ID: 62571
Title: Accomplishments in edible seaweed domain in India and the way forward
Author: Vaibhav A.Mantri
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 (8) 1006-1008 (2021)
Subject: Accomplishments in edible seaweed domain in India and the way forward
Keywords: Accomplishments, edible seaweed, India
Abstract: Seaweeds have been commonly utilized as a component of oriental diet, especially in Japan, China and Korea since ancient times owing to the presence of beneficial nutrients. Although there is little tradition of using seaweed in Western cuisine, at present there is renewed interest in India to use seaweed in Western Cuisine, at present there is renewed interest in India to use seaweeds as sea vegetables. They possess not only nutritional value, but also pharmaceutical properties like anticoagulant, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, anti-cancerous and antibacterial activity. Thus, seaweeds have enormous commercial importance for human food, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals production. The commercial seaweeds market was estimated to account for USD 13.3 billion in 2018.It is projected to reach USD 21.11 billion by 2023, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.4% in terms of value, 85% of which will be comprised of food products for human consumption.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https //doi.org/10.4060/ca9229en (accessed on 28 September 2021). https://www.globalhungerindex.org/india.html (accessed on 28 September2021).
Literature cited 2: Krishnamurthy, V. and Joshi, H.V., Bot. J. Linn. Soc., 1969, 62, 123. Joshi, H.V. and Krishnamurthy, V., Bot.J.Linn.Soc., 1972, 65, 119.


ID: 62570
Title: Increased xyalase activity in Aspergillus niger through mutation
Author: Anjali Sharma, A.K.Jaitly and Pankaj Kumar Rai
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 (7) 966-968 (2021)
Subject: Increased xyalase activity in Aspergillus niger through mutation
Keywords: Agricultural waste, mutation, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, xylanase
Abstract: Aspergillus niger is used for xylnase production on agricultural waste as substrate under broth culture. Rice straw and sugarcane bagasse have been the most potential substrate for xylanase production. Two different mutagens were used: UV radiation for different time duration and 5-bromouracil of different concentrations. Mutants so formed were selected on the basis of morphological and colony characteristics. Selected mutants were checked for their stability, requirement of amino acid and xylanase activity. Tested mutants showed 4-fold increase in xylanase activity from wild type.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pathak, S.S., Sandhu, S.S. and Rajak, R.C. Mutation studies on fungal glucoamylase: a review. Int. J. Pharma Bio. Sci., 2005, 5, 297-308. Polizeli, M.L.T.M. et al., Xylanase from fungi: properties and industrial applications. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 2005, 67, 577-591.
Literature cited 2: Solimon, H.MM. Sherief, A.D.A. and Tanash. A.B.E.L., Production of xylanase by Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viridae using some agricultural residues. Int. J. Agric. Res., 2012, 7 (1), 46-57. Bajpai, P., Application of enzymes in the pulp and paper industry Biotechnol., Prog., 1999, 15, 147-157.


ID: 62569
Title: Virtual reality based novel use case in remote sensing and GIS
Author: Jai Gopal Singla
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 (7) 958-961 (2021)
Subject: Virtual reality based novel use case in remote sensing and GIS
Keywords: Geographical Information System, head mount device, immersive nature, remote sensing, virtual reality
Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) is realistic, interactive and immersive 3D computer generated world that one can explore as if one is present in the scene. VR makes it possible to experience anything, anywhere and any-time. Head mount device (HMD) with headphones and hand controllers are used to provide fully immersive experience. There are three important I’s in VR: interactivity, immersion and imagination. Virtual reality is stepping in each and every domain like engineering, science, military, education, medical, tourism and entertainment. We have explored its potential for usage in remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS). Usually, GIS users Analyse remote sensing data such as high-resolution images, digital elevation models and vector data in commercial and open sources 2D GIS software(s). Available GIS software(S) allow users to interact with remote sensing data as a third person only. We have developed in-house virtual reality solution to generate a 3D terrain using high resolution imagery and elevation models over Earth. User can move around or teleport to different locations inside the 3D scene and interact with real time objects available in the scene.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Burdea, G.C. and Coiffet, P., Virtual Reality Technology, Wiley Interscience, 2003, 2nd edn. Arnaldi, B., Guitton, P. and Moreau, G., Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Myths and Reality, Wiley, 2018.
Literature cited 2: Kaser, D.P. et al., The making of Google Earth VR. In ACM SIGGRAPH 2017 Talks, ACM, New York, USA, 2017, pp63:1-63:2; https://doi.org/10.1145/3084363.3085094. Hruby et al., An empirical study on spatial presence in immersive geo-environments, March 2020; https://doi.org/10.1007/s41064-020-00107y.


