy, Lemongrass oil a major source of income
for the tribals of Wayanad district of Kerala. Kongunadu Res. J.,
2016, 3(2), 67–69.
Alfassam, H. A., Aleanizy, F. S., Alqahtani, F. Y., Altalal, A. M. and
Fitaihi, R. A., Household essential oils as antimicrobial agents for
health and skincare. Oriental J. Chem., 2017, 33(4), 2123–2126.
Literature cited 2: Kulkarni, R. N., Bhaskaran, K., Ramesh, S. and Rajeswara Rao, B.
R., Improved clonal variety Krishna of lemongrass. CIMAP, News
Letter, 1997, 24(1&2), 2–3.
Yogendra, N. D., Keerthi, P. E., Nazeer, M., Jnanesha, A. C., Verma,
R. S. and Sundaresan, V., Livelihood enhancement and resource use
efficiency under lemongrass intercropping with food crops. Acta
Ecol. Sinica, 2023, 1–10.
ID: 65946
Title: National Geospatial Policy: present status and a way forward towards unambiguous and consistent geodetic positioning in India
Author: Ropesh Goyal, Ratnesh Kushwaha and Onkar Dikshit
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 (2) 147-152 25 July (2024)
Subject: National Geospatial Policy: present status and a way forward towards unambiguous and consistent geodetic positioning in India
Keywords: Continuously operating reference station, geodetic position, horizontal datum, National Geospatial Policy
Abstract: Geodetic positioning in India began with the Great Trigonometric Survey. The Survey of India (SoI)
has since undertaken significant initiatives, such as the National Mapping Policy 2005, National
Ground Control Points Library, and establishing Continuously Operating Reference Stations
(CORS). The National Geospatial Policy 2022 emphasizes the importance of precise coordinates
and advocates for the liberalization of geodetic data collection and dissemination. It also aims to
develop a new geodetic reference frame. Unambiguous positioning requires also specifying the reference frame, ellipsoid, epoch and datum. This article provides an overview of the current status of
the geodetic positioning in India and a way forward towards consistent geodetic positioning in India
through CORS-based Indian Geodetic Datum.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: DST, Guidelines for acquiring and producing geospatial data and
geospatial data services including maps, Department of Science and
Technology, Government of India (GoI), 2021, p. 5; https://dst.gov.in/sites/default/files/Final%20Approved%20Guidelines%20on-
%20Geospatial%20Data.pdf (accessed on 12 September 2022).
Goyal, R. and Dikshit, O., National geospatial policy: perspectives
on height systems, vertical datums, and gravimetric geoid modelling in India. Curr. Sci., 2024, 126(3), 309–319
Literature cited 2: DST, Draft National Geospatial Policy, Department of Science and
Technology, GoI, 2021, p. 24; https://dst.gov.in/sites/default/files/
Draft%20NGP%2C%202021.pdf (accessed on 12 September 2022).
SoI, National Mapping Policy-2005, Survey of India, GoI, 2005, p. 4;
https://surveyofindia.gov.in/documents/national-map-policy.pdf (accessed on 30
ID: 65945
Title: Seabed videography using indigenously built low-cost deep sea underwater camera
Author: Aditya Peketi, Subhashree Mishra, Aninda Mazumdar, Pawan Dewangan, Harish kumar m. Kallathian Velip Shashikant A. Zatale, K. Sivan, V. Rajurkar
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 (2) 142-145 25 July (2024)
Subject: Seabed videography using indigenously built low-cost deep sea underwater camera
Keywords: None
Abstract: Ocean covers ~71% (361 × 106 km2
) of the
Earth’s surface, whereas the deep sea (below
200 m water depth1
) covering ~66% of the
planet’s surface is the largest biome on
Earth. Seabed hosts thousands of marine
species ranging from microscopic algae to
the largest creatures on Earth. Apart from
the individual species, the seabed consists
of large ecological units like cold seep,
hydrothermal ecosystems and many more
mysteries unearthed. Over the past decades,
India has been at the forefront of deepwater studies (like underwater autonomous
underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely
operated vehicle (ROVs)) for diverse scientific missions, which were economically
expensive2
.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Levin, L. A. et al., Front. Mar. Sci., 2019,
6, 241.
