ID: 62601
Title: Science-based and community-centred approach to restore and sustain mangrove wetlands of India
Author: V.Selvam and P.Thamizoli
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (10) 1288-1296 (2021)
Subject: Science-based and community-centred approach to restore and sustain mangrove wetlands of India
Keywords: Local communities, mangrove restoration, participatory research, science-based approach, tidal flushing, village-level institutions.
Abstract: Mangroves of India remained degraded for many decades and attempts to restore them yielded no appreciable results. Systematic studies revealed for the first time that changes in the biophysical condition due to past unscientific management practices are the real causes of mangrove degradation rather than utilization of mangrove resources by the local communities. Based on this finding, a simple and cost-effective method that improves the soil and hydrological conditions of the degraded areas to support the growth of mangroves has been developed and demonstrated. For up scaling, a community-centred joint mangrove management approach was developed and piloted in major mangroves along the east coast of India. Replication of this approach by government agencies resulted in a large-scale increase in Indian mangrove forest cover. Present issues relating to the participatory management of mangroves are also discussed in this article.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hutchison, J., Spalding, S., and zuErmgassen,P.,The Role of Mangroves in Fisheries Management, University of Cambridge, The Nature Conservancy and Wetlands International, UK, 2014, p.54.
Hunter,W.W., Statistical Account of the Districts of the 24 Parganas and the Sundarbans, Trubner and Co, London, UK, 1875, p.389.
Literature cited 2: Anon, Proceedings o the Mangrove Symposium, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Government of India 1957, p.136.
Swaminathan, M.S and Kesavan, P.C., Agriculture in an era of climate change. Agric. Res., 2012. 1,3-11.
ID: 62600
Title: Challenges and practices for effectual waste management during COVID-19
Author: Simran Ahuja andSanjiv Arora
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (10) 1281-1287 (2021)
Subject: Challenges and practices for effectual waste management during COVID-19
Keywords: Healthcare workers, infectious waste, management and disposal, pandemic
Abstract: Environment al issues have been growing due to the increased use of plastics and follow-up waste generation during the COVID-19 pandemic. To protect the patients, public, healthcare workers and waste management workers, many plastics protective gears are being extensively used throughout the world. These result in an unexpected increase of virus-laden infectious waste that needs to be managed properly. Moreover, during this pandemic period, single-use plastic is also bounced back which could deteriorate our waste management processes. These factors are overwhelming the current waste treatment facilities and the health authorities are making a lot of efforts to ameliorate the waste management process. In this article, information on generated waste, guidelines issued by various countries, and challenges and practices for safe disposal of infectious waste is provided to mitigate such waste management issues in future.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Worldometer, COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, 2021; https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ (accessed on 21 January 2021.)
Maekelae, M.J., Reggev, N. Dutra N., Tamayo, R.M., Silva-Sobrinho, R.A., Klevjer, K. and Pfuhl, G., Perceived efficacy of COVID-19 restriction, reactions and their impact on mental health during the early phase of the outbreak in six countries.R.Soc.Open Sci, 2020, 7; https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.200644-rsos200644.
Literature cited 2: Hantoko, D., Li., X., Pariatamby, A., Yoshikawa, K., Horttanainen, M. and Yan, M., Challenges and practices on waste management and disposal during COVID-19 pandemic. J. Environ. Mange, 2021, 286; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112140.
Infection prevention and control during health care when corona virus disease (COVID-19) is suspected or confirmed. Coronavirus, 2020
ID: 62599
Title: Frullania bolanderi Austin (Marchantiophyta: Jubalaceae), a rare, disjunct liverwort in the Himalaya
Author: Krishna KumarRawat, Vinay Sahu, Ramya Ranjan Paul, Soumit K.Behera
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (10) 1279-1280 (2021)
Subject: Frullania bolanderi Austin (Marchantiophyta: Jubalaceae), a rare, disjunct liverwort in the Himalaya
Keywords: Frullania bolanderi, Marchantiophyta, disjunct liverwort, Himalaya
Abstract: Genus Frullania is represented in India with 72 taxa, including 63 from the Eastern Himalayan localities, thus constituting an important part of the Indian bryoflora. During a recent exploration in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India, few plants of Frullania were identified as Frullania bolanderi Austin. This species has its main distribution in boreal North America and Europe, while in Asia it has been reported from a few localities in Japan and Russia. The species thus shows a trans-oceanic disjunct distribution between North America and Europe. A report of the species from Caucasus indicated that it may have further southward distribution between North America and Europe. A report of the species from Caucasus indicated that it may have further southward distribution. Thus, the present study from the Himalaya extends it range of distribution further southeastwards, possibly attributed to long-range dispersal mechanism as suggested by Frahm.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Singh, D.K., Singh, S.K. and Singh, D., Liverworts and Hornworts’ of India. An Annotated Checklist, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, 2016.