ID: 62568
Title: Sweet potato biofortification priority index-a strategic tool for scaling up of biofotified varieties
Author: Mahesh Bhimashankar Tengli, P.Sethuraman Sivakumar, Pampi Paul and H.Kesava Kumar
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 (7) 950-957 (2021)
Subject: Sweet potato biofortification priority index-a strategic tool for scaling up of biofotified varieties
Keywords: Biofortification priority index, micronutrients, scaling-up intervention, sweet potato, vitamin A deficiency
Abstract: Scaling up of biofortified varieties is the key component of food-based approaches in addressing micronutrient deficiency. Orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties rich in ẞ-carotene can address the vitamin A deficiency prevalent in rural and tribal areas. We developed a ‘sweet potato biofortification priority index’ (SPBPI), a strategic planning tool for identifying priority states for implementing biofortification field interventions. A scaling-up intervention ‘Rainbow Diet Campaign’ is being implemented in the ‘high-priority’ states, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh identified by SPBPI.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Von Grebmer, K., Saltzman, A., Birol, E., Wiesmann, D., Prasai, N. and Yin, S., Global Hinger Index: The Challenge of Hidden Hunger, IFPRI, Bonn, Germany, 2014. FAO, The Sate of Food and Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy, 2013.
Literature cited 2: Kohler, Hans-Peter, Copenhagen Consensus 2012: Challenge Paper on ‘Population Growth’. PSC working Paper Series, PSC, 2012, 12-03; https://repository.upenn.edu/psc_working_papers/34/ (accessed on 23 April 2021). WHO, Global Health estimates 2015: DALYs by cause, age, sex, by country and by region, 2000-2015.World Health Organization, Geneva, 2016.


ID: 62567
Title: Fuzzy-based integrated zero-order shape optimization of steel-concrete-steel sandwich beams
Author: Ishan Jha and Krishna K.Pathak
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 (7) 941-949 (2021)
Subject: Fuzzy-based integrated zero-order shape optimization of steel-concrete-steel sandwich beams
Keywords: Design elements, fuzzy membership function, sandwich beams, shape optimization, zero-order approach
Abstract: This study presents a fuzzy-based integrated zero-order approach for shape optimization of steel-concrete-steel (SCS) sandwich beams. The method works on the novel idea of changing the shape of faceplates and core at the interface without affecting the overall shape of the beams. The proposed zero-order shape optimization technique is based on perpendicular growth and shrinkage in the design boundary at the interface of the faceplate and core to obtain an optimized shape. The concept of ‘design elements’ has been used to avoid mesh distortion. Automatic mesh generation and refinement are incorporated at each iteration. Fuzzy set theory is used to control the movement of nodes and convergence monitoring. A target maximum shear stress value (σt) is taken up and the shape is changed such that maximum shear stress (σ) at any point is smaller than or equal to the σt. For this, fuzzy membership functions in the form of triangular shape of function have been used. The proposed approach coded in FORTRAN is labelled as gradient less shape optimization (GSO). It is found to perform effectively in determination the optimized shape of faceplates and core. To explain the efficacy of the proposed method, a few examples have been taken with changing boundary conditions and shape of the SCS sandwich beam.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Solomon,S.K.,Smith,D., and Cusens,A.,Flexural tests of steel-concrete-steel sandwiches.Mag.Concr.Res.,1976, 28 (94) , 13-20. Huang, S.N. and Alspaugh, D.W., Minimum weight sandwich beam design. AM. Inst. Aeronaut. Astran. J., 1974, 12(12), 1617-1618.
Literature cited 2: Triantafillou, T.C. and GF Gibson, L.J., Minimum weight design of foam core sandwich panels for a given strength. Mater. Sci. Eng., 1987, 95, 55-62. Demsetz, L.A and Gibson, L.J., Minimum weight design for stiffness in sandwich plates with rigid foam cores. Mater. Sci. Eng., 1987, 85, 33-42.


