ID: 66490
Title: Rare, Endangered and Threatened climbing plants of the Southern Western Ghats Hills, India
Author: Dhruv Patel ,Jogitsa Patel and Dilipkumar Patel
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (8) Pg No. 756-760 (2025)
Subject: Rare, Endangered and Threatened climbing plants of the Southern Western Ghats Hills, India
Keywords: Climbers, RET species, Western Ghats, South Gujarat,Biodiversity conservation
Abstract: This study assesses the conservation status of rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) climbing pant species in the southern Western Ghats of South Gujarat, India. This research aims to identify and document the RET climbing plants in this ecologically significant region. Field surveys were conducted between 2022 to 2024 to collect and identify RET-listed climbing species across various forested hills in South Gujarat. The collected specimens were systematically preserved, catalogued, and identified using standard taxonomic references. A total of 285 climbing plant species, belonging to 125 genera and 41 families, were recorded. Among these, 31 species were classified as RET, including Ceropegia mannarana and Gloriosa superb which are endangered , while Celastrus paniculata, Aganosma cymosa, Smilax wightii and Corallocarpus gracilipes were categorized as rare.The most species-rich families included Asclepiadaceae (7 species), Convulvulaceae (5 species), and Fabaceae (4 species), with other families contributing fewer species.The increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities, including over-exploitation of natural resources, is negatively impacting biodiversity, leading to a decline in many species. To prevent further loss, urgent conservation measures are needed to safeguard the endemic flora of the southern Western Ghats. Effective protection strategies must be developed to ensure the survival of these unique plant species.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Addo-Fordjour P., Anning A.K. and Larbi J.A.(2009).Liana species richness, abundance, and relationship with trees in the Babri forest reserve, Ghana: Impact of management systems. Forest Ecology and Management, 157: 1822-1828.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2009.01.051
Ahmedullah M. and Nayar M.P. (1986). Endemic plants of the Indian region, 1: 261.Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta.
Literature cited 2: Ahmedullah M. and Nayar M.P. (1987). Endemic plants of the Indian region, Peninsular India, 41: 143-153.BSI Flora of India Series.
Alphons Baby A. and Regi Raphael K. (2015).First step towards unraveling the medicinal properties of an endemic traditional medicine, Bauhinia phoenicea Wight and Am bark. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7 (9): 403-405.
ID: 66489
Title: Diversity and dynamics of the Terai grassland communities of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar India
Author: Krishna Murari, Gautam Talukdar, Yadvendradev V.Jhala, Bivash Pandav, Qamar Qureshi and Gopal Singh Rawat
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (8) Pg No. 745-755 (2025)
Subject: Diversity and dynamics of the Terai grassland communities of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar India
Keywords: Community, Flood plain, Grassland, Terai, TWINSPAN
Abstract: Grasslands are important habitats since they support a high density of ungulates and increase the potential carrying capacity for carnivores within a protected area. An understanding of their community structure is essential for their management. Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR)has the only relic of the Terai grassland remaining in Bihar. By sampling 304 plots, the authors identified 60 plant species belonging to 54 genera classified into 32 families within the grasslands of VTR. Seven grassland communities, namely (1) Saccharum munja (ii) Imperta-vetiveria-Typha-S.spontaneum (iii) Typha-S.arundinaceum-S.spontaneum (iv)Scleostachya-S.ravennae-S.spontaneum-Carex (v)Phragmites-S.arundinaceum-Typha-Carex (Vi)Phragmites karka and (vii)Phyllanthus-Carex-Ficus were identified by TWINSPAN. Unlike other Terai regions, relatively dry site associates comprising Narenga porphyrocoma and Themeda arundinacea, and hygrophilous Arundo donax were absent. A successional model of floodplain grassland communities is also provided, which will guide managers in managing the grasslands. Thus, the study findings will help in restoring the unbalanced prey-population which are dependent on the grassland's successional dynamics.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Champion H. and Seth S. (1968). A revised study of the Forest types of India. Government of India Press, New Delhi-404 pp.
