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ID: 66370
Title: Prolonged presence of Palearctic winter migrants in the Thar Desert, India: implications for climate change and avian migration phenology
Author: Manasi Mukherjee,
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (12) 1174-1175 10 June (2025)
Subject: Prolonged presence of Palearctic winter migrants in the Thar Desert, India: implications for climate change and avian migration phenology
Keywords: None
Abstract: A pair of breeding adult Western Yellow Wagtails (Motacilla flava) was recorded on 2 May 2025 at 07:45 a.m. in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, within the Thar Desert landscape. The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small, slender passerine (body length 15–16 cm, weight 15–23 g) of the family Motacillidae, distinguished by its bright yellow underparts, olivegreen upperparts and prominent supercilium. The individuals recorded during this trail were wholly bright yellow below, with a greenish back. The head was blue-grey with white eyebrow (Figure 1). The recorded plumage indicates it to be a breeding male regionally from central and Southwest Europe. The species is polytypic, with several subspecies recognised across its broad Palearctic range1 . M. flava breeds across temperate Europe and Central Asia and migrates to sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia for the non-breeding season. In India, it is a regular winter migrant, typically arriving late September and departing by February or early March1 . Bar chart data from eBird corroborate this pattern, showing a marked decline in records from March onwards in Rajasthan2 . The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Western Yellow Wagtail as Least Concern, but recent assessments indicate declining populations in parts of its range , attributed to habitat loss and agricultural intensification. Alongside this observation, Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola maurus) and Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla), both winter migrants to the Indian subcontinent, were also recorded at the same site in late April 2025
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: 1. SoIB. State of India’s Birds factsheet: Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava (State: Rajasthan), 2023; https://stateofindiasbirds.in/species/rjeaywag1/ (accessed on 3 May 2025). Sullivan, B. L., Wood, C. L., Iliff, M. J., Bonney, R. E., Fink, D. and Kelling, S., Biol. Conserv., 2009, 142, 2282–2292; https://ebird.org/species/eaywag1/IN-RJ-JO
Literature cited 2: Dossman, C. B., Amanda D. Rodewald, Colin E. S. and Peter, P. M., Ecology, 104(2), e3938; https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.3938. Thorup, K., Tøttrup, A. P. and Rahbek, C., Oecologia, 2007, 151(4), 697–703.

ID: 66369
Title: Why is ‘North-East’ a natural laboratory of geodiversity in India?
Author: Krishanu Datta
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (12) 1171-1173 10 June (2025)
Subject: Why is ‘North-East’ a natural laboratory of geodiversity in India?
Keywords: Brahmaputra plain, Eastern Himalaya, geodiversity, Meghalaya Plateau, North-East India.
Abstract: The north-eastern part of India, consisting of seven states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, can serve as a natural laboratory of geodiversity in India. This living laboratory can offer important insights into the geotectonic evolution of South and South-East Asia, the quaternary fluvial dynamics, the richest karst topography, the Meghalayan age, the site associated with one of the best preserved and most complete records of K–Pg boundary transitions worldwide, and the nexus among geodiversity, biodiversity and human health and wellbeing. Therefore, the concerned region requires a comprehensive geotourism policy that will not only promote its unique geological diversity but also help to conserve all kinds of geological, ecological and even cultural treasures that the region has since time immemorial.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dikshit, K. R. and Dikshit, J. K., NorthEast India: Land, People and Economy, Springer, Dordrecht Heidelberg, the Netherlands, 2014, pp. 1–16. Baruah, S. and Hazarika, D., Curr. Sci., 2008, 95(2), 176–177.
Literature cited 2: Borah, N. and Kumar, A., Geomat. Nat. Hazards Risk, 2022, 14(1), 1–38. Soibam, I., Khuman, M. CH. and Subhamenon, S. S., Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 2015, 413, 301–331