Austin, C.F., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 1870, 21, 218-234.
Literature cited 2: Hong, W.C., Bryologist, 1989, 92 (3), 363-367.
Peters, C.E., and Davidson, P.G., Evansia, 2010, 27 (4) 118-120.
ID: 62598
Title: Understanding the impact of climatological shifts on forest-fire frequency and intensity in Simplipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India
Author: Arghya chakrabarty, Debaaditya Mukhopadhyay, Krishna Giri, Gaurav Mishra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (10) 1278-1279 (2021)
Subject: Understanding the impact of climatological shifts on forest-fire frequency and intensity in Simplipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India
Keywords: Impact of climatological shifts, forest-fire frequency, Intensity, Simplipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India
Abstract: The Simplipal Biosphere Reserve is the second largest biosphere reserve in Asia occupying an area of 5569km2, located between 20°17`-22°34`N and 85°40`-87°10`E in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, India. The Reserve houses 42 species of mammals, including the melanistic tiger (Pantherea tigris), 29 species o reptiles, 231 species of avian fauna,12 species of amphibians and more than 3000 floral species, including 94 species of orchids. The six main forest types in the Reserve are northern tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous hill forests, northern tropical semi-evergreen forests, high-level Sal forests, grasslands and savannah.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bond, W.J. and Keeley, J.E., Trend Ecol.Evol., 2005, 20, 387-394.
Champion, H.G. and Seth, S.K., The Forest Types of India: Revised Survey, Manager of Publication, New Delhi, India, 1968, p.404.
Literature cited 2: Finney, M.A., For. Sci., 2001, 47, 219228.
Pinol, J., Terradas, J. and Lloret, F., Climate Change, 1998, 38, 345-357.
ID: 62597
Title: Occurrence of kornerupine-bearing granulite from Kunjan locality, Salem district, Tmil Nadu, India
Author: D.Prakash, C.K.Singh, R.S.Kumar, R.Yadav, S.K.Rai, M.K.Yadav, Pradip K.SinghandS.Jaiswal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1241-1246 (2021)
Subject: Occurrence of kornerupine-bearing granulite from Kunjan locality, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords: Hydration reactions, kornerupine granulites, metamorphic evolution, mineral assemblages, retrogression texture
Abstract: Kornerupine, although a rare mineral, has been reported from several locations around the world in various types of aluminomagnesian Proterozoic rocks subjected to amphibilite and granulite facies metamorphism. Here we report the occurrence of Kornerupine in quartz-feldspathic gneisses near Kunjan town located in the south-western part of Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India. These kornerupine granulites show well-preserved retrogression texture, involving hydration reactions which helped develop the various mineral assemblages. The common stable assemblage in these granulites is orthopyroxene-cordierite-kornerupine-biotite-spinel-K-feldspar-plagioclase. The P-T conditions of these granulites have been derived using the win TWQ program, which gives results of ~800°C and ~6kbar for kornerupine –bearing assemblage. The high P-T assemblage reported from this area bears a significant relationship with the metamorphic history and exhumation of the Salem-Namakkal block.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: More, P.B. and Bennett, J.B., Kornerpine: its crystal structure .Science, 1968, 159, 524-526.
Grew, E.S., Cooper, M.A. and Howthrone, F.C., Prismatine: revalidation for boron-rich compositions in the kornerupine group.Mineral.Mag. 1996, 60, 483-491.
Literature cited 2: Grew, E.S., Chernosky, J.V., Werding, G., Abraham, K., Marquez, N. and Hinthorne, J.R., Chemistry of kornerupine and associated minerals, a wet chemical , ion microprobe, and x-ray study emphasizing Li, Be, B and F contents. J. Petrol., 1990, 31, 1025-1070.