Dinerstein E. (2003), The return of the unicornis-The natural history and conservation of the greater one-homed rhinoceros. Biology and Resource Management Series. World Wildlife Fund, Washingon DC. 320 pp
Literature cited 2: Hill M.O (1979). TWINSPAN, a FORTRAN progtram for two way-indicator-species-analysis. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Kumar H. (2002). An ecological assessment of forest spatial heterogeneity species diversity and grassland burning practices in terai conservation area. Doctor of Philosopy Thesis, Saurashtra University, Rajkot.Gujarat.72pp
ID: 66488
Title: Growth and yield of different Blackgram varieties under Bijasal (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb) based Agrisilviculture system
Author: Mini Bharti, Prabhat Ranjan Oraon and Bijay Kumar Singh
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (8) Pg No. 739-744 (2025)
Subject: Growth and yield of different Blackgram varieties under Bijasal (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb) based Agrisilviculture system
Keywords: Growth, Yield ,Blackgram, Increment, Agrisilviculture
Abstract: A field experiment on growth of tree species and yield performances of different blackgram varieties under Bijasai based agrisilviculture system was carried out. The experimental plots were laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments and four replications. The findings indicate that the maximum height increment of Bijasai 9Pterocarpus marsupium) was found in T.Bijasai + Black gram (Var.Birsa Urd-1) 52.42 cm followed b T.Bijasai +Blackgram (Var.Uttara)49.97 cm, T. Bijasai +Black gram (Var.Birsa Urd-2) 46.12 cm which was at par with each other whereas the maximum collar diameterer increment was found in T.Bijasai +Black gram (Var.Birsa Urd-1) 0.69 cm followed by T.Bijasai +Black gram (Var.Uttara) 0.64 cm, which was at par with each other. The maximum height of black gram was found in T.Sole Black gram (Var.Uttara) 53.52 cm and minimum in T.Bijasai +Black gram (Var.WBU-109) 52.75 cm. The grain yield of black gram was found significantly superior in T Sole Black gram (Var., BU-1) 13.76 q ha-1 followed by T-Sole Black gram 9Var.Uttara) 12.87 q ha-1, T-Soe Black gram (Var. Birsa Urd-2) 12.10 q ha-1 which was at par with each other and minimum in TBijasai +Black gram (Var.WBU-109) 9.9 q ha-1.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bisht N. Sah V.K., Satyawali K and Tiwari S. (2017).Comparison of wheat yeild and soil properties under open and poplar-based agroforestry system Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 9 (3):1540-1543.
Bray R.H. and Kurtz L.T. (1945).Determination of total organic and available forms of phosphorous in soil. Soil Science, 59:36-46.
Literature cited 2: Cubbage F., Balmeli G., Bussoni A., Noellemeyer E., Pachas A.N., Fassola H., Colcombet L., Rossner B., Frey G., Dube F., de Silva M.L., Stevenson H., Hamilton J. and Hubbard W. (2013).Comparing silvipastoral systems and prospects in eight regions of the world. Agroforetry Systems, 86:303-314.
Jackson M. L (1967). Soil Chemical Analysis, Prenctice -all of India, Private, Inc. New Delhi.
ID: 66487
Title: Tree diversity of Haveri district, Karnataka, India
Author: Ningaraj S. Makanur and K.Kotresha
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (8) Pg No. 731-738 (2025)
Subject: Tree diversity of Haveri district, Karnataka, India
Keywords: Haveri district, IUCN status, Karnataka, Trees, Utilization
Abstract: The Haveri district is known as the gateway of the Northern districts of Karnataka and situated in the central part of Karnataka state. The survey resulted in an account of 193 tree species belonging to 47 families and 145 genera. Out of 193 species; 76 are cultivated and 117 are wild of which seven are endemic species. The dominant families are Fabaceae (44), Moraceae (14), Bignoniaceae (10), Malvaceae and Rubiaceae represented by 9 species each. Threat status was assessed by referring IUCN Red Data List, indicating that , 3 species are data deficient (DD), 3 are near threatened (NT), vulnerable (VU) and 93 are of least concern (LC).Analysis of utilization noticed that that they are medicinal (55), timber (50), ornamental (37), edible fruits (36), sacred (11), fencing (6), dye yielding(5), green manure (5), fodder (4) and fuel (20.The present wok is compiled on primary information gathered from stakeholders of the district. It will serve as baseline data and helpful to the forest department, and future floristic studies in sustainable utilization of biodiversity.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhat G.K. (2014). Flora of South Kanara. Akriti Prints, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Champion H.G. and Seth S.K. (1968). A revised Survey of Forest Types of India. Govt. of India Press, New Delhi
Literature cited 2: Chase M.W., Christenhusz M.J., Fay M.F.Byng J.W.Judd W.S., Solitis D.E.Mabberley D.J.Sennikov A.N., Solitis P.S.and Stevens P.F. (2016).An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG IV. Botanical Journal of the Linneari Society, 181 (1):1-20.