ID: 66368
Title: India’s pioneering high-altitude atmospheric and climate research in the Himalayas
Author: Rajput, Abhay S. D. Gupta, Navneet K.
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (12) 1169-1170 10 June (2025)
Subject: India’s pioneering high-altitude atmospheric and climate research in the Himalayas
Keywords: None
Abstract: India is constantly upgrading its meteorological infrastructure and capabilities for making high-precision weather predictions and climate projections on regional and global scales. Advanced climate models powered by supercomputing facilities and large-scale observational data have significantly improved India’s capabilities to forecast weather and climate events, including extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones and tsunamis, on different spatio-temporal scales. However, the predictive capabilities of climate models remain restrained due to the lack of adequate observational atmospheric data from high-altitude regions1 , especially the Himalayas – the ‘Third Pole’ of the Earth2 . Such underrepresentation of the Himalayas limits our understanding of the global weather and climate processes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Krishnan, R. et al., The Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment (eds. Wester, P. et al.), Springer, Cham, 2019, pp. 57–97; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92288- 1_3. Das, L. and Meher, J. K., EarthSci. Rev., 2019, 198, 102935; https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2019.102935.
Literature cited 2: Dimri, A. P. et al., Global Planet. Change, 2018, 162, 212–234; https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2018.01.015. Ouyang, L., Yang, K., Lu, H., Chen, Y., Lazhu, Zhou, X. and Wang, Y., J. Geophys. Res. Atmos., 2020, 125, e2019JD031502; https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JD031502

ID: 66367
Title: Survival concerns in endemic trees of India
Author: P. Venu M. Sanjappa
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (12) 1167-1168 10 June (2025)
Subject: Survival concerns in endemic trees of India
Keywords: None
Abstract: Trees are distinctive from other life forms of plants as they characterise the landscape they prevail in and live for decades with minimal attention. They are well-adapted and resilient to their situations and provide ecological, economic, cultural, and aesthetic payoffs to many beneficiaries. About 22,214 species represent the country’s entire wealth of flowering plants as per the records of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) (Plant Discoveries, 2024). Trees constitute 3460 species, including 1262 introduced species, and 27% of them are exclusively confined to the Indian flora and are recognised as Indian endemic species (Pusalker et al., Trees of India, Vol. 1, 2025). These are restricted species; occasionally, the range is symbolised by a single population (point endemics), thereby susceptible to extinction. Their elimination here amounts to their global elimination. Our concerns naturally go with them in the prioritisation of species conservation. India, which is committed to biodiversity conservation and is a signatory to multiple conservation treaties, has a greater obligation to protect them. The IUCN Red List (1964) uses five criteria: the species’ population decline or increase/geographic range/small population size decline/very small or restricted population/quantitative analysis to assess the threat of species extinction. The guidelines for applying the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria are accessible with Version 16, March 2024, which are being adopted by many countries to prioritise species for conservation. This red list categorisation assesses information about range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions taken, if any. The said information on the species concerned is to be collected through extensive and intensive field explorations in their probable areas of presence. It expedites necessary conservation decisions. The species’ status can be updated and revised as one acquires more quality data from field work.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 66366
Title: Dispersal record of a striped hyena from a camera trap survey
Author: Kainat Latafat, Ayan Sadhu* , Qamar Qureshi and Yadvendradev V. Jhala
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1137-1139 10 June (2025)
Subject: Dispersal record of a striped hyena from a camera trap survey
Keywords: Corbett Tiger Reserve, corridors, dispersal distance, hyena, Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Terai Arc Landscape.
Abstract: Dispersal plays a vital role in shaping large carnivores’ demography and distribution, ensuring their long-term persistence through gene flow between populations. Dispersal events of large carnivores are difficult to record as they are cryptic and disperse long distances from their area of origin. While the ecology and behaviour of striped hyena are well studied, information on dispersal is scarce. The present study documented a dispersal event of a striped hyena recorded from camera traps, where the individual dispersed from Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, India, and adjoining Shyampur forests to Corbett Tiger Reserve (Kalagarh), covering 85 km from its first capture, which is significantly larger than the average maximum distance travelled (4.95 km, range = 0.7–9.48 km) by hyenas, as obtained from the camera traps. Our findings emphasised the importance of large-scale camera trap surveys to study different aspects of multi-taxa systems, and depicted the functional connectivity between Corbett and Rajaji which is crucial to maintain gene flow in the larger landscape.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Howard, W. E., Innate and environmental dispersal of individual vertebrates. Am. Midl. Nat., 1960, 63, 152–161. Greenwood, P. J., Mating systems, philopatry and dispersal in birds and mammals. Anim. Behav., 1980, 28(4), 1140–1162.
Literature cited 2: Travis, J. M. et al., Dispersal and species’ responses to climate change. Oikos, 2013, 122(11), 1532–1540. Habib, B., Ghaskadbi, P., Khan, S., Hussain, Z. and Nigam, P., Not a cakewalk: insights into movement of large carnivores in human dominated landscapes in India. Ecol. Evol., 2021