ID: 62566
Title: Recent glacier area changes in Himalaya-Karakoram and the impact of latitudinal variation
Author: Ishmohan Bahuguna, Bhanu Prakash Rathore, Avtar Singh Jasrotia, Surjeet Singh Randhawa, Santosh Kumar Singh Yadav, Sadiq Ali, Nishtha Gautam, Joyeeta Poddar, Madhukar Srigyan, Abhishek Dhanade, Purvee Joshi, Sushil Kumar Singh, Dhani Ram Rajak and Sh
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 (7) 929-940 (2021)
Subject: Recent glacier area changes in Himalaya-Karakoram and the impact of latitudinal variation
Keywords: Ablation, accumulation, glacier retreat, snout, latitudinal variation
Abstract: We present the observed area changes in 5234 glaciers (out of which) 3435 are debris-free) of Himalaya-Karakoram (H-K) region, mapped at a scale of 1: 25, 000 using primarily IRS LISS III data between the years 2001 and 2016/2017/2018.Area change is a direct observable parameter in the monitoring of glaciers. The mapping results have been analysed in different sectors of H-K region. In the Karakoram region, 2143 glacier bodies with an area coverage of 18343.39 km2 show a gain of 0.026%, whereas Himalayan region, 3091 glaciers covering an area of 11451.53 km2 show a loss of 1.44% over a span of 17 years .Loss in glacier area in Himalayan region varies form 0.76% in sub basins located in the left side of NW flowing Indus River (N-W Himalaya/J&K and Ladakh), 2.2% in Chenab and Sutlej basins (Western Himalaya/Himachal Pradesh), 0.84 % in Ganga basin (West Central Himalaya/Uttarakhand), 2.16% in Ganga basin (Central Himalaya/Nepal and a few glaciers of Tibetan region) and 2.15 % in Tista sub-basin (Eastern Himalaya/Sikkim).The mapping uncertainty is less than 0.01% .The results also show that debris free glaciers are more vulnerable to global warming thereby afforming the earlier theories of differential impact of warming on debris free and debris covered glaciers. Overall, the statistics clearly indicate the effect of latitudinal variations on the gain/loss in the area of glaciers from higher to lower latitudes in addition to microclimatic and geomorphological factors.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hugonnet, R. et al., Accelerated global glacier mass loss in the early twenty-first century, Nature, 2021, 592, 726-731. Azam, M.F., et al., Glaciohydrology of the Himalaya-Karakoram. Science, 2021; doi: 10.1126/science.abf3668.
Literature cited 2: Immerzeel, W.W., van Beek, L.P.H., and Bierkens, M.F.P., Climate change will affect the Asian water towers. Science, 2010, 328, 1382-1385. Huss, M. and Hock, R., Global-scale hydrological response to future glacier mass loss. Nat. Climate Change, 2018, 8, 135-140.


ID: 62565
Title: Stability analysis and design of cemented backfill wall for underground hard-rock mines using numerical modelling
Author: Ashok Kumar Godugu, Sreenath Sekhar, John Loui Porathur and Shubham Bhargava
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 (7) 920-928 (2021)
Subject: Stability analysis and design of cemented backfill wall for underground hard-rock mines using numerical modelling
Keywords: Elasto-plastic analysis, field implementation, hard-rock mining, numerical modelling, pasterfill.
Abstract: A methodology using three dimensional elasto-plastic analysis has been formulated to assess the required strength parameters for a stable backfill wall for various dimensions of a stope. The numerical modelling results show linearly increasing trend for the required backfill cohesion with respect to stope height for longer stopes and curvilinear with flattening trend for shorter stopes. Comparison of the numerical modelling results with those of a popular theoretical equation shows that the theoretical equation fails to represent the interface friction and tension. The numerical modelling methodology is a better tool which can capture a gamut of aspects. The developed methodology has been used to estimate the required pastefill strength and binder percentage for a hard rock mine in North India, where it has been successfully implemented in over 50 stopes without any significant case of backfill failure.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Potvin, Y., Thomas, E., and Fourie, A., Handbook on Mine Fill., Australian Centre for Geomechanics, 2005, p.179. Belem, T. and Benzaazoua, M., Design and application of underground Mining. Third Edition, 2004; doi: 10.1007/978-1-4020-2116-9.
Literature cited 2: Brady, B.H.G. and Brown, E.T., Rock Mechanics for Underground Mining: Third Edition, 2004; doi: 10.1007/978-1-4020-2116-9. Grice, A., Underground mining with backfills. In proceedings of the Second Annual Summit-Mine Tailings Disposal Systems, Brisbane, Australia, 1998.