Cooke T. (1958). The Flora of the Presidency of Bombay (Repr.ed.) Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta
ID: 66486
Title: Land Use Land Cover Assessmetn of a protected Area comex in Western Terai Arc Landscape of India
Author: Priti kumari, Ashish Mani, Sakshi Rana, Ruchi Badola and Syed Ainul Hussain
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (8) Pg No. 725-730 (2025)
Subject: Land Use Land Cover Assessmetn of a protected Area comex in Western Terai Arc Landscape of India
Keywords: Kalesar National Park and Wild life Sanctuary, Supervised classification, Object-based classification, Remote sensing, Shivalik region
Abstract: Kalesar National Park and Wild life Sanctuary (KNPWLS) situated in the state of Haryana, is a n important protected area in the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), providing connectivity between Simbalbara National Park and the Rajajji National Park. Authors examined the landuse land cover (LULC) of KNPWLS using supervised classification and object-based classification methods., utilizing Sentinel-2B satellite imagery with a 10 m spatial resolution. The resulting LULC classes from both methods resulted in ten classes, viz. Sal Forest, mixed forest, plantation, grassland, dry riverbed, waterbodies, builtup, agriculture, agriforest and wasteland. The findings reveal higher percentage of mixed forest (50.62%), followed by Sal Forest (30.78%). The accuracy assessment reveals overall accuracy by 83% supported by 79.71% of Kappa coefficient. This study provides the first comprehensive LULC map of NNPWLS, offering valuable insights for conservation and management planning. The findings serve as critical tool for informed decision-making, helping to guide future biodiversity conservation efforts and sustainable land use management within the smaller protected areas.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ahmad A., Kanagaraj R. and Gopi G.V. (2023).Wildlife habitat mapping using Sentinel-2 imagery of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Heliyon, 9 (3).
Chanchani P., Lamichhane B.R., Malla S., Maurya K., Bista A., Warrier R. and Borah J.(2014).Tiger of the Transboundary Terai Arc Landscape : Status, distribution and movement in the Terai of India and Nepal. National Tiger Conservation Authority, Government of India, and Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation, Government of Nepal NTNC/DNPWC, 3.Chandola S, Badola R. and Mishra B.K. (2008). Gender Issues in Conservation: Case of Rajaji National Park, India. Indian Forester, 134 (5):679-690.
Literature cited 2: Congalton R.G. and Green K. (2019). Assessing the accuracy Congalton R.G. and Green K. (2019). Assessing the accuracy of remotely sensed data: principles and practices. CRC press.
Cumming G.S. (2016). The relevance and resilience of protected areas in the Arthropocene. Anthropocene, 13:46-56.
ID: 66485
Title: Conservation of non wood forest resources for sustainable livelihoods
Author: Arun Kumar Bansal
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (8) Pg No. 715-724 (2025)
Subject: Conservation of non wood forest resources for sustainable livelihoods
Keywords: Non-wood forest resources, Non-wood forest products, National medicnal lants board, Forest Managemnt , Minor forest produce with major economic stakes.
Abstract: Foret is a unique natural local resource of global importance. India is one of the mega biodiversity countries of the world, and is home of 7.7% of world's bio-diversity .Non-wood forest products (NWFPs), also called Minor Forest Produce, although they are by no mean minor-are known to be source of livelihoods for over 300 million people living in and around forests and are in fact associated with their socio-economic and cultural lives.However, due to timber centric forest managemt , NWFPS have not got the importance they deserve.In recent years, the Non Wood Forest Resources 9NWFRs) have gained importance due to their being vital source of livelihood for forest dependent communities and having a multiplier effect in the economy through employment generation in downstream value addition and trading activities. Multiplicity of Acts having a bearing on NWFRs has further compounded the prevalent confusion with regard to their ownership and management responsibilities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anon. (2012). Survey of plant species resources of Chhattisgarh state under European Union funded Non-Timber Forest Produce based employment-oriented Project. (In Hindi). Published by the Chhattisgarh State MFP 9Trade and Development) Cooperative Federation Ltd.p.298.