Carson, C.J., Hand, M. and Dirks, P.H. G.M., Stable coexistence of grandidierite and kornerupine during medium pressure granulite facies metamorphism.Mineral.Mag., 1995, 59,327-339.
ID: 62596
Title: Introduction of Dendrocalamus stocksii (Munro) in the Northwestern Himalayan foothills for sustainable production and resource conservation
Author: R. Kaushal, Tarun Kumar, Avnindra Singh, J.M.S. Tomar, H.Mehta, Manoj Chandran, S.T.S. Lepcha and J.Durai
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1238-1240 (2021)
Subject: Introduction of Dendrocalamus stocksii (Munro) in the Northwestern Himalayan foothills for sustainable production and resource conservation
Keywords: Bamboo, biomass, culm, hydraulic conductivity, rooting intensity
Abstract: The present study evaluates the growth performance and resource conservation attributes of Dendrocalamus stocksii introduced in the Himalayas foothills, India in 2012.The growth and biomass production after seven years were comparable with the growth performance of species in its native region in the Western Ghats. Maximum culm weight of 7.9 kg was recorded in the fifth year. The litterfall reached 8.70 Mg ha-1 in 2019.The basal portion up to 2.25 m was entirely solid after the fifth year of harvesting, which offers a good market potential and a substitute to Dendrocalmus strictus. Studies revealed that about one-third of the root number and root biomass was observed in 0-10 cm soil layer, whereas about 74% of total root number and baout 79% of total root biomass was recorded in the 0-30 cm soil layer. The dense shallow root system can help prevent soil erosion and make the species suitable for the sites having indurate pan at varying depths. Soil hydraulic conductivity and aggregate stability showed marked improvement after six years. Overall, the species can be recommended for large-scale cultivation in the Himalayan foothills.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rane, A.D., Sowmya, C. and Viswanath, S., Culm emergence and soil properties iNDendrocalamus stocksii under different landsuse systems in central Western Ghats. J. Tree Sci., 2014, 33 (2), 48-52.
Rane, A.D., Chandramouli, S. and Viswanath, S., can Dendrocalamus stocksii (Munro) be the ideal multipurpose bamboo species for domestication in peninsular India.J.Bamboo Rattan, 2016, 15 (1-4), 23-32.
Literature cited 2: Viswanath, S. Joshi, G., Somashekhar, P., Rane, A., Chandramouli,S., and Joshi,S., Dendrocalamus stocksiii Munro): A Potential Multipurpose Bamboo Species for Peninsular India, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bengaluru, 2013.
Rane, A.D., Viswanth, S., Sheshshayee, M.S., and Sawardekar, S.V., Population structure of Dendrocalamus stocksii along its geographical distribution. J.Bamboo Rattan, 2019, 18 (3), 44-54.
ID: 62595
Title: Root sucker technique for successful clonal multiplication of Melia dubia Cav.without sacrifice of mother tree
Author: N.S.Thakur, H.T.Hegde, R.S. Chauhan, R.P.Gunaga and D.C. Bhuva
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1235-1237 (2021)
Subject: Root sucker technique for successful clonal multiplication of Melia dubia Cav.without sacrifice of mother tree
Keywords: Clonal propagation, Melia dubia, mother tree, root sucker, superior genotypes
Abstract: Melia dubia Cav. is an important indigenous, short rotation, multipurpose tree, advocated as good raw material for pulp and plywood industries and high-quality timber for various purposes. Multiplication and conservation of its selected superior genotypes are prime challenges in commercial forestry. The present study was conducted to analyse root sucker ability, Roots sections collected during November-December and treated with indole-3 –butyric acid @4000 ppm in nursery best having soil: sand: vermicompost (in the ratio of 2: 1: 1) started juvenile shoots emergence after 30-35 days, with 90% shoot emergence and 85% establishment. No shoot emergence was observed from the root section collected during February-March. The clonal bank established in this process attained a diameter of 5-8 cm (10-12 cm above ground) in one year. The study shows that the ex-situ detached root sucker protocol route can be adopted for cloning M.dubia without sacrificing the superior genotypes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Surendran, C., Parthiban, K.T., Vanangamudi, K.and Balaji, S., Vegetative Propagation of Trees, Principles and Practices, TNAU Press, Coimbatore, 2000, pp.1-154.
