ID: 63025
Title: Applications of two-dimensional seismic tomography for subsurface cavity and dissolution features detection under Doon valley, NW Himalaya
Author: A. K. Mahajan
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 962-969 (2018)
Subject: Applications of two-dimensional seismic tomography for subsurface cavity and dissolution features detection under Doon valley, NW Himalaya
Keywords: Caverns and palaeo-channels, Dehradun Fan, dissolution features, multichannel analysis of surface waves, sub-surface investigations.
Abstract: The presence of natural voids, cavities and paleochannels under the surface hinders the extension of urbanization particularly in the new upcoming cities in the frontal part of the Himalaya. The Doon valley is
characterized by such features. In this context, multichannel analysis of surface waves technique is used as a cost-effective solution for investigating subsurface cavities, voids, shallow weathered zones and dissolution features in the Doon valley, NW Himalaya. Given the sensitivity of the deduced shear wave velocity to lithology, clast composition, degree of saturation,
velocity distribution to a target depth of 40–50 m is a useful guide to demarcate different erosional/ dissolution features, cavities and palaeo-channels. 2D shear wave velocity data sets have been acquired
along several profiles in the upcoming region of the Doon valley. Data processing has been carried out at 50 sites and shear wave velocity and profiles were validated taking into account field observations and
bore hole data. The subsurface karst features or palaeo-channels are always a matter of concern to engineers before any development starts, because these
features could cause subsidence in the region. Anomalies, that include caverns, dissolution features, and erosional channels etched into the Dehradun Fan sediments at shallow depth, have effectively been identified in the 2D shear wave velocity (Vs) field from >50 sites. The subsurface architecture further suggests variation in tectono-climatic condition and shifting of
provenance during the fan building processes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Thakur, V. C. and Pandey, A. K., Late quaternary tectonic evolution of Dun in fault bend/propagated fold system, Garhwal Sub Himalaya. Curr. Sci., 2004, 87, 1567–1576.
Thakur, V. C., Pandey, A. K. and Suresh, N., Late Quaternary–Holocene evolution of dun structure and the Himalayan Frontal
Fault zone of the Garhwal Sub-Himalaya, NW India. J. Asian Earth Sci., 2007, 29, 305–319
Literature cited 2: Nakata, T., Geomorphic history and crustal movement of the foothills of the Himalayas. Science Report, Tohoku University, Japan, 7th Ser. Geography, 1972, 22, 39–177.
Singh A. K., Prakash B., Mohindra R., Thomas, J. V. and Singvi, A. K., Quaternary alluvial fan sedimentation in the Dehra Dun valley Piggyback basin, NW Himalaya: tectonic and paleoclimatic implications. Basin Res., 2001, 13, 449–471.
ID: 63024
Title: Identification of potential areas for crops
Author: V. Ramamurthy, S. Chattaraj , S. K. Singh and R. P. Yadav
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 955-961 (2018)
Subject: Identification of potential areas for crops
Keywords: Potential areas, commodity specific zones/ areas, relative spread index, relative yield index, land use policy.
Abstract: Identification and delineation of potential areas for different crops, both at country and state level by using available legacy data assumes importance, in order to preserve and conserve these areas to feed the increasing population and future generations. In this direction, a new integrated approach has been developed to identify potential areas for different crops
and the same has been validated. Identifying and delineating commodity specific areas/zones, would help in
enhancing the productivity and profitability and framing of land use policies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: GoI, ‘Land Use Statistics at a Glance 2003–04 to 2012–13’ Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, New Delhi, May 2015.
Sanbagavalli, S., Rohini, A., Ganesan, K. and Balasubramanian, T. N., Efficient cropping zones - decadal analysis for major crops
in Tamil Nadu. Indian J. Agric. Res., 2002, 36(4), 227–233.
Literature cited 2: Koppad, M. B. and Khan, H. S. S., Farming systems, 1996, 12,1–4.
Riquier, J., Bramo, D. and Cornel, J. F., A new system of soil appraisal in terms of actual and potential productivity, FAO – AGL-TESR/70/6, Rome, 1970.