Bahuguna V.K and Bisht N.S. (2013) Valuation of Ecosystem Goods and Services form forests in India, Indian Forester, 139 (1):1-13.
Literature cited 2: Forest Surve of India, (2019). India state of Foret Report. 208p.
Hazari Sujoy, Mamoni Kalita and Biswajit Lahiri (2023). The value of NON-Timber Forest Products in Promoting India's Rural Livelihoods, Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research, 10 (2):221-237, October 2023.
ID: 66484
Title: Emergence of a resident Asian Elehant population in Himachal Pradesh:Assessing possibilities and challenges in a non-traditional range
Author: Ramesh K.Pandey, Aishwarya Raj and Aditya Sharma
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (8) Pg No. 459-466 (2025)
Subject: Emergence of a resident Asian Elehant population in Himachal Pradesh:Assessing possibilities and challenges in a non-traditional range
Keywords: Asian Elephant, Himachal Pradesh, Human-elephant conflict, Shiwalik range, Range expansion
Abstract: The state of Himachal Pradesh is situated in Northern Himalayan landscape of India. Sporadic annual movement of elephants has been reported historically from Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand to Col. Sherjung National Park, contiguous to Paonta Sahib in Himachal and adjoining Kaleskar National Park, Haryana. Presence of resident population in this area however is a recent phenomenon since the last few years. Presently, a resident population of 14-16 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) has established in Sai forests of Paonta Sahib Fiorest Division, in a non-traditional range, highlighting adaptability to fragmented landscapes.This has enhanced cases of human-elephant conflict (HEC) with increased crop raid, damage and human fatality. Efforts have been made by Forest Department with financial assistance under Project Elephant in taking the conversation from conflict to co-existence. The article offers a case study for managing small, isolated herds to balance conservation and coexistence in a human-dominated landscape.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Acharya K.P., Paudesi P.K., Naupane P.R and Kohl M (2016). Human-wildlife conflicts in Nepal. Pattern of human fatalities and injuries caused by large mammals. PLoS One; 11: e0161717.
Arjunan M., Holmes C., Puyravaud J.P. and Davidar P. (2006).DO developmental initiatives influence local attitudes toward conservation? A case study from the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, India . Journal of Environmental Management , 79:188-197.
Literature cited 2: Fernando P. and Pastorini J. (2011).Range-wide status of Asian Elephants.Gajah,35:15-20.
Goswami V.R. and Vasudev D. (2017).Triage of conservation needs: The juxtaposition of conflict mitigation and connectivity considerations in heterogeneous, human-dominated landscapes. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution,4:144.
ID: 66483
Title: Understanding recent variations in the zero year-class entries of Indian oil sardine and its impact on the fisheries of Kerala
Author: U. Ganga , Shelton Padua, S. Surya, C. Anulekshmi, K. G. Mini, Somy Kuriakose, S. A. Giya, A. Prince, Shoba Joe Kizhakudan and Grinson George
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (6) 25 Sep 2025 553-558 (2025)
Subject: Understanding recent variations in the zero year-class entries of Indian oil sardine and its impact on the fisheries of Kerala
Keywords: Eco-regions, primary productivity, sardine, small pelagic, spawning stock biomass
Abstract: The Indian oil sardine (IOS) fishery along the Kerala
coast from 2021 to 2024 was assessed using an ecoregion approach, revealing a significant increase in recruitment in 2024 compared to previous years, and at
varying scales. The ecosystem productivity indicators
showed a stronger influence on recruitment dynamics
than the biological indicator of spawning stock biomass.
The relative contributions of micro-, pico-, and nanoplankton functional groups indicated linkages with the
physio-biological dynamics of IOS and need further
research. The present study highlights region-specific
environment variability, especially during the prespawning and pre-recruitment periods, that needs to
be adequately integrated into stock assessments and
dynamic management frameworks. Development of
species-specific, eco-physiological indicators for timely
fisheries governance interventions to sustain the fishery of IOS under changing oceanographic conditions
and supporting the development of short-term forecast
models is recommended
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Maunder, M. N. and Piner, K. R., Depletion estimation, stockrecruitment relationships, and interpretation of biomass reference
points. Fishes, 2024, 9, 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9110447.
Rohit, P. et al., The Enigmatic Indian oil Sardine: An Insight, CMFRI
Special Publication No. 130, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute, Kochi, 2018, 154p.