Swamy, N.R., Rambabu, M. and Ujwala, D., Clonal propagation of forest tree Gmelia arborea.J.Microbiol.Biotechnol.Res. 2013, 3, 16-18.
Literature cited 2: Zobel, B., kemora, Y.K. and Caminhos, E., Clonal forestry: its impact on tree improvement and our future forests.J.Silvicult., 1983, 8, 226.
Luna, T., Propagation protocol for Aspen using root cuttings. Native Plants. J., 2003, 4, 129-131.
ID: 62594
Title: Specific blasting technique for tunnelling in hot zones
Author: Aditya Rana, N.K.Bhagat, Jitendra Pandey, S.K. Mandal, M.M.Singh and P.K.Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1227-1234 (2021)
Subject: Specific blasting technique for tunnelling in hot zones
Keywords: Excavation sequence, geothermal energy, hot zone, quenching, tunnel blasting
Abstract: Encountering hot zones while excavating tunnels for hydropower projects in the Himalayas, India, is a challenge for civil engineers. Blasting within the hot rock mass can pose serious threats due to possibility of temperature-induced unintended detonation of explosives. Moreover, the paucity of a sustainable rock-blasting method for these hot zones sometimes compels engineers to relign the tunnel. Such a realignment is costly and time-consuming. A temperature of 50-98°C was encountered while excavating the rock mass for head race tunnel of Karchaam-Wangtoo Hydro-Electric Project, Himachal Pradesh, India. The Directorate General of Mine Safety, India, suggests that blast holes with temperature greater than 80°C must not be charged and blasted. Similarly, the use of electric or non-electric detonators is discouraged above 70°C because of premature detonation. Hence excavation works were suspended for tunnel construction. A unique drill and blast method has been adopted for blasting the hot strata in the tunnel. The technique described in this study can be easily followed in similar situations for tunnel-rock excavation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chandrashekharam,D.,Geothermal energy resources of India-past and the present .In Proceedings o World Geothermal Congress, Antalya, Turkey, 2005, pp.1-9
Razdan, P.N., Agarwal, R.K and Singh, R., Geothermal energy resources and its potential in India. Earth. Sci. India, 2013, 7, 14-18.
Literature cited 2: Sharma, H.K, Sharma, J.K., Chauhan, R.S., and Kuthiala Jhakri Challenges in design and construction of HRTofNathpa Jhakri hydroelectric project (1500 MW)-a case study. In Proceedings of World Tunnel Congress, Agra, 2008.
Kanjlia, V.K., Focus onIndia.Tribune, 2008, 32, 5-20.
ID: 62593
Title: Techno-economic study of off-grid renewable energy system in DarmaValley, Uttarakhand, India
Author: Saakshi Chauhan, Rajnish Pande and Subrat Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1216-1226 (2021)
Subject: Techno-economic study of off-grid renewable energy system in DarmaValley, Uttarakhand, India
Keywords: Darma valley, HOMER, hybrid energy system, Indian Himalayan region, renewable energy
Abstract: Rural and remote regions of developing economics face a serious scarcity of reliable energy supply. Focus on providing electricity through renewable and off grid energy resources is becoming increasingly popular. Off the grid or decentralized renewable energy typically considers either solar or small hydro power to fill the supply deficit and increase in demand with time is generally ignored. This paper proposes a hybrid technology mix of various renewable energy options for two remote villages located on Darma valley of Uttarakhand state in the Indian Himalayan Region. Since the villages are at an average height of 3500 m amsl, they are inaccessible during winters due to heavy snowfall. Therefore, decentralized energy could be the most cost-effective solution to provide electricity. This paper estimates the energy demand of these villages and identifies the most optimum off the grid solutions and compares it with grid connected electricity supply using hybrid optimization model for electric renewable. Micro hydro energy generation was found to be the most effective and techno-economically viable solution. This paper also evaluates the barriers faced by remote Himalayan villages so as to achieve reliable applications of eh results of this study.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: The energy Progress Report, Tracking SDG7, IRENA, 2019; https: trackingsdg7.esmap.org/
Annual Report, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, Government of India, 2019.
