Enter records

ID: 62395
Title: Sea-grass: a ‘natural sieve’ for marine plate
Author: Arjun R. Krishnan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1137-972 (2021)
Subject: Sea-grass: a ‘natural sieve’ for marine plate
Keywords: Seagrass, natural sieve, marine plastic
Abstract: The ever-increasing polluting footprint of plastics from human activity is a major environmental issue that affects coastal and oceanic ecosystems around the world. Since the massive production of plastics in the mid-20th century, most of these materials have been abandoned after use and have found their way to the oceans, directly and indirectly. They cause tremendous damage to aquatic animals that either consume the plastic fragments (microplastics) or become trapped in plastic bags or abandoned fishing gear. Plastic was found even in the deepest depths of the Mariana Trench (the deepest part of the ocean) and has even made its way into the human food chain through seafood, mainly shellfish.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Barrett, J., In .Frontiers in Marine Science, October 2020; doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.576170.
Literature cited 2: Sanchez-Vidal, A., Canals, M., de Haan, W.P., Romero, J., and Veny, M., Sci. Reports, January 2021; doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-79370-3.

ID: 62394
Title: Development of vulnerability framework for assessing the air pollution-related health impacts in four districts of Delhi, India
Author: Anoop Raj Singh and Neha Oli
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1092-1098 (2021)
Subject: Development of vulnerability framework for assessing the air pollution-related health impacts in four districts of Delhi, India
Keywords: Coping capacity, emission load, exposure, land use-land cover, sensitivity
Abstract: Air pollution and its deleterious public health risks are a major concern across the world .It is one of the leading health risk factors causing high mortality and disease disease burden in many cities. Epidemiology risk assessment studies have generated considerable evidence of disease burden due to air pollution. Such evidence proves useful as inputs for framing various air quality management and public health protection policies. Implementation of these policies also necessitates a critical insight from a perspective of differential population vulnerability to air pollution. Hence, the present study proposes a methodological approach for developing an integrated vulnerability assessment framework that focuses on multidimensional aspects adhering to vulnerability in nexus with health risk characterization. The designed framework has been applied in a pilot case study undertaken in four districts of Delhi, India. Weightage has been multiplied by a normalized score for each indicator to calculate the vulnerability level based on the components –emission load, exposure, land use –land cover features, sensitivity and coping capacity. Findings of the study have shown maximum score for East Delhi and minimum score for New Delhi. Hence the study throws light on the factors that are contributing towards the vulnerability of human health to air pollution.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aggarwal, P. and Jain, S., The impact of air pollutants from surface transport sources on human health: A modelling and epidemiological approach. Environ. Int., 2015, 83, 146-157. Brauer, M. et al., Ambient air pollution exposure estimation for the global burden of disease 2013.Environ. Sci., Technol., 2016, 50 (1), 79-88.
Literature cited 2: Jain, S. and Khare, M., Urban air quality in megacities: a case study of Delhi city using vulnerability analysis. Environ. Monit. Assess, 2008,136 (1-3), 257-265. Kumar, P., Jain, S., Gurjar, B.R., Sharma, P.Khare, M., Mrawaska, L. and Britter, R., Can a ‘Blue sky ‘return to Indian megacities? Atmos. Environ., 2013, 71, 198-201.