ID: 66365
Title: Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles through green route and its application in methylene blue dye degradation
Author: Jayant K. Jogi , S. K. Singhal, Ravindra Jangir , Ashish Tanna , Sangita Chavda , Nikesh Shah , Madan Singh and Divya N. Panchotia
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1133-1136 10 June (2025)
Subject: Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles through green route and its application in methylene blue dye degradation
Keywords: Green synthesis, nanoparticles, photocatalysis, X-ray techniques.
Abstract: Zinc oxide nanomaterial, called ‘ZnO-G’ was synthesised by sol–gel auto combustion method using lemon juice. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction along with Rietveld refinement validated the single-phased hexagonal structure with P63mc wurtzite space group. The estimated average crystallite size of ZnO-G by Williamson–Hall plot was 24 nm and obtained particle size from field emission scanning electron microscopy was 70 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the purity of ZnO-G. In the presence of sunlight, maximum photodegradation (94%) of methylene blue dye was obtained by employing ZnO-G because of photo-induced charge carriers in conduction and valence bands.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Arulraj, A., Senthil, T. S., Mangalaraja, R. V., Anitha, R. and Vijayalakshmi, V., Improved photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue dye using ZnO NPs. Mater. Lett., 2024, 362, 136176. Mir, N., Salavati-Niasari, M. and Davar, F., Preparation of ZnO nanoflowers and Zn glycerolate nanoplates using inorganic precursors via a convenient rout and application in dye sensitized solar cells. Chem. Eng. J., 2012, 181–182, 779–789.
Literature cited 2: Özgür, Ü., Hofstetter, D. and Morkoç, H., ZnO devices and applications: a review of current status and future prospects. Proc. IEEE, 2010, 98, 1255–1268. Salavati-Niasari, M., Davar, F. and Khansari, A., Nanosphericals and nanobundles of ZnO: synthesis and characterization. J. Alloys Compd., 2011, 509, 61–65.

ID: 66364
Title: Characterisation of plant–pathogenic fungal associate from an invasive ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus) infesting rubber plantations of South India
Author: Aathira Pratap, Jithu Unni Krishnan, Prem Das Shanmughan and Murali Revanasiddappa
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1126-1132 10 June (2025)
Subject: Characterisation of plant–pathogenic fungal associate from an invasive ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus) infesting rubber plantations of South India
Keywords: Ambrosia beetles, Fusarium ambrosium, Fusarium solani, Hevea brasiliensis, mutualistic fungus.
Abstract: Ambrosia beetle infestations in rubber plantations of northern Kerala caused rapid tree decline, impacting farmers significantly. The present study focused on isolating and identifying fungal strains associated with Euplatypus parallelus, a recently reported invasive pest in rubber trees. Two fungal associates, Fusarium solani and Fusarium ambrosium, were identified. While F. Solani is a major sporulating plant pathogen; this marks its first report from adult E. parallelus beetles. Phytopathogenicity tests confirmed both isolates as pathogenic to rubber, with F. solani exhibiting higher virulence. The findings emphasise the need for stringent phytosanitary measures to prevent the spread of this infestation to other regions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: National Rubber Policy (NRP)-Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, 2019. Rubber Board of India – Annual Report 2022–2023.
Literature cited 2: Hiremath, S. R. and Prathapan, K. D., First report of the invasive South American pinhole borer, Euplatypus parallelus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae), on rubber in India. Coleopt. Bull., 2019, 73(3), 714; https://doi.org/10.1649/0010065x73.3.714. Hulcr, J., Atkinson, T. H., Cognato, A. I., Jordal, B. H. and McKenna, D. D., Morphology, taxonomy, and phylogenetics of bark beetles. In Elsevier eBooks, 2015, pp. 41–84; https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12- 417156-5.00002-2