Ramadass, G. A. et al., Curr. Sci., 2010,
99, 809–815
Literature cited 2: Henry, P. et al., Earth Planet. Sci. Lett.,
1992, 109, 355–371.
Shaling, H., Rickert, D., Lee, R. W., Linke,
P. and Suess, E., Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.,
2002, 231, 121–138.
ID: 65944
Title: Amended Biodiversity Act: implications for intellectual property protection and technology transfer
Author: Akriti Sharma
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 (2) 139-141 25 July (2024)
Subject: Amended Biodiversity Act: implications for intellectual property protection and technology transfer
Keywords: None
Abstract: In accordance with international conventions and protocols, countries are modifying their biodiversity regulations. India’s 2023 amendment to the Biological Diversity Act focuses on access and benefit sharing (fairly dividing benefits from using biological resources) concerning biodiversity. The amendment introduces new rules to
simplify managing intellectual property rights and technology transfer while encouraging researchers to participate in these areas. This article compares the original and amended acts, explaining how the changes affect research institutions working with biological resource
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: The Biological Diversity Act, 2002;
https://lddashboard.legislative.gov.in/actsofp
arliamentfromtheyear/biological-diversityact-2002 (accessed on 12 September 2023).
The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act,
2023; https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/
2023/247815.pdf (accessed on 12 September
2023).
Literature cited 2: The Companies Act, 2013; https://www.
mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/CompaniesAct2013.
pdf (accessed on 12 September 2023).
The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; https://
www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/
15278/1/drug_cosmeticsa1940-23.pdf (accessed on 12 September 2023)
ID: 65943
Title: Blending procedure is crucial for BG-II cotton hybrids to adhere to the prescribed ‘Refugia in Bag’ standards
Author: Debashis Paul, Rishi Kumar and Y. G. Prasad
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 (1) 101-104 10 July (2024)
Subject: Blending procedure is crucial for BG-II cotton hybrids to adhere to the prescribed ‘Refugia in Bag’ standards
Keywords: Bollworms, BG-II hybrid, Cry toxin, ELISA, refugia in bag.
Abstract: In India, after its introduction in 2002, Bt cotton showed
a steep increment in terms of area coverage and presently occupies more than 95% of the total cotton cultivated area; recommended with the planting of structured
refuge of the same non-Bt cotton hybrid iso-line at the
periphery of the Bt cotton field. Structured refuge
compliance is lacking due to farmers’ lack of understanding of its significance, along with other challenges
like non-isogenic ‘refugia’ seeds and asynchronous agronomy between main and refuge crops. Though the refugia in Bag concept was studied in 2012, the government
introduced ‘Refugia in Bag’, which mandates 5–10%
non-Bt seeds blended with 90–95% Bt seeds in every
BG-II hybrid seed packet being sold in the market
from June 2020. However, complaints about improper
seed proportions led to qualitative ELISA testing, revealing that a substantial number of evaluated hybrids
did not adhere to recommended ‘refugia’ proportions
in 2022 and 2023, which may be due to improper dispensing and blending methods during seed packaging.
The study emphasizes the need for standardizing blending procedures to ensure adherence to ‘Refugia in Bag’
standards for all stakeholders.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kumar, R. et al., Assessment of bollworm damage and yield loss in
seed blends of Bollgard-II with corresponding non-Bt hybrid as ‘built
in refuge’ in cotton. Phytoparasitica, 2020, 49, 253–263.
Heuberger, S., Ellers-Kirk, C., Tabashnik, B. E. and Carrière, Y.,
Pollen- and seed-mediated transgene flow in commercial cotton seed
production fields. PLoS One, 2010, 5(11), e14128.
Literature cited 2: Thomson, J. (ed.), GM Crops: The Impact and the Potential, CSIRO
Publishing, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia, 2006, p. 7.
Balasubramani, G. et al., Critical evaluation of GM cotton. In Cotton
Precision Breeding, Springer, Cham, 2021, pp. 351–410.