ID: 62564
Title: High heat production of granites from Southern Khetri Belt, Rajasthan, India
Author: Rajni Magotra and Pankaj K.Srivastava
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 (7) 912-919 (2021)
Subject: High heat production of granites from Southern Khetri Belt, Rajasthan, India
Keywords: Albities, Chapoli-Chowkri area, Chapoli granite, RHP, Southern Khetri Belt, Udaipurwati granite
Abstract: The Mesoproterozoic A-type granites from Chapoli-Chowkri area, South Khetri Belt (SKB) of Aravalli craton are characterized by high content of thorium and uranium with variable Th/U ratio. Average radiogenic heat production of Udaipurwati granite, Chapoli granite and albitite are 6.67 µ Wm-3, 6.90 µWm-3 and 6.92 µWm-3 respectively, which are much higher than average RHP values for continental crust and the granites of North Khetri Belt (NKB) .Average contribution of RHP due to thorium (56.86%) is higher than uranium (40.84%) and potassium (2.28%).Based on the heat production and their geochemical behaviour, these granites from South Khetri Belt are classified as moderate to high heat producing granites. Study on heat flow suggested that the high levels of radiogenic heat production in the uppermost crust could be the reason for high heat flow in the area.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Birch, F., Roy, R.F. and Decker, Heat flow and thermal history in New York and New England. In Studies of Appalachian Geology (eds Zen, E. et al)., Northern and Maritime, Interscience, New York, 1968, pp.437-451. Chapman, D.S., Thermal gradients in the continental crust. Geol., Soc., Spec. Publ., 1986, 24, 63-70.
Literature cited 2: Vila, M., Fernandez, M. and Jimenez-Munt, I., Radiogenic heat production variability of some common lithological groups and its significance to lithospheric thermal modelling. Tectonophysics, 2010, 490, 152-164. Mareschal, J.-C. and Jaupart, C., Radiogenic heat production, thermal regime and evolution of continental crust. Tecttonophysics, 2013, 609, 524-534.


ID: 62563
Title: Internal versus external quantum efficiency of luminescent materials, photovoltaic cells, photodetectors and photoelectrocatalysis
Author: Henam Rachna Devi, Omeshwari Yadorao Bisen, Sankalpa Nanda, Ravi Nandan and Karuna Kar Nanda
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 (7) 894-898 (2021)
Subject: Internal versus external quantum efficiency of luminescent materials, photovoltaic cells, photodetectors and photoelectrocatalysis
Keywords: Internal and External quantum efficiency, luminescent materials, photovoltaics cells, photodetectors, photoelectrocatalysis
Abstract: Internal and external quantum yield/efficiency is of paramount importance for luminescent materials, photovoltaic cells, photodetectors and photo electrocatalysis. We aim to provide a relation between internal and external quantum yield/efficiency and correlation among the material/device properties. We also aim to understand this relation through a common example we experience in our lives.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Neufeld, C.J., Toledo, N.G., Cruz, S.C., Iza, M., DenBaars, S.P. and Mishra, U.K., High quantum efficiency InGaN/GaN solar cells with 2.95 eV band gap. Appl. Phys. Lett., 2008, 93, 10-13. Mukhokosi, E.P., Roul, B. Kripanidhi, S.B., and Nanda, K.K., toward a fast and highly responsive SnSe2-based photodiode by exploiting the mobility of the counter semiconductor. ACS Appl. Mater. Interf. 2019, 11(6), 6184-6194.
Literature cited 2: Wu, J.M., Chen, Y., and Pan, L., Multi-layer monoclinic BiVO4 with oxygen vacancies and V4+ species for high efficient visible-light photo electrochemical applications. Appl. Catal. Environ. 2018, 221, 187-195. Gorrotxategi, P., Consonni, M., Gasse, A., Optical efficiency characterization of LED phosphors using a double integrating sphere system. J. Solid State Light, 2015, 2, 1-14.