ID: 66363
Title: Heat-induced changes in bioactive compounds of colourful potato varieties
Author: Bandan, Vineet Sharma , S. K. Luthra , R. K. Singh , Dinesh Kumar and Brajesh 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. 128 (11) 1120-1125 10 June (2025)
Subject: Heat-induced changes in bioactive compounds of colourful potato varieties
Keywords: Ascorbic acid, carotenoids, heat treatment, phenols, potato
Abstract: The present study aims to evaluate the effects of two different cooking methods and flesh colour on the retention of carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and total antioxidants in potato. Additionally, the study assesses the biochemical changes occurring in potatoes with and without peel to determine their impact on nutrient retention. Tubers with white skin and white flesh contained low amounts of antioxidant activity, whereas tubers with yellow flesh, red and purple skin and/or flesh exhibited high concentrations of antioxidants. The highest levels of antioxidant activity were observed in potatoes prepared using steam boil. Colored potatoes, particularly those with red or purple skin and/or flesh, exhibited higher concentrations of phenolic and antioxidant activity compared to white and yellow var
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Teucher, B., Olivares, M. and Cori, H., Enhancers of iron absorption: ascorbic acid and other organic acids. Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res., 2004, 76, 403–419. Stintzing, F. C. and Carle, R., Functional properties of anthocyanins and betalains in plants, food, and human nutrition. Trends Food Sci. Technol., 2004, 15, 19–38.
Literature cited 2: Xu, H. et al., Anti-breast-cancer activity exerted by β-sitosterol-dglucoside from sweet potato via upregulation of MicroRNA-10a and via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. J. Agric. Food Chem., 2018, 66(37), 9704–9718. Donado-Pestana, C. M., Salgado, J. M., de Oliveira Rios, A., dos Santos, P. R. and Jablonski, A., Stability of carotenoids, total phenolics and in vitro antioxidant capacity in the thermal processing of orangefleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivars grown in Brazil. Plant Foods Hum. Nutr., 2012, 67(3), 262–270.

ID: 66362
Title: Unravelling the therapeutic potential of Dioscorea deltoidea against breast cancer: a combinational approach via network pharmacology and molecular docking
Author: Anuradha and Navneeta Bharadvaja
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1112-1119 10 June (2025)
Subject: Unravelling the therapeutic potential of Dioscorea deltoidea against breast cancer: a combinational approach via network pharmacology and molecular docking
Keywords: Dioscin, Dioscorea deltoidea, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, network pharmacology
Abstract: Dioscorea deltoidea, a tuberous plant which is extensively grown in tropical and subtropical climates, has a wide array of therapeutic uses. The therapeutical potential of D. deltoidea was further explored by the interaction of different phytocompounds and multiple signalling pathways associated with breast cancer using a network pharmacology approach involving preliminary screening of active phytocompounds, target prediction, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes/Gene Ontology pathway enrichment and molecular docking and results were further validated by the molecular dynamics simulation study. The present article provides a detailed insight into the action mechanism of D. deltoidea against breast cancer via network pharmacology and molecular docking thus, deciphering the therapeutic potential of D. deltoidea against breast cancer.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Zugazagoitia, J., Guedes, C., Ponce, S., Ferrer, I., Molina-Pinelo, S. and Paz-Ares, L., Current challenges in cancer treatment. Clin. Ther. 2016, 38(7), 1551–1566; doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2016.03.026. Harbeck, N., Breast cancer is a systemic disease optimally treated by a multidisciplinary team. Nat. Rev. Dis. Primers, 2020, 6, 30; doi: 10.1038/s41572-020-0167-z
Literature cited 2: Sedeta, E. T., Jobre, B. and Avezbakiyev, B., Breast cancer: Global patterns of incidence, mortality, and trends. J. Clin. Oncol., 2023, 41(16_suppl), 10528; Sudan J. Health Sci.+3. Burguin, A., Diorio, C. and Durocher, F., Breast cancer treatments: updates and new challenges. J. Pers. Med. 2021, 11(8), 808; doi: 10.3390/jpm11080808.