ID: 63023
Title: Cotton crop in changing climate
Author: A. Shikha , P. Maharana, K. K. Singh, A. P. Dimri and R. Niwas
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 948-954 (2018)
Subject: Cotton crop in changing climate
Keywords: Cotton, irrigation, temperature, water.
Abstract: Cotton is a major cash crop of global significance. It has a peculiar and inherent growth pattern with coinciding physiological growth stages. This study is based upon modelling and simulation for Hisar region. Stage-wise water stress has been quantified for three Bt-cotton cultivars with three sowing dates under both
irrigated and non-irrigated (rainfed) conditions to assess the most sensitive stage. As per model output, it was observed that, at some stages stress value during
excess years remains below 0.3 which is characterized as mild stress, in contrast with drought years where it is above 0.3, impacting potential crop productivity.
Thus, rainfall impacts the productivity of cotton even in irrigated semi-arid region. Irrigation measures practiced, could partially alleviate influence of stress.
Also, early sowing is found beneficial. The most water-sensitive period is ball formation and maturity stage followed by flowering stage.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chapin III, F. S., Environmental controls overgrowth of tundra plants. In Proceedings of Symposium of Research in Arctic Life and Earth Sciences: Present Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Ecological Bulletins, No. 38, 1987, pp. 69–76.
Guinn, G., Hormonal relations during reproduction. In Cotton Physiology (eds Mauney, J. R. and Stewart, J. McD.), The Cotton Foundation, Memphis, TN, USA, 1986, pp. 113–136.
Literature cited 2: Hearn, A. B. and Constable, G. A., Irrigation for crops in a subhumid environment VII. Evaluation of irrigation strategies for
cotton. Irrig. Sci., 1984, 5(2), 75–94.
Kramer, P. J., Drought, stress, and the origin of adaptations. Adaptation of plants to water and high temperature stress. 1980, pp.
7–20.
ID: 63022
Title: Agronomic biofortification of zinc in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Author: Arvind Kumar, Manas Denre and Ruplal Prasad
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 944-948 (2018)
Subject: Agronomic biofortification of zinc in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Keywords: Agronomic, biofortification, Triticum aestivum L., red and lateritic soil, zinc deficiency
Abstract: Zinc malnutrition poses a major health issue for human beings globally. Agronomic bio-fortification explores the feasibility to control the zinc deficiency related disorders of the human population. Field experiment was conducted in a red and lateritic soil of
Ranchi on 23 wheat cultivars with soil and foliar applications of ZnSO4 ⋅ 7H2O. Zinc content of wheat grain increased from 38.86 to 77.17 mg/kg with soil application and to 76.49 mg/kg with soil + foliar application of Zn. Total Zn uptake by wheat (grain +straw) cultivars with soil + foliar application of Zn was significantly higher in short (933 g/ha) and long (960 g/ha) duration cultivars compared to that with soil application. Apparent Zn recovery in wheat also improved with soil + foliar application of Zn fertilizer, suggested that agronomic bio-fortification of zinc is
possible in wheat and can prevent Zn malnutrition in human beings to a considerable extent.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hotz, C. and Brown, K. H., Assessment of the risk of zinc deficiency in populations and options for its control. Food Nutr. Bull.,
2004, 25, S91–S204.
Stein, A. J., Global impacts of human mineral malnutrition. Plant Soil, 2010, 335, 133–154.
Literature cited 2: Alloway, B. J., Zinc in Soils and Crop Nutrition, International Zinc Association, Brussels and International Fertilizer Industry Association, Paris, 2008, 2nd edn.
Cakmak, I., Enrichment of cereal grains with zinc: agronomic or genetic bio-fortification? Plant Soil, 2008, 302, 1–17.