ID: 65942
Title: Significance of radiocarbon AMS chronology of Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve from an archaeological perspective
Author: Nayanjot Lahiri, Binita Phartiyal and Karthick Balasubramanian
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 (1) 98-101 10 July (2024)
Subject: Significance of radiocarbon AMS chronology of Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve from an archaeological perspective
Keywords: Archaeology, AMS dates, Bandhavgarh, forests
Abstract: The present communication indicates the timeline-based
on accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates – that
has emerged from a sediment core originating in the
Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve (Madhya
Pradesh, India) and attempts to see if those dates
broadly coincide with the changing historical signature
as recorded in archaeological evidence in this tract. A
comprehensive overview of vegetational and climatic
changes in the forested tract of Bandhavgarh across
time is under preparation, and the present study aims to
report on the first scientific dates from the Bandhavgarh
National Park and Tiger Reserve and the rich possibilities that open up when they are juxtaposed with its
archaeology.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Lahiri, N., Rajani, M. B., Sanyal, D. and Banerjee, S., Exploring the
forest and mapping its archaeology: Bandhavgarh National Park and
Tiger Reserve, India. Curr. Sci., 2022, 23(4), 772–780.
Lahiri, N., Rajani, M. B., Sanyal, D., Banerjee, S. and Tiwari, S.,
Tracing Ancient Itinerants and Early Medieval Rulers in the Forests
of Bandhagarh, South Asian Studies, 2023; https://www.tandfonline.
com/doi/full/10.1080/02666030.2022.2163067
Literature cited 2: Srinivas, A. and Lahiri, N., Peering into the Prehistoric Past of
Bandhavgarh National Park, Central India. J. Lithic Stud., 2024, 11,
1–14.
Reimer, P. J. et al., The IntCal20 Northern Hemisphere radiocarbon
age calibration curve (0–55 calk BP). Radiocarbon, 2020, 62, 725–
757.
ID: 65941
Title: Bumble bee visitation of Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata, Asteraceae) in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Author: Jaya Narah, Jharna Chakravorty , Axel Brockmann and Karsing Megu
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 (1) 96-97 10 July (2024)
Subject: Bumble bee visitation of Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata, Asteraceae) in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Keywords: Bee visitation, Brahma Kamal, bumble bee, East Himalaya.
Abstract: Brahma Kamal are rare flowers found in high-altitude
regions of the Himalaya, where bumble bees are the
primary pollinators. Bumble bees are cold-adapted bees,
and in India their distribution is in Himalayan Mountain
ranges. We study this plant and bumble bees in the
Bumla pass at about 4300 m above mean sea level (amsl)
in the Eastern Himalayan Ranges in the Tawang District,
Arunachal Pradesh, India. The present study systematically reported the occurrence of Brahma Kamal, which
was rarely recorded in Arunachal along with a report
of six species of bumble bee (Bombus abnormis, Bombus lemniscatus, Bombus mirus, Bombus pressus, Bombus prshewalskyi and Bombus sikkimi) visitors from high
altitude region of state of Arunachal Pradesh, India.
The flowering time of the Brahma Kamal is in the month
of August, and the optimal period to record bumble
bees is from June to August. This new report focuses on
the extreme east of India, in the Eastern Himalaya, and
adds to the data on Brahma Kamal distribution and
bumble bee occurrence for future research on pollination, species distribution, threat and conservation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Myers, N., Mittermeier, R. A., Mittermeier, C. G., da Fonseca, G.
A. and Kent, J., Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities.
Nature, 2000, 403, 853–858.
Rawat, G. S., The Himalayan vegetation along horizontal and vertical gradients. In Bird Migration in the Himalaya (eds Prints, H. T.
and Namgail, T.), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United
Kingdom, 2017, pp. 189–204.
Literature cited 2: Butola, J. S. and Samant, S., S. Saussurea species in Indian Himalayan region: diversity, distribution and indigenous uses. Int. J.
Plant Biol., 2010, 1(1), e9.
Jyothi, R. and Murthy, K. S., An overview on Saussurea obvallata:
a spirituo-scientific plant of India. J. Drug Deliv. Ther., 2023,
13(10), 145–146.
ID: 65940
Title: Fumigation toxicity of phosphine against sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis
Author: K. Sangeeta, Suresh M. Nebapure, S. Rajna and S. Subramanian
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 (1) 91-95 10 July (2024)
Subject: Fumigation toxicity of phosphine against sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis
Keywords: Bioassay, fumigation, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, phosphine, toxicity.