Literature cited 2: Khan, M.J., and Iqbal, M.T., Pre-feasibility study of stand-alone hybrid energy systems for applications in Newfoundland.Renew.Energ, 2005, 30, 635-854.
Karakoulidis, K., Mavridis, K., Bankekas, D.V., Adoniadis, P., Potolias, C. and Vordos, N. Techno-economic analysis of a stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic-diesel-battery-fuel cell power system. Renew Energ., 2011, 36 (8) , 2238-2244.
ID: 62592
Title: An infectious diseases hazard map for India based on mobility and transporation networks
Author: Onkar Sadekar, Mansi Budamagunta, G.J.Sreejith, Sachin Jain an M.S. Santhanam
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1208-1215 (2021)
Subject: An infectious diseases hazard map for India based on mobility and transportation networks
Keywords: COVID-19, effective distance, hazard map, infectious diseases, transportation networks
Abstract: We propose a risk measure and construct an infectious diseases hazard map for India. Given an outbreak location, a hazard index is assigned to each city using an effective distance that depends on inter-city mobilities instead of geographical distance. We demonstrate its utility using an SIR model augmented with air, rail and road data among the top 446 cities. Simulations show that the effective distance from outbreak location reliably predicts the time of arrival of infection in other cities. The hazard index predictions compare well with the observed spread of SARS-CoV-2. This hazard map can be used in other outbreaks as well.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https: //covid19.who.int, https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html (accessed in July 2021).
https://www.covid19india.org/(accessed in April 2021).
Literature cited 2: Mills, I.D., The 1918-1919 influenza pandemic- the Indian experience. Indian Econ. Soc. Hist. Rev., 23, 1, 1986; https://doi.org/10.1177%2F001946468602300102.
The Annual Report of the Sanitary Commissioner with the Government of India (1918), Calcutta, 1920.
ID: 62591
Title: Comparative study of black pepper (Piper nigrum L) nursery raising in Karnataka: traditional variety Sigandhini versus popular variety Panniyur-1
Author: N.Ashoka, Shivananad Hongal, R.Raju, M.Harshavardhan, K.T., Venkatesh and S.Vishwanatha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1201-1207 (2021)
Subject: Comparative study of black pepper (Piper nigrum L) nursery raising in Karnataka: traditional variety Sigandhini versus popular variety Panniyur-1
Keywords: Black pepper, comparative economics, nursery raising, traditional and popular varieties
Abstract: Black pepper is the world’s most traded spice, mainly cultivated in Karnataka and Kerala, India. The extensively planted pepper hybrid, Panniyur-1 has resulted in a drastic fall in yield due to foot rot disease. An ancient indigenous variety “Sigandhini’ has recently obtained Intellectual Property Rights under PPVFRA-2001.In the present study, we estimated the area under pepper and its seedlings demand in Karnataka, and also analysed the comparative economics of Sigandhini and Panniyur-1 nurseries. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources and the compound annual growth rate and financial feasibility of blackpepepr nursery raising were analysed. Karnataka’s area grew at an annual rate of 18.63% and revealed that an additional area of 27, 048 ha would require 300.50 lakh seedlings in 2020-21.Sigandhini earns higher net revenue to farmers compared to Panniyur-1 seedlings.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hembade, V.L., Alex ,S., Soni, K.B., Sreekantan, L., Nair, S.D., an Raghunath, B.R., Presence of integrase core domain in mutant type black piper nigrum L. ’Thekkan” with altered inflorescence architecture .Indian J. Exp. Biol., 2019, 57, 770-773.
Vidyaasgar, G.M. and Murthy, S.S., M., Medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Bellary district, Karnataka.Indian.J.Tradit.Knowl, 2013, 12,747-751.
Literature cited 2: Achar, S.KG. Boosanur, V., and Shivanna, M.B., Ethnomedico-botanical knowledge of Tiptur taluk in Tumkur district of Karnataka, India. Indian J. Tradit. Knowl., 2015, 1, 147-154.
Semwal, D.P., Saradhi, P.P., Kala, C.P and Sajwan, B.S., Medicinal plants used by local vaidyas in Ukhimath block, Uttarakhand, Indian J. Tradit. Knowl., 2010, 9, 480-485.
ID: 62590
Title: Identification of simple sequence repeat markers for grain iron and zinc content in pearl millet (Pinnisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.)