ID: 62562
Title: Recent rise in wildfires in community forests and other natural vegetation: geospatial basis
Author: S.Mudi, M.D.Behera, S.Paramanik, A.Jaya Prakash, B.K.Prusty
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 (7) 891-893 (2021)
Subject: Recent rise in wildfires in community forests and other natural vegetation: geospatial basis
Keywords: Wildfires, community forests, natural vegetation
Abstract: Wildfire is one of the major natural hazards, and its extent and frequency of occurrence are currently increasing in the warming world. This is augmented with an absence of precipitation over a contiguous and prolonged spell during pre-summer months, leading to rise in skin temperature. Furthermore, the degradation of lignin and cellulose materials in plant leaves increases the efficiency of more readily available fuel for ignition. Grasses and shrubs have low ignition temperature (~270°C) .The non-native and introduced species such as Eucalyptus and Acacia have relatively lower ignition temperature (~300°C) and shed a lot of litter in early summer with leaves having resinous material that induces inflammation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kaminski, G.C., Report, USDA Forest Service, Equipment Development Center, USA, 1974. Lentile, L.B. et al., Int.J.Wildl.Fire, 2006, 15, 319-345.
Literature cited 2: Merzlyak,M.N.,Gitelson,A.A. Chivkunova, O.B. an Rakitin,V.Y., Physiol., Plant, 1999, 106, 135-141. Rajeshwari, A. and Mani, N. Int. J. Res.Eng. Technol., 2014, 3, 122-126.


ID: 62561
Title: Community-based approaches for wildlife conservation and livelihood options: a case study from Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India
Author: Sushanto Gouda, H.t Decemson, H.T.Lalremsanga and G.S. Solanki
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 (7) 886-890 (2021)
Subject: Community-based approaches for wildlife conservation and livelihood options: a case study from Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India
Keywords: wildlife conservation, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India
Abstract: The traditi0onal practice of shifting cultivation in Mizoram, India is linked to the ecological, socio-economic and cultural lives of the over 86% of its population. Negative impacts are devastating and degrade the environment and ecology a major concern in conservation biology such as large-scale deforestation, soil erosion, invasion by weeds and exotic species. Studies provide information on the nature and extent due to anthropogenic pressures on species diversity. Active participation of locals is pivotal. Workshops and awareness programmes were conducted with alternative livelihoods to reduce forest dependency. Efforts are on by educating people on preserving tropical forests at the Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Solanki, G.S., Lalchhandama, D. and Lalnunpuii, J. Bioresour., 2016, 3 (1), 24-29. Sahoo, U.K., Lalremruata, J., Jeeceelee, an Lalremruati, J.H., Laliankhuma, C. and Lalramnghinglova, H., J. Life Sci., 2010, 3, 721-729.
Literature cited 2: Sawmliana, M., The book of Mizoram Plants, Lois Bet, Chammari, Aizawl, Mizoram, 2013. Gouda, S. Sethy, J. and Chauhan, N.S., J.Biodivers.Conserv. 207, 1 (1), 16-29.


ID: 62560
Title: Phylogenetic relationship between two siblings species of Drosophila: D.ananassae and D. Pallidosa
Author: B.N.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 (7) 873-874 (2021)
Subject: Phylogenetic relationship between two siblings species of Drosophila: D.ananassae and D. Pallidosa
Keywords: Phylogenetic relationship, Drosophila, siblings species, D.ananassae and D. Pallidosa
Abstract: The genus Drosophila is a unique and good biological model. It exhibits extensive diversity at the species level. At global level, there are more than 1500 species, including about 500 species from the Hawaiian Islands. In India, about 150 species are known to occur which includes both new species and new records. Further, the species which have been studied genetically also present variable degree of genetic diversity. In 1942; May gave the concept of sibling species which are morphologically similar but reproductively isolated
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mayr, E., Systematics and the Origin of Species, Columbia University Press, New York, USA, 1942. Doleschall, C.L., Naturuk, Tijd. Ned-Indie, 1858, 17, 73-128.
Literature cited 2: Futsch, D.G., Univ. Texas Publ., 1966, 6615, 79-120. Bock, I.R., and Wheeler, M.R., Univ., Texas Publ., 1972, 7, 1-102.