Literature cited 2: Akash, S. et al., Observed links between coastal ocean processes and
Indian oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps) fishery along the southwest
coast of India. Reg. Stud. Mar. Sci., 2021, 46, 101850; doi:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2021.101850.
Antony Raja, B. T., The Indian oil sardine. Bull. Cent. Mar. Fish. Res.
Inst., 1969, 16, 128
ID: 66482
Title: Comparative assessment of mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes under Populus dectoloides and Eucalyptus teretectornis based agroforestry systems for soil carbon maintenance: an implication for climate change alleviation
Author: Anjana Chauhan and Salil Tewari
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (6) 25 Sep 2025 544-552 (2025)
Subject: Comparative assessment of mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes under Populus dectoloides and Eucalyptus teretectornis based agroforestry systems for soil carbon maintenance: an implication for climate change alleviation
Keywords: Biomass production, climate resilience , CO2 mitigation, soil carbon
Abstract: The current situation of climate variability can be
buffered by the inclusion of agroforestry as a critical
land management system. The enormous potential of
trees to capture and store carbon from the atmosphere
and their role in soil nutrient cycling are globally acknowledged. Alongside this, we need to develop crop
varieties that could perform well in competition with
trees to share resources like sunlight, water, and soil
nutrients. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in the tarai belt of the Himalayan foothills to
screen suitable mustard varieties and under Poplar and
Eucalyptus-based agroforestry systems. Besides this,
biomass and carbon sequestration potential were also
quantified for different components. In. Ten different
Indian mustard varieties were screened under Populus deltoides and Eucalyptus tereticornis. Variety CS56
produced higher biomass in all three land management
systems, i.e., poplar, eucalyptus agroforestry system,
and open field E. tereticornis was found to have larger
climate resilience potential with higher biomass production (91.99 ± 18.21 to 270.19 ± 16.55 Mg ha-1) and
CO2 mitigation (151.92 ± 30.08 to 446.21 ± 27.33 Mg
CO2 ha-1). However, biomass production of the mustard crop was better in a poplar-based agroforestry
system.. The total Biomass accumulation, carbon content, and carbon dioxide mitigation showed the following trend: eucalyptus + mustard > poplar + mustard>
mustard (open field). Biomass deposition in mustard
crops varies from sole crop (open field) > Poplar +
mustard > Eucalyptus + mustard. The changes in soil
carbon stock after two rabi season was recorded to
be higher in eucalyptus-based agroforestry (1.29 Mg
ha-1) system and lowest in open field (0.43 Mg ha-1).
SOC showed improvement under an agroforestry system compared to an open field or pure crop system.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Lal, R. et al., The carbon sequestration potential of terrestrial ecosystems. J. Soil Water Conserv., 2018, 73(6), 145-152.
Kumar, B. M. and Kunhamu, T. K., Carbon sequestration potential of
agroforestry systems in India: a synthesis. In Agroforestry and Ecosystem Services, Springer, Cham, Switzerland, 2021, pp389-430.
Literature cited 2: Boomiraj, K., Chakrabarti, B., Aggarwal, P. K., Choudhary, R. and
Chander, S., Assessing the vulnerability of Indian mustard to climate
change. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ., 2010, 138(3-4), 265-273.
Suryawanshi, M. N., Patel, A. R., Kale, T. S. and Patil, P. R., Carbon sequestration potential of tree species in the environment of North
Maharashtra University Campus, Jalgaon (MS), India. Biosci. discov.,
2019, 5(2), 175-179
ID: 66481
Title: Economic assessment of natural farming over conventional methods in Himachal Pradesh, India
Author: Adit Kumar Yadav , Ashu Chande , Rajeshwar Singh Chandel , Rakesh Kumar Gupta , Subhash Sharma, S. Vishnu Shankar and S. Ananthakrishnan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (6) 25 Sep 2025 537-543 (2025)
Subject: Economic assessment of natural farming over conventional methods in Himachal Pradesh, India
Keywords: Conventional farming, cost of cultivation, economic analysis, Himachal Pradesh, natural
Abstract: India’s agricultural sector has achieved record-breaking
food grain production while grappling with significant
challenges such as soil degradation and an over-reliance
on chemical inputs that threaten its long-term sustainability. The present study examines the effectiveness
of natural farming over conventional farming practices in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Key
metrics such as cultivation costs, crop yields, and net
returns were focused on using the data collected from
a primary survey. The findings indicate that natural farming achieves a cropping intensity of 190.62%,
while conventional farming reaches 136.12%, suggesting more efficient land utilisation. Additionally, natural
farming typically incurs lower cultivation costs, primarily due to the use of locally sourced inputs. For the
kharif season, the vegetable–pulse combination in natural farming produced the highest net farm income of
| 27,092, compared to | 18,978 from conventional paddy
farming. However, challenges like limited market access and labour intensity remain persistent. This study
highlights the need for supportive policies to enhance
the adoption of natural farming practices, promoting
both profitability and environmental sustainability.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pandey, P. and Panchal, M., Food sustainability in India — a challenge.