ID: 63021
Title: Evaluation of school backpack prototype-based on gait parameters, energy expenditure and posture of students
Author: Ishant Gupta, Parveen Kalra and Rauf Iqbal
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 930-936 (2018)
Subject: Evaluation of school backpack prototype-based on gait parameters, energy expenditure and posture of students
Keywords: Backpack design, trunk angle, natural spine, school children, back pain
Abstract: Carrying of backpacks by school going children leads to postural and gait adaptations, leading to falls, imbalances, low back pain and musculoskeletal disorders. This study examined gait parameters, posture and energy expenditure differences between the modified backpack (MBP) and the existing backpacks (EBPs) in school students. Using portable gait system, 26 healthy participants performed the trials with
three loading conditions of 10%, 20% and 30% of their body weight (BW) with the two different categories of backpacks. There was significant difference in cadence, double support time, ground impact, energy
expenditure and anterior lean angle between no-load condition and the backpacks. Relative to the no-load
condition, energy expenditure (EE) increased by 4.26 cal/min, and anterior lean angle (ALA) increased by 6.90° for the EBPs at 30% load condition whereas EE increased by 2.83 calories/min and ALA by 4.43°
in case of MBP at 30% condition. The results indicate that parameters recorded while carrying MBP resembled the those recorded during no-load condition. The erect posture, natural gait patterns and reduction in energy consumption supported by the MBP may thus reduce the causes of back pain and fatigue among school children.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: MHRD, 2013; http://mhrd.gov.in/Department of School Education and Literacy/AR2015-16.pdf
Forjuoh, S. N., Lane, B. L. and Schuchmann, J. A., Percentage of body weight carried by students in their school backpacks. Am.
J. Phys. Med. Rehabil., 2003, 82, 261–266.
Literature cited 2: Goodgold, S., Corcoran, M., Gamache, D., Gillis, J., Guerin, J. and Coyle, J. Q., Backpack use in children. Pediatr. Phys. Ther., 2002, 14, 122–131.
Grimmer, K. and Williams, M., Gender-age environmental associates of adolescent low back pain. Appl. Ergon., 2000, 31, 343–360.
ID: 63020
Title: Understanding sea ice melting via functional data analysis
Author: Purba Das, Ananya Lahiri and Sourish Das
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 920-929 (2018)
Subject: Understanding sea ice melting via functional data analysis
Keywords: Arctic ocean, bootstrap and confidence band, mean function, sea ice extent, Southern Ocean.
Abstract: We have addressed the problem of sea ice extent (SIE) melting for Arctic and Southern Ocean. The ‘satellite passive microwave remote sensing data’ for daily SIE over a year has been considered as a smooth continuous function, called functional
data. The analysis of the mean function of SIE over the different year-blocks and 95% bootstrap confidence bands for Arctic Ocean shows a statistically significant drop in SIE. Additional evidence of SIE melting in the Arctic Ocean is provided through phase
plane analysis. During the summer, the SIE is observed about 30% less in the current year-block than that of the first year-block.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ramsay, J. O. and Silverman, B. W., Functional Data Analysis, Springer, 2nd edn, 2005.
Wang, J.-L., Chiou, J.-M. and Müller, H.-G., Functional data analysis. Ann. Rev. Stat. Appl., 2016, 3, 257–295.
Literature cited 2: Ramsay, J. O. and Silverman, B. W., Applied Functional Data Analysis: Methods and Case Studies, Springer, 2002, 2nd edn.
Parkinson, C. L., Cavalieri, D. J., Gloersen, P., Zwally, H. J. and Comiso, J. C., Arctic Sea ice extents, areas, and trends 1978–1996.
J. Geophys. Res. Oceans, 1999, 104, 20837–20856.
ID: 63019
Title: Capturing richness-independent phylogenetic diversity and testing surrogates in woody plant communities
Author: B. Divya and K. Praveen Karanth
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 910-919 (2018)
Subject: Capturing richness-independent phylogenetic diversity and testing surrogates in woody plant communities
Keywords: Biodiversity, community phylogenetics, conservation, deciduous forest.