ID: 62559
Title: Rare observation of sea anemone Calliactis polypus on carapace of spider crab, Doclea muricata at the Covelong fish landing centre, Chennai, India
Author: Amit Kumar, S.Prakash
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 (7) 873-873 (2021)
Subject: Rare observation of sea anemone Calliactis polypus on carapace of spider crab, Doclea muricata at the Covelong fish landing centre, Chennai, India
Keywords: sea anemone, Calliactis polypus, spider crab, Doclea muricata
Abstract: Observing the mutualistic relationship between sea anemone and hermit crab as well as gastropod sheels is common. In fact, it is good example of symbiosis in the marine environment. However, it is not common to find sea anemone on the true crab carapace. Few reports are available from the Indian waters. During our routine visit to Cove long fish landing centre (12°47`31” N, 80°15`04” E), Chennai, formarine biodiversity assessment, 0n 29August 2021, we observed a spider crab, Doclea muricata (Herbst, 1788) with a sea anemone on its carapace.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Yennawar, P. and Tudu, P., Curr., Sci., 2011, 100, 281.
Literature cited 2: Horacio, A.F., Excoffon, A.C. and Scelso, M.A., Belg. J. Zool., 2003, 133, 85-87.


ID: 62558
Title: An empirical method for estimation of groundwater unit draft of energized agricultural tube wells
Author: Indranil Roy
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 (6) 840-845 (2021)
Subject: An empirical method for estimation of groundwater unit draft of energized agricultural tube wells
Keywords: Agricultural tube wells, groundwater draft, norm values, numerical computational method, unit draft estimation.
Abstract: Field methods for the estimation of groundwater unit draft are not fully reliable due to non-uniformity of draft in the time of domain. In India, use of norm values recommended by the Groundwater Estimation committee is in common practice. However, large—scale electrification in agricultural sector has drastically changed the agricultural pumping scenario. Conversion of diesel-powered pump sets to unmetered electrified pump sets and then to metered electrical pump sets has possibly in validated the unit draft norms in many parts of the country. In this study, a computational method for groundwater unit draft estimation for energized agricultural tubewells is proposed. Availability of detailed minor irrigation census data is the key towards implementation of the method. The method involves utilization of several well-known empirical formulae for arriving at the desired numerical solution.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Jain, S.K., Agarwal, P.K., and Singh, V.P., Hydrology and Water Resources of India, Springer, The Netherlands, 2007, p.349. Central Ground water Board estimation methodology (GEC.1997). Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), Government of India (GoI), 2009, p.223.
Literature cited 2: CGWB, Report of the Ground Water Resource Estimation Committee (GEC-2015).Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, GoI, 2017, p. 142. CGWB, Ground water Resource Estimation Committee, MoWR, GoI, 2009, p.113.


ID: 62557
Title: Non-timber forest products as means of livelihood in Mon district, Nagaland, India
Author: P.Andrew Konyak, Khikeya Semy and Neizo Puro
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 (6) 837-840 (2021)
Subject: Non-timber forest products as means of livelihood in Mon district, Nagaland, India
Keywords: Livelihood, non-timber forest products, traditional knowledge, tribes
Abstract: The Konyaks in Nagaland, India, since time immemorial have been dependent on the forest and its products for their sustenance and economic growth. The use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Mon district, Nagaland, was studied through surveys and interviews with vegetable vendors in Mon and Aboi town markets, and villagers of Chingkao, Tangnyu, Sheanghah-Lampong, Wakching and Hongphoi. Forest resources and their products have been a source of livelihood providing the local inhabitants with food, medicine, construction materials and other utilitarian items, especially for the economically marginal people residing in and around the forest. This study covers 43 plant species belonging to 26 families that are used by the tribals of Mon district. Family Asteraceae was dominant in Yielding Forest products followed by Arecacae was dominant in Yielding Forest products followed by Arecacae and these resources are used with the traditional knowledge passed down from generations. The study shows the diverse NTFPs that fulfill the needs of a thriving Naga tribe.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Shackleton, C. and Shackleton, S., The importance of non-timber forest products in rural livelihood security and as a safety nets: a review of evidence from South Africa in South. Africa in South. Afr.J. Sci., 2004, 100, 658-664. Marshall, E., Newton, A.C. and Schreckenberg, K., Commercialization of non-timber forest product: first steps in analysing the factors influencing success.Int.For.Rev, 2003, 5 (2), 128-137.
Literature cited 2: Sarmah, R., Commonly used non-timber forest products (NTFPs) by the Lisu tribe in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Sibcoltejo, 2010, 5, 68-77. World commission on Forests and Sustainable Development, Our Forests Our Future, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 1999.