In Current Trends in Economics, Business and Sustainability. ICEBS
2023 (eds. Aloysius Edward, J. et al.), 2023, Springer, Singapore, pp.
144–151; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3366-2_17.
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Annual report
2023–24. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government
of India, 2023; https://agriwelfare.gov.in/en/Annual.
Literature cited 2: Economist Impact, Global food security index 2022, The Economist
Group, 2022; https://impact.economist.com/sustainability/project/foodsecurity-index.
Nayak, P. and Solanki, H., Pesticides and Indian agriculture —
a review. Int. J. Res. Granthaalayah, 2021, 9(5), 250–263;
https://doi.org/10.7821/granthaalayah.v9.i5.2021.3930.
ID: 66480
Title: An overview of NCMRWF model guidance for 12th Indian Scientific Expedition to the Southern Ocean
Author: Suraj Ravindran , Akhilesh K. Mishra, Anoop S. Mahajan , Ankur Gupta , Imranali M. Momin , Saji Mohandas , Sumit Kumar , John P. George and V. S. Prasad
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (6) 25 Sep 2025 527-536 (2025)
Subject: An overview of NCMRWF model guidance for 12th Indian Scientific Expedition to the Southern Ocean
Keywords: Model guidance, numerical weather prediction, research to operation, scientific expedition, situational awareness, Southern Ocean.
Abstract: Customised real-time model guidance from the
seamless prediction system of the National Centre
for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
supported the 12th Indian Scientific Expedition to
the Southern Ocean (ISESO12). Atmospheric model
guidance was prepared from the NCMRWF Global
(NCUM-G) model forecast. The NCMRWF Coupled
(C-NCUM) global model was used to prepare ocean
and sea ice products. Daily model guidance of atmospheric and ocean variables from model analysis and
forecast for the next five days with 24-hour interval, was
delivered to ISESO12 science team. The wind speed,
maximum air temperature, minimum air temperature and rainfall from the automatic weather station
of the research vessel were compared with model guidance. Model forecasted air temperature was found to
be in good agreement even with five day lead forecast. Wind speed was slightly underestimated with
a better reliability of model guidance. Whereas, the
rainfall estimates were found to be challenging and
less accurate from the model guidance. However, the
situational awareness support was found to be critical
in informed decision-making for the safe and efficient
accomplishment of the scientific objectives of ISESO12.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Long, M. C. et al., Strong Southern Ocean carbon uptake evident in
airborne observations. Science, 2021, 374, 1275–1280.
Williams, R. G., Meijers, A. J., Roussenov, V. M., Katavouta, A.,
Ceppi, P., Rosser, J. P. and Salvi, P., Asymmetries in the Southern
Ocean contribution to global heat and carbon uptake. Nat. Clim.
Change, 2024, 14, 823–831.
Literature cited 2: Liu, H.-Y. et al., Predictability of the most long-lived tropical cyclone
Freddy (2023) during its westward journey through the southern tropical Indian Ocean. Geophys. Res. Lett., 2023, 50, e2023GL105729.
Anilkumar, N. and Achuthankutty, C. T., Ecosystem survey in the
Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean – Results from Indian expeditions. Deep Sea Res. Part II Top. Stud. Oceanogr., 2015, 118,
137–141.