Abstract: Storage insect pest sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, is one of the important secondary
pests encountered in grains and packaged commodities.
It is emerging as one of the important storage pests
due to the development of resistance against phosphine
fumigants in many countries. Several studies were carried out to ascertain the susceptibility of this pest to
phosphine fumigation from India. Dose–response probit
assays conducted against larval (second and fourth instar) and adult stages of O. surinamensis revealed significant dose-dependent and time-dependent variations
in these stages. The adults were relatively less susceptible to phosphine (LC50 = 36.84 ppm) than the larval
stages (LC50 = 13.12, 18.68 ppm respectively, for second
and fourth instar at 72 h exposure). Comparative toxicity of phosphine at 24, 48 and 72 h exposures revealed
that extended exposures led to linear decrease in lethal
concentrations irrespective of life stage of the pest. The
discriminating dose bioassay at 0.04–0.2 mg l
–1 phosphine with 20 h exposure revealed weak resistance to
phosphine in this population. The present study confirmed the tolerance of O. surinamensis to phosphine as
comparable with that reported from other countries.
Large-scale sampling of field populations of O. surinamensis from different geographical regions will update
the current levels of resistance in field populations of
O. surinamensis from India
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International), 2019;
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/37988 (accessed on 30 July 2023).
2. Kousar, T., Zaib-un-Nisa Memon, H. A., Sahito, W. M. M., Jatoi,
F. A. and Shah, Z. H., Biology, morphology, and varietal distribution of saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L) on
date palm dry and semi-dry dates at district: Khairpur, SindhPakistan. Pure Appl. Biol., 2020, 10(3), 539–548; doi:10.19045/
bspab.2021.100057.
Literature cited 2: Nika, E. P., Kavallieratos, N. G. and Papanikolaou, N. E., Developmental and reproductive biology of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.)
(Coleoptera: Silvanidae) on seven commodities. J. Stored Prod.
Res., 2020, 87, 101612; doi:10.1016/j.jspr.2020.101612.
Mowery, S. V., Mullen, M. A., Campbell, J. F. and Broce, A. B.,
Mechanisms underlying sawtoothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus
surinamensis [L.]) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) infestation of consumer
food packaging materials. J. Econ. Entomol., 2002, 95(6), 1333–
1336; doi:10.1603/0022-0493-95.6.1333.
ID: 65939
Title: Nesting activity of the predatory wasp, Carinostigmus costatus Krombein (Sphecidae: Hymenoptera) in pithy stems of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) and its natural regulation of the population of fennel aphid, Hyadaphis coriandri (Das)
Author: Amala Udayakumar, H. S. Venu , A. Kandan , M. Arvind , Sunil Joshi and Timalapur M. Shivalingaswamy
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 (1) 85-90 10 July (2024)
Subject: Nesting activity of the predatory wasp, Carinostigmus costatus Krombein (Sphecidae: Hymenoptera) in pithy stems of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) and its natural regulation of the population of fennel aphid, Hyadaphis coriandri (Das)
Keywords: Aphid predation, Carinostigmus costatus, Hyadaphis coriandri, nesting activity.
Abstract: The predation of aphid hunting wasp, Carinostigmus
sp. on fennel aphid, Hyadaphis coriandri is reported
from India. The solitary wasp was molecularly identified as Carinostigmus costatus (NCBI Accession No.
OQ913733.1). The wasp constructed its nest in the pithy
stems of Ceasalpinia pulcherrima (peacock flower) provisioning fennel aphid, H. coriandri. There was a decrease
in the population of the fennel aphid, H. coriandri with
an increase in the nesting activity of the solitary wasp,
C. costatus. Our study indicated that the solitary wasp,
C. costatus could be easily conserved by providing
pithy stems of C. pulcherrima as nesting habitats around
the field borders for natural regulation of aphid infesting fennel.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Choudhary, R. K., Bio-Ecology and Management of Insect Pests of
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill), Ph.D. thesis submitted to Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, 2006.
Mittal, V. P. and Butani, P. G., Evaluation of some insecticides
against coriander aphid (Hyadaphis coriandri). Abstract: First National Seminar on Seed Spices, Jaipur, 1989, pp. 41–42.