Abstract: Phylogenetic diversity (PD) indices quantify the evolutionary history of a community. Studies have shown how decoupling between taxon richness (TR) and PD
provides useful insights into biodiversity. The present study on three dry deciduous forest patches (Nandi, Savandurga and Devarayandurga) shows such decoupling patterns. Our analysis of unique (endemic)
taxa revealed that whereas the high PD in Nandi was contributed largely by its unique taxa which were composed of different evolutionary lineages, unique taxa in Savandurga contributed negatively due to
highly shared lineages. Also, the use of higher-level TR did not provide an adequate surrogate for PD. We, therefore, propose the use of an integrative approach
(both TR and PD) to quantify biodiversity for gaining better insights into the composition and evolutionary history of a community.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hawksworth, D. L., Biodiversity: Measurement and Estimation,Springer Science and Business Media, 1995.
Benn, J., UNEP, What is biodiversity? United Nations Environment Program
Literature cited 2: Brooks, T. M. et al., Global biodiversity conservation priorities. Science, 2006, 313, 58–61.
Maclaurin, J. and Sterelny, K., What is Biodiversity? University of Chicago Press, 2008.
ID: 63018
Title: A simple method for the separation and detection of trace levels of buprofezin, flubendiamide and imidacloprid by NP-HPTLC and RP-HPTLC
Author: B. Nareshkumar, Praveen U. Sangnalmath , S. Gayatridevi and K. Sreeramulu
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 895-903 (2018)
Subject: A simple method for the separation and detection of trace levels of buprofezin, flubendiamide and imidacloprid by NP-HPTLC and RP-HPTLC
Keywords: Detection and separation, human toxicity, insecticides, thin-layer chromatography.
Abstract: A study was undertaken to evaluate the retention (RF and RM) and separation (ΔRF, Rα F, α and RS) of buprofezin (B), flubendiamide (F) and imidacloprid (I)
using n-hexane-acetone (6.5 : 3.5 v/v) in the case of NPHPTLC and methanol-water (8 : 2 v/v) for RP-HPTLC as mobile phase. The study revealed that increasing the acetone content in NP-HPTLC and decreasing the
water content in RP-HPTLC resulted in high resolution with increase in RF values for B, F and I. ΔRF > 0.04 and RS > 1.5 were achieved for all pairs of compounds (ΔRF(B–F) = 0.35, ΔRF(F–I) = 0.19, ΔRF(B–I) =
0.54, RS(B–F) = 4.12, RS(F–I) = 7.34, RS(B–I) = 2.02 using NP-HPTLC; ΔRF(F–B) = 0.23, ΔRF(I–F) = 0.26, ΔRF(I–B) = 0.49, RS(F–B) = 2.63, RS(I–F) = 2.97, RS(I–B) = 5.92 using
RP-HPTLC). Imidacloprid was adsorbed strongly on NP-HPTLC layer and buprofezin on RP-HPTLC layer, as indicated by their high RM values. The maximum absorption of UV for B, F and I was found to be
252, 242 and 276 nm respectively. Stability analysis indicated that these compounds were stable up to 6 h in methanol and on the plates (NP-HPTLC and RPHPTLC layers). This protocol is useful for toxicologists to detect a mixture of these insecticides in forensic as well as environmental samples.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Deborah, B. V., Mohiddin, M. J. and Madhuri, R. J., Interaction effects of selected pesticides on soil enzymes. Toxicol. Int., 2013, 20, 195–200.
Kumar, A., Verma, A. and Kumar, A., Accidental human poisoning with a neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid: a rare case report from rural India with a brief review of literature. Egypt. J. Forensic. Sci., 2013, 3, 123–126
Literature cited 2: Buckingham, S. D., Lapied, B., Corronc Le, H., Grolleau F. and Stattelle, D. B., Imidacloprid action on insect neuronal acetylcholine receptors. J. Exp. Biol., 1997, 200, 2685–2692.
Izawa, Y., Uchida, M. and Yasui, M., Mode of action of buprofezin on the twenty-eight-spotted ladybird, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Fabricius. Agric. Biol. Chem., 1986, 50(5), 1369–
11371.