ID: 62393
Title: Biomass accumulation and carbon stock in different agroforestry systems prevalent in the Himalayan foothills, India
Author: Amit Kumar, Salil Tewari, Hukum Singh, Parmanand Kumar, Narendra Kumar, Sarita Bisht, Suruchi Devi, Nidhi and Rajesh Kaushal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1083-1088 (2021)
Subject: Biomass accumulation and carbon stock in different agroforestry systems prevalent in the Himalayan foothills, India
Keywords: agro forestry system, biomass, carbon stock, carbon dioxide, mitigation, climate change
Abstract: Agroforestry has great potential for carbon (C) sequestration among different land uses of the Himalayan region, India. However, our knowledge of C sequestration in particular, agroforestry system around the world is poor. Therefore, we conducted a study to understand biomass accumulation and carbon allocation in different components of the agroforestry system. The highest stem biomass was recorded in Eucalyptus tereticornis (69.43 ± 0.90 Mg ha-1) , branch biomass in populous deltoids (5.04 ± 0.35 Mg ha-1), leaf biomass also in P.deltoids (2.21 ± 0.12 Mg ha-1), and root biomass in Albizia procera (14.01 ± 0.44 Mg ha-1) .The highest (81.0%) C allocation was recorded in the stem of Toona ciliate, branch of P.deltoids (5.73%),leaves of E.tereticornis (2.93%) and root of Anthocephalus cadamba (16.83%).The highest CO2 mitigation (160.5 ± 2.55 Mg CO2 ha-1) and C sequestration (45.33± 0.60 Mg ha-1) were recorded in E.tereticornis. The highest what crop biomass (11.85 ± 0.23 Mg ha-1) and C stock (3.59 ± 0.05 Mg ha-1) were recorded in P.deltoides. However, soil carbon stock was recorded in E.tereticornis (37.5 ± 3.52 Mg). Thus, trees on farmlands with crops are suitable for biomass production and C allocation in different components under changing climatic scenarios.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Albrecht, A. and Kandji, S.T., Carbon sequestration in a tropical agroforestry system. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ., 003, 99, 15-27. Oelbermann, M., Voroney, R.P. and Gordon, A.M., Carbon sequestration in tropical and temperate agro forestry systems: a review with examples from Costia Rica and southern Canada.gric. Ecosyst. Environ., 2004, 104, 359-377.
Literature cited 2: Yadav,R.P., Gupta, B., Bhutia, P.L., Bisht, J.K., and Pattanayak, A., Sustainable agroforestry systems and their structural components as livelihood options along an elevation gradient in central Himalaya.Biol.Agric.Hortic.,2018, 1-23; doi: 10.1080/01448765.2018.1457982. Nair, P.K.R., Kumar, B.M. and Nair, V.D., Agrofrestry as a strategy for carbon sequestration. J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci., 2009, 172, 10-23.

ID: 62392
Title: Origin and source characterization of methane in the shallow–water environment of Southern Lake Tanganyika rift basin, Tanzania
Author: Januarius Matata Bishanga and Jin Qiang
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1066-1073 (2021)
Subject: Origin and source characterization of methane in the shallow –water environment of Southern Lake Tanganyika rift basin, Tanzania
Keywords: Biogenic origin, isotopic composition, methane, molecular characterization, shallow-water environment
Abstract: Lake Tanganyika , located in the western part of Tanzania between 3°S and 9°S lat, harbours hydrocarbon and southern shallow-water environment. In this study, a geochemical analysis of stable carbon and hydrogen isotopes and interpretation of individual gas molecular composition were done in order determine the origin and composition of the naturally occurring hydrocarbon gases in Tangankiya Basin. Nitrogen, a non-hydrocarbon gas is a major component (76.69%-78-31%) by volume percentage followed by methane (11.68%-12.94%) and other higher hydrocarbons (0.16%-1.63%).The isotopic composition of carbon,δ13C1 and hydrogen δDC1 ranges from -65.32%0 to -65.81% and -272.5% to -275.9%o respectively. The isotopic compositions of ethane (δDC2 =-36.7%o o -35.2%o) and propane (δDC3 =-31.3%o to -27.5%o) reflect the thermogenic origin of these higher of carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios and δD-values, methane gas falls in the biogenic origin category and formed by carbon dioxide reduction. The isotopic composition of CO2 varies between -86%o and -3.4%o.CO2 reduction is also regarded as a mechanism of biogenic methane formation based on carbon isotope fractionation factors (greater than 0.16).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rice, D.D .and Claypool, G.E., Generation, accumulation, and resource potential of biogenic gas.Am.Assoc.Pet.Geol.Bull., 1981, 65,5-25. Whiticar, M.J., Faber, E. and Schoell, M., Biogenic methane formation in marine and freshwater environments: Co1 reduction versus acetate fermentation –Isotope evidence. Geochim. Cosmochim.Acta, 1986, 50,693-709.
Literature cited 2: Whiticar, M.J., Faber, E., Whelam, J.K. and Simoneit, B.R. Middle valley, Juan de Fuca Ridge,Lag139.In proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, Texas A and M university, TX, United states, 1994, pp.457-477. Yen, T.F. and Chilingar, G.V., A review of. P, Tissotand D.H. Welte, Petroleum Formation and Occurence .A New Approach to Oil and Gas Exploration, Springer-Verag, Berlin,1978,538 pp.243 figures. Energy Sources, 979, 4, 367-382.