ID: 66361
Title: Momordica cymbalaria: an untapped hidden nutritional treasure of semi-arid Vertisols
Author: N. M. Anusha, M. N. Ramesha* , B. Krishna Rao and K. N. Ravi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1108-1111 10 June (2025)
Subject: Momordica cymbalaria: an untapped hidden nutritional treasure of semi-arid Vertisols
Keywords: Crop production, karchikai, semi-arid Vertisols, sustainability, underutilised vegetab
Abstract: Hot arid and semi-arid regions are often characterised by scarcity of food resources, and the need for characterising climate-resilient crops is paramount. In such environments, the cultivation of underutilised crops can offer a sustainable solution to enhance food security and build resilience against climate variability. The Momordica cymbalaria Hook f. is one such least concerned, minor and underexploited tuberforming cucurbit member of the family Cucurbitaceae, native to the Western and Eastern Ghats of India. The fruits have good medicinal and nutritional values. The fruits and tubers are used in traditional medicine and as a vegetable food by the tribal farmers. Plants are propagated by round, oval seeds with hypogeal germination, and tubers are also used for the multiplication of plants. This crop is well suited to the semi-arid soil types prevalent in many regions of India and has natural adaptations to survive and thrive in such challenging conditions, making it an ideal candidate for cultivation in these areas under a climate change scenario. Hence, this underutilised vegetable needs to be conserved and popularised among farmers for sustainability and nutritional security.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: POWO, Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl ex Naudin. In Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK, 2024; http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/ (accessed on 06 April 2024). Chinthan, K. N., Manjunathagowda, D. C., Rathod, V., Devan, S. R. and Anjanappa, M., Karchikai (Momordica cymbalaria Hook f.): an untapped cucurbit indigenous to India. Genet. Resour. Crop Evol., 2021, 68, 3427–3433.
Literature cited 2: Bharathi, L. K., Munshi, A. D., Behera, T. K., Joseph John, K., Bhat, K. V. and Sidhu, A. S., Morphological relationship among the Momordica species of Indian occurrence. Indian J. Genet. Plant Breed., 2013, 73(3), 278–286. Bharathi, L. K. et al., Cytotaxonomical analysis of Momordica L. (Cucurbitaceae) species of Indian occurrence. J. Genet., 2011, 90(1), 21–30; https://doi.org/10.1007/s12041-011-0026-5.

ID: 66360
Title: A comprehensive review on the utilisation of layered materials as sensors
Author: Hemanga Jyoti Sarmah
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1101-1107 10 June (2025)
Subject: A comprehensive review on the utilisation of layered materials as sensors
Keywords: 2D materials, bio-molecule sensor, gas sensor, humidity sensor, limit of detection, pH sensor, sensitivity
Abstract: A sensor is a device which can detect and determine the quantity of presence of a selected target. Layered nanomaterials, i.e., the materials in one-dimensional confined form, are rapidly used as sensors due to their large surface area. Graphene and its derivatives, transition metal dichalcogenides, phosphene, boron nitride, different hetero-structures, etc., have been found suitable for sensing applications. To date, gas sensors, biomolecule sensors, humidity sensors, pH sensors, etc., are being fabricated using different layered materials.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anichini, C., Czepa, W., Pakulski, D., Aliprandi, A., Ciesielski, A. and Samorì, P., Chemical sensing with 2D materials. Chem. Soc. Rev., 2018, 47(13), 4860-4908. Rout, C. S., Late, D. J. and Morgan, H. (eds), Fundamentals and sensing applications of 2D materials. Woodhead Publishing, 2019, pp. 5-23
Literature cited 2: Donarelli, M. and Ottaviano, L., 2D materials for gas sensing applications: a review on graphene oxide, MoS2, WS2 and phosphorene. Sensors, 2018, 18(11), 3638. Fraden, J., Handbook of Modern Sensors: Physics, Designs, and Applications, Springer, Cham, 2010, pp. 1-681