ID: 63017
Title: Delineation of subtle and obscure structures in West Bengal Shelf: a remote sensing and GIS-based parallel approach
Author: Subhobroto Mazumder, Kalyan Adhikari , Durga Shanker Mitra, Samiran Mahapatra and Krishan Kumar Singh Pangtey
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 874-885 (2018)
Subject: Delineation of subtle and obscure structures in West Bengal Shelf: a remote sensing and GIS-based parallel approach
Keywords: Geological domain, hydrocarbon, seismic exploration, subsurface structures.
Abstract: In the West Bengal part of the Bengal Basin, even after five decades of seismic-based hydrocarbon exploration no commercial finds have been identified. Deep drilling revealed the presence of hydrocarbon
within the thick sedimentary sequence ranging from Gondwana to Recent. However, well-defined structures suitable for hydrocarbon pool in shallower sediments are apparently not visible in seismic data. In this article, a parallel approach to seismic exploration
has been attempted to delineate shallow and subtle structures in the shelf area based on analysis of surface geomorphic data. The study identifies subtle structures in shallow sediments that entrap the remigrated hydrocarbons as well as envisages a multistoried, stacked model of hydrocarbon accumulations in the area. These areas are considered as promising targets and recommended for high-resolution seismic
and close grid micro-gravity exploration survey for further detailing.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mukherjea, A. and Neogi, B. B., Status of exploration in Bengal Basin, West Bengal, India. In Proceedings of the 2nd Seminar on Petroliferous Basins of India, KDM Institute of Petroleum Exploration, Dehradun, 1993, pp. 93–119.
Babu, P. V. L. P., A review of oil and gas prospects of west Bengal-based on photogeological studies. Photonirvachak, 1976, IV (1 and 2), 1–13.
Literature cited 2: Agarwal, R. P. and Mitra, D. S., Paleogeographic reconstruction
of Bengal Delta during Quaternary period. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, 1991, 22, 13–24.
Das, D. K., Majumdar, J. P. and Ganguly, A., Evolution of landscapes in the Calcutta–Sunderban coastal areas of South Bengal,
India. Proc. Indian Natl. Sci. Acad., 1985, 94(3), 143–152
ID: 63016
Title: Rehabilitation device supporting active and passive upper limb exercises
Author: Roman Trochimczuk, Tomasz Huścio , Szymon Grymek and Dominika Szalewska
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 868-873 (2018)
Subject: Rehabilitation device supporting active and passive upper limb exercises
Keywords: Mechatronics, positioner, rehabilitation, upper limb.
Abstract: This article presents a mechatronic solution for rehabilitation devices supporting active and passive exercises in persons with motor dysfunctions of the upper limbs in the area of the elbow and shoulder joints. A planar positioner integrated with original software and a control system, served as the basis for creating the present solution. Bellman’s programming method was applied to optimize the motion trajectory of the
planar positioner along with the upper limb undergoing rehabilitation. The design of the planar coordinate positioner and the components of the system for supporting a therapy conducted by a rehabilitation specialist are presented.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kisner, C., Kolby, L. A. and Borstad, J., Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Technique, F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, 2018.
Loureiro, R. C., Harwin, W. S., Nagai, K. and Johnson, M., Advances in upper limb stroke rehabilitation: a technology push.
Med. Biol. Eng. Comp., 2011, 49(10), 1103–1118.
Literature cited 2: Cifu, D. X. and Lew, H. L., Braddom’s Rehabilitation Care. A Clinical Handbook, Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2017.
Jin, X. J., Jun, D. I., Jin, X., Park, S., Park, J. O and Ko, S. Y., Workspace analysis of upper limb for a planar cable-driven parallel robots toward upper limb rehabilitation. In Control, Automation and Systems (ICCAS), 14th International Conference on IEEE,
Seoul, South Korea, 2014, pp. 352–356.