Author: Mithlesh Kumar, Manubhai Patel and Kirti Rani
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1194-1200 (2021)
Subject: Identification of simple sequence repeat markers for grain iron and zinc content in pearl millet (Pinnisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.)
Keywords: Biofortification, bulk segregant analysis, grain Fe and Zn content, pearl millet, SSRs.
Abstract: Pearl millet is an important staple crop, and bio fortifying, with grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) is a continuing effort to fight micronutrients malnutrition globally. In the present study, parental polymorphism survey identified 99 polymorphic primers between the contrasting parents out of 275 primers used. Further, in bulk segregant analysis, two simple sequence repeats (SSRs), Xipes 0027 and Xpsmp2263 were found to be polymorphic between high and low grain Fe and Zn content parents as well as bulks. The primer Xipes0027 showed the specific band of 214 bp and Xpsmp 2263 amplified 238 bp in the high grain Fe and Zn content parents and bulks. Moreover, individual plants of each contrasting bulks were genotyped to validate the result of BSA. Xipes 0027 was reported to be present on linkage groups 2 as well as 6 of pearl millet, and Xpsmp 2263 was located on linkage group 7 according to the published SSR consensus maps. As a result, these markers have been reported to be putatively linked to elevated Fe and Zn content in grains of pearl millet.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Varshney, R.K. et al., Pearl millet genome provides a resource ti improve agronomic traits in arid environments. Nat. Biotechnol., 2017; doi:10.1038/nbt.3943.
AICPMIP Annual Report, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, 2020, 1-12; http://www.aicpmip.res.in/pcr2020.pdg.
Literature cited 2: Kumar, M. Patel, M.P., and Rani, K., Delineating genetic inheritance and nonalletic genic interactions for grain iron and zinc concentration, yield and its attributes by generation mean analysis in pearl millet (Pinnisetum glauccum (L) R.Br.) .Gent. Resour. Crop .Evol., 2021;http:doi.org/10.1007/s10722-021.01208-2
Vadez, V., Hash, T., Bidinger, F.R., an Kholova, J., Phenotyping pearl millet for adaptations to drought. Front. Physiol., 2012, 3 (386), 158-169.
ID: 62589
Title: Who cultivates traditional paddy varieties and why? Findings from Kerala, India
Author: Shenaz Rasheed, P.Venkatesh, Dharam Raj Singh, V.R. Renjini, Girish Kumar Jha and Dinesh Kumar Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1188-1193 (2021)
Subject: Who cultivates traditional paddy varieties and why? Findings from Kerala, India
Keywords: Agro biodiversity, in-situ conservation, traditional paddy varieties
Abstract: Traditional paddy varieties are climate resilient, local stress-tolerant, low-input intensive and valuable sources of genetic diversity that have been under the threat of extinction from rising preferences for high yielding varieties. However, farmers in few pockets of the globe continue to cultivate traditional paddy varieties. This study therefore is an attempt at investigating who cultivates them and why they do so, through the survey of 225 paddy farmers in Wayanad district of Kerala. Results revealed that traditional paddy varieties were grown mainly by marginal and tribal farmers for chief purposes of self-consumption, and for associated traditional values and conservation. Farmer’s varietal selection decisions were found to be influenced by varietal traits related to consumption aspects, consumer demand, pest and disease resistance. Therefore, by cultivating traditional paddy varieties, farmers have been conserving these valuable genetic resources on-farm. However, stronger concerted institutional interventions are required for full-fledged, systematic and sustained in situ conservation of agricultural biodiversity.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Das, T. and Das, A.K., Inventory of the traditional rice varieties in farming system of southern Assam: a case study. Indian J. Tradit. Knowl., 2014, 13 (1) , 157-163.
Bisht, V., Rao, K.S., Maikhuri, R.K., and Nautiyal, A.R., Genetic divergence of paddy landraces in Nanakosi micro-watershed of Uttarakhand Himalay.J.Trop.Agric.,2008, 45 (1) 48-50.
Literature cited 2: Kumbhar, S.D., Kuwal, P.L., Patil, J.V., Sarawate, C.D., Gaikwad, A.P and Jadhav, A.S., Genetic diversity and population structure in landraces and improved rice varieties from India. Rice Sci., 2015, 22 (3), 99-107.