Literature cited 2: Kanjiya, R. R., Shah, K. D., Talaviya, J. R., Patil, V. M. and Chudasama, K. A., Population dynamics of fennel aphid, Hyadaphis
coriandri das and occurrence of coccinellid predators on aphid in
fennel. J. Ent. Zool. Stud., 2018, 6(6), 1150–1152.
Ramalho, F. S., Fernandes, F. S., Nascimento, A. R. B., Nascimento Junior, J. L., Malaquias, J. B. and Silva, C. A. D., Assessment of
fennel aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and their predators in fennel
intercropped with cotton with colored fibers. J. Econ. Ent., 2012,
105(1), 113–119.
ID: 65938
Title: The Beas river floods 2023: a watershed moment for paradigm shift towards urbanization and development in the Higher Himalayan valleys
Author: Raghuveer Negi , Naresh Rana , S. P. Sati , Anil D. Shukla , Navin Juyal and Shubhra Sharma
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 (1) 78-84 10 July (2024)
Subject: The Beas river floods 2023: a watershed moment for paradigm shift towards urbanization and development in the Higher Himalayan valleys
Keywords: Alluvial deposits, anthropogenic intervention, Beas river flood, higher Himalaya, Indian Summer Monsoon.
Abstract: The present study is done in the Beas river (Manali to
Mandi town) after the July 2023 flood to assess the geomorphic and geological vulnerability of the terrain
and understand the role of human intervention in the
disaster. The study is based on preliminary field observations and morphometric analysis that indicates that
the surfaces proximal to the trunk riverbed and the
ephemeral tributary channels suffered maximum damage. Along the upper Beas river, the lateral erosion
caused by hyperconcentrated flows saturated with
paraglacial sediments partly obstructed the river and
also increased the erosivity that also led to remobilization of midchannel bars along with the uprooted trees.
In the downstream (southern mountain front), maximum
damage was caused by activating seemingly dormant
ephemeral tributary channels. The slope-channel coupling locally bulked the sediment supply of the trunk
river. The disaster was force amplified when the river
was temporarily obstructed by the manmade structures
(e.g., suspension bridges), and most importantly, urban
settlements (largely hotels) on the flood plain. Also,
many public buildings suffered as these were constructed in/along the ephemeral tributary channels, which
were temporarily blocked by these structures, as well
as by logged tree trunks. The Beas flood is yet another
brutal reminder to change our perception towards the
developmental approach, given that extreme events are
projected to increase in the Himalaya.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: ToI, Himachal Pradesh Floods: 60 deaths, losses worth Rs 10,000
crore due to landslides and heavy rains. Shimla News – Times of
India, 2023 (indiatimes.com) (accessed on 6 September 2023).
India Today, 2023; https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/monsoon-mayhem-rainsclimate-change-western-disturbance-imd-flashflood-2404535-2023-07-10 (accessed on 10 Septe
Literature cited 2: Rasmussen, K. L. and Houze Jr, R. A., A flash-flooding storm at
the steep edge of high terrain: disaster in the Himalayas. Bull. Am.
Meteorol. Soc., 2012, 93(11), 1713–1724.
Vellore, R. K. et al., Monsoon-extra tropical circulation interactions in Himalayan
ID: 65937
Title: The Beas river floods 2023: a watershed moment for paradigm shift towards urbanization and development in the Higher Himalayan valleys
Author: Raghuveer Negi , Naresh Rana , S. P. Sati , Anil D. Shukla , Navin Juyal and Shubhra Sharma
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 (1) 65-77 10 July (2024)
Subject: The Beas river floods 2023: a watershed moment for paradigm shift towards urbanization and development in the Higher Himalayan valleys
Keywords: Alluvial deposits, anthropogenic intervention, Beas river flood, higher Himalaya, Indian Summer Monsoon.
Abstract: The present study is done in the Beas river (Manali to
Mandi town) after the July 2023 flood to assess the geomorphic and geological vulnerability of the terrain
and understand the role of human intervention in the
disaster. The study is based on preliminary field observations and morphometric analysis that indicates that
the surfaces proximal to the trunk riverbed and the
ephemeral tributary channels suffered maximum damage. Along the upper Beas river, the lateral erosion
caused by hyperconcentrated flows saturated with
paraglacial sediments partly obstructed the river and
also increased the erosivity that also led to remobilization of midchannel bars along with the uprooted trees.