ID: 63015
Title: Fluorosis and iodine deficiency disorders in India
Author: Andezhath K. Susheela
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 860-867 (2018)
Subject: Fluorosis and iodine deficiency disorders in India
Keywords: Amendments, fluoride excess, health issues, iodine deficiency, protocol
Abstract: This review focuses on fluorosis and iodine deficiency disorders, two serious, highly prevalent metabolic disorders that are under-reported. These are caused by the two elements of the halogen family, fluorine and iodine. The former in excess and the latter in deficiency are the cause for concern. Excess fluoride (F–) consumption through untreated groundwater was the
main reason for fluorosis and defluoridation of water was the focus to provide safe water with F– < 1.0 mg/l. On the other hand, iodine deficiency in diet was due to
agricultural crops grown in iodine-deficient soil, and iodization of cooking salt was identified as the way forward to attain iodine sufficiency (i.e. 15 ppm in iodized salt). The two diseases are addressed through structured national programmes, but the implementation unfortunately is in a compartmentalized manner. The major issue is that both F– excess and iodine
deficiency caused goitre. Besides, other disorders identical in clinical manifestations, also occur. This review discusses the issues to address the diseases with better understanding that has emerged from
the scientific information available for correct diagnosis and management of patients in an integrated manner.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Susheela, A. K., Treatise on Fluorosis (ed. Susheela, A. K.), Fluorosis Research and Rural Development Foundation, New Delhi,
2007, 3rd edn.
Pandav, C. S. et al., National Iodine and Salt intake Survey (NISI) 2014–2015: executive summary. Indian coalition for control of
iodine deficiency disorders (ICCIDD) and Indian arm of iodine global network (IGN); AIIMS, New Delhi.
Literature cited 2: Analytical Test Report, Black rock salt. Tested and reported by Sophisticated Instrumentation Centre for Applied Research and Testing (SICART): Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; Sardar Patel Centre for Science & Technology, Charutar Vidya Mandal, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Dist. Anand, Gujarat, India, 2008; http://sicart.ecvm.net (accessed on 10 January 2013).
Hetzel, B. S., Delange, F., Dunn, J. T., Ling, J., Venkatesh, M. and Pandav, C. S., Towards the global elimination of brain damage due to iodine deficiency – a global program for human development with a model applicable to a variety of health, social and
environmental problems. (eds International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. New Delhi), Oxford University
Press, 2004; http://www.iccidd.org/cm_data/hetzel-a-frontpage.pdf
ID: 63014
Title: Attrition of agents in Indian life insurance companies
Author: Neha Chhabra Roy and Samik Shome
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 851-859 (2018)
Subject: Attrition of agents in Indian life insurance companies
Keywords: Agents, attrition index, fuzzy logic approach, innovative conceptual framework, life insurance companies.
Abstract: The insurance industry in India is primarily human-intensive, and the business is managed by a large number of agents or advisors. This article identifies the factors responsible for attrition of individual agents of life insurance companies in India and explores its implications for these companies. The study draws and builds on findings from the primary survey of individual agents and senior officials of public and private life insurance companies in the country. The article posits fuzzy logic theory to estimate the attrition index. Some of the mitigation measures of agent attrition are proposed, which provide an initial assessment of the extent to which these can be applied in the Indian context.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ernst & Young, Insurance industry challenges, reforms and realignment. A report submitted to Confederation of Indian Industry, 2011.
Verma, S., Vij, P. and Gopal, R., Study of attrition of sales force in life insurance sector. IOSR-J. Business Manage., 2010, 18, 58–66.
Literature cited 2: Patnayak, N., Now, agents can shift from one insurer to another. Cafe Mutual, 2016.
Bashir, S. I., Madhavaiah, C. and Naik, J. R. K., Critical analysis of traditional and modern insurance distribution channels in India.
J. Insur. Inst. India, 2013, 9, 59–68.
ID: 63013
Title: Sustainable exploitation of building stone in India – emerging issues
Author: Abhishek Sharma, A. K. Mishra and B. S. Choudhary
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 838-844 (2018)
Subject: Sustainable exploitation of building stone in India – emerging issues
Keywords: Construction aggregates, health, safety, stone quarry, sustainability.