ID: 66479
Title: Evaluating the nutritional composition of edible insects: an alternative source of food supplements in Nagaland
Author: Patricia Kiewhuo, Neha Trivedi , Lirikum Jing , Kizukala Jamir , Bendang Ao , Aditya K. Tanwar , Sandeep Kumar , Mukesh K. Dhillon and L. N. Kakati
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (6) 25 Sep 2025 520-525 (2025)
Subject: Evaluating the nutritional composition of edible insects: an alternative source of food supplements in Nagaland
Keywords: Amino acid, entomophagy, foods, nutrients, protein
Abstract: Edible insects are rich sources of macronutrients such
as protein, lipid and carbohydrate, and they are considered a promising alternative source of nutrients to alleviate food security. However, the nutritional profiling
of edible insects is very limited, highlighting the need
to evaluate their potential as a promising source of nutrients. Therefore, the present study was conducted to
assess the nutrient composition of nine commonly consumed edible insects in their fresh, fried and roasted
forms, as well as to examine the variations across development stages (larva, pupa and adult) of Provespa
barthelemyi. The results showed that protein concentrations varied significantly (F(2) = 293.8, p < 0.05) among
fresh, fried and roasted forms. Lipid content ranged
from 0.01 ± 0.00 (Laccotrephes ruber) to 0.5 ± 0.06
(Samia cynthia ricini) in fresh, 1.09 ± 0.08 (Tarbinskiellus portentosus) to 1.27 ± 0.08 (Cossus spp.) in fried,
and 0.4 ± 0.0 (Mecapoda nipponensis) to 1.3 ± 0.0 (Oecophylla smaragdina) in roasted form. While carbohydrate content ranged from 0.2 ± 0.0 (L. ruber) to
5.8 ± 0.5 (O. smaragdina) in fresh, 0.6 ± 0.0 (Lethocerus
indicus) to 12.17 ± 3.78 (Cossus spp.) in fried, and
0.5 ± 0.3 (L. indicus) to 13.1 ± 3.8 (Cossus spp.) in
roasted form. Across the developmental stages of P.
barthelemyi, the highest amount of protein, lipid and
carbohydrate was present in the larval stage. Further,
eight essential and nine non-essential amino acids were
also present in edible insects. Insects such as O. smaragdina and P. barthelemyi have moderate to high levels
of both essential and non-essential amino acids, such
as leucine, phenylalanine, alanine, glycine and proline,
suggesting they can serve as a well-rounded protein
source for humans. The present study highlighted that
edible insects are compelling food supplements that can
serve as a promising alternative source of nutrients.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . van Huis, A., Potential of insects as food and feed in assuring food
security. Annu. Rev. Entomol., 2013, 58(1), 563–583.
Mitsuhashi, J., Insects as traditional foods in Japan. Ecol. Food Nutr.,
1997, 36, 187–199.
Literature cited 2: van Huis, A., Dicke, M. and van Loon, J. J. A., Insects to feed the
world. J. Insects Food Feed, 2015, 1(1), 3–5.
Nonaka, K., Feasting on insects. Entomol. Res., 2009, 39(5), 304–312
ID: 66478
Title: Why use vertical stratification and directionality to assess insect foraging behaviour on trees?
Author: D. P. Abrol
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (6) 25 Sep 2025 513-519 (2025)
Subject: Why use vertical stratification and directionality to assess insect foraging behaviour on trees?
Keywords: Citrus, directionality, foraging rates, honeybees, pollination, vertical stratification
Abstract: The studies on foraging behaviour of pollinators on
different crops have been made by observing the number of insects visiting marked plots per unit time. This
holds true for crop plants where the plants have the
same height and the crop is uniformly distributed,
where observations can be made on marked plots
randomly selected in the crop. The observations
can also be made by using the line transect method,
where the observer walks along the strip of the crop
and records insects. However, in tree plants, flowers are located at different heights and in different
directions, and more or less have different microclimatic conditions facing east, west, north, and south.
Therefore, investigations are needed to explore the
pollinator behaviour in relation to the height of the
plant as well as the directionality of inflorescences.
In tree-type plants, it is recommended to record observations across different canopy strata to obtain
accurate estimates of pollinator diversity and abundance. Recording observations by observing one set
of branches is unlikely to yield good results. The concentration of floral resource composition in different
canopies supports the different faunal communities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gumbert, A. and Kunze, J., Inflorescence height affects visitation behavior of bees-a case study of an aquatic plant community in Bolivia.
Biotropica, 1999, 31(3), 466–477.
Hoehn, P., Tscharntke, T., Tylianakis, J. M. and Steffan-Dewenter,
I., Functional group diversity of bee pollinators increases crop yield.