ID: 62391
Title: Endemic Philippine teak (Tetona philippinensis Benth.& Hook .f) and associated flora in the coastal landscapes of Verde Island Passage, Luzon Island ,Philippines
Author: Anacleto M.Caringal, Inocenio E.Buot, Jr and Elaine Loreen C.Villainueva
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1057-1065 (2021)
Subject: Endemic Philippine teak (Tetona philippinensis Benth.& Hook .f) and associated flora in the coastal landscapes of Verde Island Passage, Luzon Island, Philippines
Keywords: Coastal landscape, epiphytes, Tectona phillippinensis, teak forest
Abstract: The Phillippine teak forest (PTF) is a formation with the endangered Tetona philippinensis Benth & Hook.f. Lamiaceae-an endemic tree flora in the Batangas Province along the Verde Island Passage, Luzon Island, Philippines. In this study, we determine the general floristic composition of PTF. Vegetation analysis across coastal to inland continuum generated the data for general floristic richness, growth structure and diversity indices. A total of 128 species under 111 genera in 48 families was recorded with overall plant diversity of very low to moderate (Shannon-Wiener: 0.8675-2.681).Plant life based on morpho-species was composed of dominant trees (68 species), shrubs (5) and subshrubs (9), bush palm (1) and palm-like tree (1) , lianas (7) , epiphytic tree (1) , semi-woody climbers (3) , epiphytic and geophytic orchids (4) , epiphytic and terrestrial ferns (5) , annuals to erect succulent perennial herbs (9) , herbaceous climbers and creepers (6) , geophytic herbs and climber (1) , low and tall grasses, including bamboo (5) and sedges (2) .Such structural diversity is comprised of some of the unique botanical ensembles associated with endemic T.Philippinensis in the coastal landscape.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Whitmore, T.C., Tropical Rain Forest of the Far East, Clarendon Press, Oxford, UK, 1975. Whitmore, T.C., An Introduction to Tropical Rain Forests ,Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, 2nd edn, 1998.
Literature cited 2: Newbery, D. McC., Campbell, E.J.F., Lee, Y.F., Rdsdale, C.E., and Still, M.J., Primary lowland dipterocarp forest at Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia: structure, relative abundance and family composition. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. London., Ser. B., 1992, 335, 341-356. Newbery, D.McC. Kennedy, D.N., Petol, G.H., Maadani and Ridsdale, C.E., Primary Forest dynamics in lowland dipterocarp forest at Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia and the role of understorey. Philos. Trans. R., Soc., London, Ser. B., 1999, 354, 1763-1782.

ID: 62390
Title: Does plant root architecture respond to potassium under water stress? A case from rice seedling root responses
Author: Dipika S.Patel, Bardhan Kirti, P.Patel Dhiraji, Parekh Vipulkumar, Jena Suchismita, V. Narwade Ajay and N.Chhatrola Harshadkumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1050-1056 (2021)
Subject: Does plant root architecture respond to potassium under water stress? A case from rice seedling root responses
Keywords: Drought, Oryza sativa L., potassium, root plasticity
Abstract: In plants, roots sense the availability of potassium and water .This study examined the influence of potassium availability on root architecture and above-ground growth under water-deficit condition. We found that the growth of rice seedlings was further reduced by low potassium under water stress. We noted considerable reduction in the root projected area, maximum width and width-to-depth ratio. Furthermore, high potassium supply helped in sustaining the root top and bottom angles and prevented root steepness under mild water stress. However, high potassium availability did not result in better seedling growth. Root steepness was more influenced by water than potassium levels under severe water stress.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gowda, V.R.P., Henry ,A.,Yamauchi ,A., Shashidhar,H.E.and Serraj, R., R., Root biology and genetic improvement for drought avoidance in rice. Field crops Res., 2011, 122, 1-13. Uga, Y., Sugimoto, K., Ogawa, S., Rane, J., Ishittni, M. and Hara, N., Control of root system architecture by DEEPER ROOTING 1 increase rice yield under drought conditions. Nature Genet., 2013, 45, 1097-1102.
Literature cited 2: Kudoyarova, G.R., Dodd, I.C., Veselov, D.S., Rothwell, S.A. and Yu Veselov,S., Common and specific responses to availability of mineral nutrients and water .J.Exp.Bot., 2015, 66, 2133-2144. Grzbisz, W., Gransee, A., Szczepaniak, W. And Diatta, J., The effects of potassium fertilization on water-use efficiency in crop plants.J.Plant Nutr.SoilSci., 2013, 176, 355-374.