In the downstream (southern mountain front), maximum
damage was caused by activating seemingly dormant
ephemeral tributary channels. The slope-channel coupling locally bulked the sediment supply of the trunk
river. The disaster was force amplified when the river
was temporarily obstructed by the manmade structures
(e.g., suspension bridges), and most importantly, urban
settlements (largely hotels) on the flood plain. Also,
many public buildings suffered as these were constructed in/along the ephemeral tributary channels, which
were temporarily blocked by these structures, as well
as by logged tree trunks. The Beas flood is yet another
brutal reminder to change our perception towards the
developmental approach, given that extreme events are
projected to increase in the Himalaya.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: ToI, Himachal Pradesh Floods: 60 deaths, losses worth Rs 10,000
crore due to landslides and heavy rains. Shimla News – Times of
India, 2023 (indiatimes.com) (accessed on 6 September 2023).
India Today, 2023; https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/monsoon-mayhem-rainsclimate-change-western-disturbance-imd-flashflood-2404535-2023-07-10 (accessed on 10 September 2023).
Literature cited 2: Rasmussen, K. L. and Houze Jr, R. A., A flash-flooding storm at
the steep edge of high terrain: disaster in the Himalayas. Bull. Am.
Meteorol. Soc., 2012, 93(11), 1713–1724.
Vellore, R. K. et al., Monsoon-extra tropical circulation interactions in Himalayan extreme rainfall. Climate Dyn., 2015, 46, 1–30
ID: 65936
Title: A study on swarm-intelligence in group decision-making of farmers’ self-help groups in Uttarakhand, India
Author: Pragya Goswamy and S. K. Kashyap
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 (1) 56-64 10 July (2024)
Subject: A study on swarm-intelligence in group decision-making of farmers’ self-help groups in Uttarakhand, India
Keywords: Agricultural extension, group decisionmaking, self-help groups, swarm-intellig
Abstract: The concept and utility of self-help groups (SHGs) are
proven facts, and they have significantly contributed to
group-led extension activities on a large scale. These
SHGs play an instrumental role in empowering their
members and in many core aspects of farming. Still,
these groups also face various challenges, among which
ineffective group decision-making is prominent. Therefore, it is critical to strengthen the SHGs by resolving
the issues of stability for strengthening the extension
system in light of agriculture and rural development at
the national level. Swarm intelligence is a phenomenon
through which the swarm of honeybees perform various
group tasks and takes crucial group decisions effectively
and efficiently, utilizing their collective intelligence.
Therefore, the study was intended to map the group
decision processes among honeybee swarms and their
inbuilt influences to relate them to the decision-making
processes among SHGs. The present study inferred
that seven key factors, i.e. decision impulse, conviction of
the decision, engagement in decision, decision duration,
decision alignment, extent of participation and real time physical negotiation, contributed to the effectiveness
of swarm-intelligence-based group decision-making.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Glendenning, C. J., Babu, S. and Asenso-Okyere, A., Review of agriculture extension in India: are farmers’ information needs being
met? In International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Discussion Paper 01048, Washington, DC, 2010; http://www.ifpri.org/
publication/review-agricultural-extension-india (accessed on 17
April 2024).
Kaur, L. and Sachan, D., Evaluation of major problems faced by
the members of self-help groups: a study of Punjab. Int. J. Innov.
Res. Technol. Sci. Eng., 2016, 5(12), 20755–20761; doi:10.15680/
IJIRSET.2016.0512113.
Literature cited 2: Kalra, R. K., Anil, B., Tonts, M. and Siddique, K. H. M., Self-help
groups in Indian agriculture: a case study of farmer groups in Punjab, Northern India. Agroecol. Sustain. Food Syst., 2013, 37(5),
509–530; doi:10.1080/10440046.2012.719853.
Siva Kumar, A. and Kavithasri, S., Problems faced by the members
of self-help groups with special reference to Thimmampalayam area
in Coimbatore district. Int. J. Appl. Res., 2017, 3(9), 593–598.