ID: 66359
Title: Igniting India’s fusion future
Author: D. Raju , I. Bandyopadhyay and D. K. Aswal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1090-1100 10 June (2025)
Subject: Igniting India’s fusion future
Keywords: Digital twin, fusion energy, ITER, national fusion mission, tokamak
Abstract: Nuclear fusion, the process powering stars, holds immense potential as a sustainable energy source with minimal radioactive waste. India, with its strong foundation in nuclear fission, is strategically advancing fusion research through tokamak experiments (ADITYA-U, SST-1) and major contributions to the international experimental thermonuclear reactor (ITER). The present article outlines India’s fusion roadmap, emphasising key challenges in plasma confinement, tritium breeding and reactor materials. In a phased approach, we propose to build and operate a steady-state deuterium-tritium fusion reactor called SST-Bharat as an intermediate fusion device, whose primary objective would be to demonstrate fusion power production with a net energy gain in steady-state power plant-like scenarios, as well as test tritium breeding and fissile blankets. Thereafter, we shall launch the project to construct an indigenous DEMOnstration reactor (fusion power plant), also known as DEMO, reactor to be commissioned by 2060 for net energy supply to the grid. DEMO may be chosen either as a fusion-fission hybrid reactor or a pure fusion reactor, depending on the success of the R&D in SST-Bharat. The integration of digital twins, advanced superconducting magnets and strategic industry partnerships will be crucial. By prioritising innovation, policy support and international collaboration, India can transition from experimental fusion research to scalable power generation, aligning with its Net Zero 2070 commitment. The time to ignite India’s fusion energy future is now.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aswal, D. K. and Chandra, A., Key drivers for achieving India’s 100 GW nuclear power ambition. Curr. Sci., 2024, 127(4), 393-395. Ministry of Finance, Summary of Union Budget 2025–26. Press Information Bureau, New Delhi; https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx? -PRID=2098352 (accessed on 21 February 2025)
Literature cited 2: Cowley, S. C., The quest for fusion power. Nat. Phys., 2016, 12, 384- 386. Kaw, P. K., Fusion power, who needs it?!. Curr. Sci., 1993, 65(1), 20-25

ID: 66358
Title: Co-shear slipped s-type flanking structure within Precambrian gneisses from the western edge of Western Dharwar Craton
Author: Aditya U. Joshi Preethiga. A Parita Gorania, M. A. Limaye
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1075-1077 10 June (2025)
Subject: Co-shear slipped s-type flanking structure within Precambrian gneisses from the western edge of Western Dharwar Craton
Keywords: None
Abstract: A host fabric element is a gneissosity fabric present in a rock, which gets sheared to produce normal or reverse drag/slip of the pre-existing fabric. The shearing over the host fabric element is coined as cross-cutting elements. The resultant structure developed due to this phenomenon is termed a flanking structure1 . The flanking structures range from micro to mega-scale in size1,2, and their nomenclature depends on their geometry, viz., ‘s’, ‘a’, ‘n-type’ and ‘shear bands’3,4. Where s-type is the deflection in the rock fabric characterised by s-shaped curvature developed alongside a vein or fault indicating sinistral shear sense5 , a-type are similar folds depicted by a-shaped geometry usually showing dextral shear sense5 and n-type shows deflection in a concave geometry indicating a normal sense of shear1 . These flanking structures are valuable for interpreting shear sense, strain and vorticity in deformed regions
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Passchier, C. W., Flanking structures. J. Struct. Geol., 2001, 23, 951-962. Mukherjee, S. and Koyi, H. A., Flanking microstructures. Geol. Mag., 2009, 146, 517–526.
Literature cited 2: Grasemann, B., Stüwe, K. and Vannay, J. C., Sense and non-sense of shear in flanking structures. J. Struct. Geol., 2003, 25, 19–34. Exner, U., Mancktelow, N. S. and Grasemann, B., Progressive development of s-type flanking folds in simple shear. J. Struct. Geol., 2004, 26, 2191-2201.