Rabara, R.C., Ferrer, M.C., Diaz, C.L., Newingham, M., Cristina, V. and Romero, G.O., Phenotypic diversity of farmer’s traditional rice varieties in the Philippines. Agronomy, 2014, 4 (2), 217-241.
ID: 62588
Title: Identification and analysis of social factors responsible for adoption of electric vehicles in India
Author: Arpit Rastogi, Rohaan George Thomas and Abhijeet K.Digalwar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1180-1187 (2021)
Subject: Identification and analysis of social factors responsible for adoption of electric vehicles in India
Keywords: Descriptive statistics, electric vehicles, hypothesis testing, social factor, structural equation model
Abstract: Environmental crisis and energy security concerns have forced researchers to look for a cleaner mode of transportation. Rigorous efforts are on to make electric vehicles (EVs) feasible for commercial use in terms of technological advancements and economic viability. Despite being among the top automobile manufacturing countries in the world, the adoption rate of EVs in India has been poor. There is a need to understand the social acceptability and sustainability of EVs. To bridge this gap, the present study identifies the social factors responsible for slow adoption of EVs in India. The results may help in orienting the manufacturers and decision makers towards faster adoption of EVs. This study will assist researchers to get a better understanding of the factors responsible for slow adoption of EVs in India. The Government of India could benefit in its goal to achieve its ambitious target projected in the FAME India scheme.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Indian Automobile Industry, Second European Standardazation Experts in India, European Business Technology Centre, New Delhi, 2018; doi:10.1108/17561391311297888.
Department of Heavy Industries, Operational guidelines for delivery of demand incentives under FAME India Scheme Phase II, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government t of India (GoI), 22 March 2019.
Literature cited 2: Gupta, A., Electric cars-Disruptive Innovation in the Indian auto industry. Int. J. Trend Sci .Res. Dev., 2019, 3, 1648-1650.
GoI, In Phase –II to FAME India Scheme 2636 EV charging stations sanctioned, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, 3 January 2020.
ID: 62587
Title: Charming charm, beautiful bottom and quark-gluon plasma in the Large Hadron Collider era
Author: Santhosh K.Das and Raghunath Sahoo
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (9) 1156-1161 (2021)
Subject: Charming charm, beautiful bottom and quark-gluon plasma in the Large Hadron Collider era
Keywords: Big Bang, heavy-ion collisions, heavy flavours, quark-gluon plasma
Abstract: After a few microseconds of the creation of our Universe through the Big Bang, the primordial matter was believed to be a soup of the fundamental constituents of matter-quarks and gluons. This is expected to be created in the laboratory by colliding heavy nuclei at ultra-relativistic speeds. A plasma of quarks and gluons, called quark-gluon plasma (QGP) can be created at the energy and luminosity frontiers in the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, at Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York, USA, and the Large Hadron Collidor at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland. Heavy quarks, namely the charm and bottom quarks, are considered as novel probes to characterize QGP, and hence the produced quantum chromodynamics matter. Heavy quark transport coefficients play a significant role in understanding the properties of QGP. Experimental measurements of nuclear suppression factor and elliptic flow can constrain the heavy quark transport coefficients, which are key ingredients for phenomenological studies, and they help to disentangle different energy loss mechanisms. We give a general perspective of the heavy quark drag and diffusion coefficients in QGP and discuss their potentials as probes to disentangle different hadronization mechanisms, as well as to probe the initial electromagnetic fields produced in non-central heavy-ion collisions. Experimental perspectives on future measurements are discussed with special emphasis on heavy flavours as the next-generation probes in view of new technological developments.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Jacak, B.V. and Muller, B., The exploration of hot nuclear matter. Science, 2012, 337, 310-314.
Rapp, R. et al., Extraction of Heavy-flavour transport coefficients in QCD matter. Nucl. Phys. A., 2018, 979, 21-86.
Literature cited 2: Dong, X. And Greco, V., Heavy quark production and properties of Quark-Gluon Plasma. Prog. Part. Nucl .Phys., 2019, 104, 97-141.
Cao, S. et al., Towards the determination of heavy quark transport coefficients in quark-gluon plasma. Phys. Rev. C, 2019, 99, 054907.