Proc. Royal Soc. London B: Biol. Sci., 2008, 275(1648), 2283–2291
Literature cited 2: Junker, R. R., Blüthgen, N., Brehm, T., Binkenstein. J., Paulus,
J., Schaefer, H. M. and Stang, M., Specialization on traits as basis
for the niche-breadth of flower visitors and as structuring mechanism
of ecological networks. Funct. Ecol., 2013, 27(2), 329–341; doi:
10.1111/1365-2435.12005.
Sletvold, N., Grindeland, J. M. and Agren, J., Pollinator-mediated selection on floral display, spur length and flowering phenology in the
deceptive orchid Dactylorhiza lapponica. New Phytol., 2010, 188(2),
385–392.
ID: 66477
Title: Data-driven fog forecasting for the Indo-Gangetic Plains
Author: Prasad Deshpande , Arnab Bhattacharya and Shivam Tripathi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (6) 25 Sep 2025 502-512 (2025)
Subject: Data-driven fog forecasting for the Indo-Gangetic Plains
Keywords: Forecasting, Indo-Gangetic, INSAT-3D, timeseries, visibility.
Abstract: Fog is a socio-natural hazard common during winter
in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, disrupting transportation, health, and agriculture. The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur fog project addresses
the challenge of fog forecasting by using data science with in situ and satellite observations. A
novel fog index quantifies fog duration and intensity, supporting medium-term forecasting, while
machine learning models achieve 0.9 accuracy for
six-hour visibility forecasts. An uncertainty-aware
Bayesian neural network using INSAT-3D data improves fog detection performance compared to the
operational INSAT fog product, increasing the probability of detection from 0.13 to 0.68. The real-time
results are publicly shared at https://fog.iitk.ac.in/.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kulkarni, R., Jenamani, R. K., Pithani, P., Konwar, M., Nigam, N. and
Ghude, S. D., Loss to aviation economy due to winter fog in New Delhi
during the winter of 2011–2016. Atmosphere, 2019, 10(4), 198.
Terry, J. P., Jia, G., Boldi, R. and Khan, S., The Delhi ‘gas chamber’: smog, air pollution and the health emergency of November 2017.
Weather, 2018, 73(11), 348–352.
Literature cited 2: Zheng, Z., Chen, L., Sun, N., Jin, Y. and Wang, Y., Pollution, hazards and health inequalities: a longitudinal exploration of the impact of
PM2.5 on depression among rural older adults with different incomes
in China. Humanit. Soc. Sci. Commun., 2024, 11, 1682 (2024);
https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-04233-5.
Shrestha, S., Moore, G. A. and Peel, M. C., Trends in winter fog
events in the Terai region of Nepal. Agric. For. Meteorol., 2018, 259,
118–130
ID: 66476
Title: Demonstration of spontaneous recombination in males of Drosophila ananassae as meiotic in origin
Author: Bashisth N. Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (6) 25 Sep 2025 499-501 (2025)
Subject: Demonstration of spontaneous recombination in males of Drosophila ananassae as meiotic in origin
Keywords: None
Abstract: The amount of genetic variation is important in a population undergoing microevolutionary change caused by mutation
and recombination, which provides raw materials for evolution. Drosophila is extensively used in such kinds of studies and
is considered an interesting biological model since 1909, when Thomas Hunt Morgan used Drosophila melanogaster in
genetic studies for the first time. Morgan proposed the theory of linkage which states that the genes are linearly arranged
in a chromosome and may be separated by recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Further,
the strength of linkage depends on the distance between genes. In Drosophila, recombination does not occur in males, but
occurs in females. It has been shown that spontaneous crossing over in males occurs in appreciable frequency, which was
initially reported by Japanese researchers, but its mechanism of origin was not known. Later on, with the experimental
evidence, it was shown that spontaneous male crossing-over was meiotic in origin, and this evidence came from genetic
data, the presence of chiasmata and the role of inversions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Singh, B. N., Ind. J. Exp. Biol., 2010, 48,
333–345.
Lakhotia, S. C. and Ranganath, H. A. (eds),
Experiments with Drosophila for Biology
Courses. E-Book, Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru, 2024, 2
Literature cited 2: Singh, B. N. and Banerjee, R., J. Biosci.,
1996, 21, 775–779.
Singh, B. N., J. Genet., 2020, 99(12), 1–7