Abstract: Stone aggregates are one of the most important construction materials obtained through conventional mining and crushing of building stones. The construction mining sector is highly unorganized, despite alarm calls raised by individuals and corporates regarding high accident rates and rapidly declining stone deposits. We may soon run out of quality stone deposits to support our
aspiring infrastructure development plans. This article aims to create awareness on the importance of stone quarrying in supporting our infrastructure development plans, challenges faced by this sector, and eliciting appropriate and concrete action plans for the future.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Khaleej Times, cIndian Engineering, 22 November 2016.
Ananthamurthy, B. S. and Sharma, A., Mining for sustainable growth of Indian construction industry. In Proceedings of the Golden Jubilee Seminar on Mining Technology for Sustainable Development, MineTech’11, Raipur, 2011, pp. 29–139.
Literature cited 2: Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, Government of India (GoI). National Electricity Plan 2016, December 2016.
Planning Commission, GoI, Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-2017), Faster. More Inclusive and Sustainable Growth, Vol. I, II, Sage
Publication India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, 2013
ID: 63012
Title: Electronic national agricultural markets: the way forward
Author: A. Amarender Reddy
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 826-837 (2018)
Subject: Electronic national agricultural markets: the way forward
Keywords: Agricultural commodities, commission agents, electronic markets, farmers, traders.
Abstract: The Model Agricultural Produce Marketing Act (APMC Act), 2003, and recent improvements to it through Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitating) Act
(APLM), 2017, provide some hope in increasing efficiency in agricultural markets in India. The Model APLM Act advocates increased competition in the marketplace by allowing private markets, farmers’ markets, and electronic-National Agricultural Markets (eNAM). Under eNAM, the Central Government introduced electronic trading in about 400 APMC markets in 2016 and connected them
through uniform market platform in line with the e-markets of Karnataka introduced in 2012. This article examines experience of e-markets in Karnataka since 2012, with the intention to suggest improvements to eNAM. Results show that e-markets help increase competition, eliminate collusion
among traders resulting in increased farmers’ price and market arrivals. They facilitate competitive bidding and same day payments to farmers. However, there was some resistance from traders and commission agents as they felt that there were no benefits in e-auction compared to physical transactions. In addition, there was fear of taxation of on-line transactions. Aligning interests of all stakeholders, including farmers, traders and commission agents is the biggest hurdle in the implementation of eNAM.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Williamson, O. E., The Economic Institutions of Capitalism, Free Press, New York, USA, 1985.
Kambil, A. and van Heck, E., Reengineering the Dutch flower auctions: a framework for analyzing exchange organizations. Inf. Syst. Res., 1998, 9(1), 1–19
Literature cited 2: Chand, R., e-Platform for National Agricultural Market. Econ. Polit. Wkly., 2016, 51(28), 15–18.
Aggarwal, N., Jain, S. and Narayanan, S., The long road to transformation of agricultural markets in India: lessons from Karnataka
(No. 2016-026). Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, 2016.
ID: 63011
Title: Recent flood event in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India as assessed using remote sensing data
Author: Surajit Ghosh,Raj Kumar, Uttara Pandey, Parul Srivastava, Swapan Mehra
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 821-822 (2018)
Subject: Recent flood event in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India as assessed using remote sensing data
Keywords: Flood event,Kaziranga National Park, Assam,India,Remote Sensing
Abstract: The Brahmaputra basin covers a geographical area of 580,000 km2
, spreading over China, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan. India is the middle riparian country between China and Bangladesh on the Brahmaputra River which originates from the Angsi glacier in Tibet. The catchment of the Brahmaputra within India spreads across the states of Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Nagaland and Sikkim. Flooding is a regular phenomenon in the lower catchment of the Brahmaputra.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: CWC and NRSC. (2014, March); http://
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Kushwaha, S. P. S. et al., Project report,
IIRS/FED/Kaziranga/36/8026/2008
Literature cited 2: Ghosh, S., Nandy, S. and Senthil Kumar,
A., Curr. Sci., 2016, 111(9), 1450–1451.