ID: 66357
Title: A circular bio-economical
Author: Ramamoorthy, Navnit Kumar; Chanda, Prakriti; Venkateswara Sarma, Vemuri
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1073-1074 10 June (2025)
Subject: A circular bio-economical
Keywords: None
Abstract: India, with its ∼80% contribution to global agricultural produce, continues to hold the glory of being one among the top five agricultural nations1 . The Indian agricultural sector, employing ∼60% of the nation’s workforce2 , is ∼75% constituted by the economically weak3 marginal farmers4 . Despite the rising cases of ∼10,000 annual farmer suicides, they annually contribute ∼17% of the nation’s GDP4 . Such suicides could be attributed to rejections of indigenous produce5 , improper reach of governmental policies/funds to rural areas6, 7, and lack of funds to hire/rent and operate modern agricultural equipment6, 8. Since the harvest itself is tedious9 , the pollutionfree stubble management practices, despite ∼50–80% governmentalsubsidy, are avoided7 . Contrarily, the stubble/remnants are burnt8, 10, which is an offence under the Indian Penal Code’s Section 188 (ref. 11); the practice is widespread in regions around Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The aftermaths include: poor air quality index, reduced soil fertility, increased soil erosion12 and levels of (in million tonnes): CO2 – 150; CO – 9; SOx – 0.25; particulate emissions – 1; carbon soot – 0.5 (ref. 11); CH4 – hydrocarbons
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: 1. Privacy Shield Framework, 2023; https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/article?id= India-Agricultural-Sector (accessed on 27 November 2023) Krishnan, M., Made for Minds, 2022; https://www.dw.com/en/india-why-aresuicides-among-farmers-on-the-increase/a62991022 (accessed on 27 November 2023)
Literature cited 2: Ramamoorthy, N. K., Vengadesan, V., Pallam, R. B., Sadras, S. R., Sahadeven, R. and Sarma, V. V., Prep. Biochem. Biotechnol., 2023, 53(8), 954–967; https://doi.org/10.1080/10826068.2022. 2162922. Mitra, 2023; https://mitraweb.in/blogs/theways-to-improve-condition-of-farmer-inindia/ (accessed on 27 November 2023

ID: 66356
Title: Microplastics in human tissues: a growing concern
Author: V. Shree Yazhini
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (11) 1067-1068 10 June (2025)
Subject: Microplastics in human tissues: a growing concern
Keywords: None
Abstract: Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in size that cause environmental and health concerns. The study of microplastics began in the early 2000s when researchers first identified these tiny particles in the ocean. Initially, the focus was on understanding their environmental impact on marine ecosystems, where plastic debris was causing widespread harm to aquatic life. With time, scientists realised that the issue extended far beyond the oceans. Evidence of microplastics was found in the air, soil and food products, which led to further investigation into the exposure of human populations. This raises alarms about potential long-term health effects1 . These particles come from everyday sources like contaminated food, water and air. Microplastics are common contaminants in urban environments.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Grzelak, A., J. Educ. Health Sport, 2024, 75, 56606. Lee, Y., Cho, J., Sohn, J. and Kim, C., Yonsei Med. J., 2023, 64, 301–308.
Literature cited 2: Roslan, N. S., Lee, Y. Y., Ibrahim, Y. S., Anuar, S. T., Yusof, K. M. K. K., Lai, L. A. and Brentnall, T., J. Glob. Health, 2024, 14, 04179. Preda, O. T., Vlasceanu, A. M., Andreescu, C. V., Tsatsakis, A., Mezhuev, Y., Negrei, C. and Baconi, D. L., Toxics, 2024, 12 (10), 730.