ID: 62389
Title: Prediction of potential drug targets for cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica: a quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics approach
Author: Nasrin Amiri-Dashatan, Marzieh Ashrafmansouri, Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani, Mehdi Koushki and Nayebali Ahmadi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1040-1049 (2021)
Subject: Prediction of potential drug targets for cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica: a quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics approach
Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Leishmania tropica, Leishmania major, protein interaction network, quantitative proteomics
Abstract: Leishmania spp. cause life-threatening infectious diseases which affect universal health. Novel treatments for leishmaniasis are crucially needed since those available are limited by emerging drug-resistant species, low efficacy and side effects. In this study, we have employed a quantitative shotgun proteomics and bioinformatics method to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica and to detect novel potential drug targets for cutaneous leishmaniasis, which may aid in the future drug discovery process. A total of 57 proteins were differentially expressed between the studied species. Based on KEGG pathway analysis, the more upregulated proteins in L.major are clearly related to proteasome and metabolic pathways. In L.tropica , most of the upregulated proteins are related to the metabolic pathways and carbon metabolism. According to gene ontology analysis based on biological process, the upregulated proteins mainly participated in translation and carbohydrate metabolism in L.tropica and L.major respectively. We have constructed a protein –protein interaction network that is common for the two species .We detected the top 10 potential targets for drug design by topology analysis of the proteins network. Additional in vivo studies are needed to confirm these targets. We have identified several new DEPs between the species which would help in the understanding of pathogenesis mechanisms and offer potential drug targets and vaccine candidates. Analysis of the predicted protein network provides a catalogue of key proteins, which can be considered in future studies to be validated as druggable targets against cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hepburn, N., Cutaneous leishmaniasis .Clin. Exp. Dermatol., 2000, 25, 363-370. Amiri-Dashatan, N. Koushki, M., Rezaei Tavirani, M. and Ahmadi, N., Proteomic-based studies on Leishmania.J.Mazandaran Univ.Med.Sci., 2018, 28, 173-190.
Literature cited 2: Ahmadi, N., Modiri, M. and Mamdohi, S., First survey of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Borujerd County, Western Islamic Republic of Iran.East.Mediterr.Health J., 203, 19, 847-853. Ashrafmansouri, M., Sarkari, B., Hatam. G., Habibi, P. and Khabisi, S.A., Utility of Western blot analysis for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis.Iran.J. Parasitol, 2015, 10, 599.

ID: 62388
Title: Allelopathic potential and allelochemicas in different intercrops for weed management in rainfed cotton
Author: Pooja Verma, D.Blaise, J.Annie Sheeba and A.Manikandan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1035-1039 (2021)
Subject: Allelopathic potential and allelochemicas in different intercrops for weed management in rainfed cotton
Keywords: Allelochemicals, allelopathic potential, intercrops, rainfed cotton, relative neighbour effect.
Abstract: Allelochemicals released by plants serve as the primary defence by targeting the establishment of weeds and other plants. In this study, 12 different intercrops were assessed over five seasons for total phenol and terpenoid content. A detailed analysis on allelochemicals produced was also done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to correlate with their weed suppression efficiency. Total phenol content of intercrops ranged from 6.5 to 17.6 mg g-1 tissue dry wt, with the highest value in carom followed by sorghum, sunhemp and marigold. Total terpenoid content of leaf extracts of the intercrops varied from 14.5 to 35.9 µg g-1 tissue dry wt, wherein pearl millet had maximum terpenoid content (35.9 µg g-1 tissue dry wt) followed by sunhemp and sesame. Analysis using GC-MS indicated the presence of some unique as well as common allelochemicals in the experimental intercrops. To correlate the abundance of these allelochemicals in the experimental intercrops. To correlate the abundance of these allelochemicals released from intercrops with their weed suppression competence, relative neighbour effect (RNE) value was determined for each intercrops. Positive RNE values for sunhemp, pearl millet and sesame indicate their efficiency in effectively reducing weed population than the other intercrops. Thus, intercrops with high phenolic, terpenoid and other allelochemicals specific to sunhemp, pearl millet and sesame can be correlated well with weed suppression as perceptible from their RNE values.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kiraly, L., Barnaz, B. and Kiralyz, Z., Plant resistance to pathogen infection: forms and mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance. J. Phytopathol., 2007, 155, 385-396. War, A.R., Paultraj, M.G., Ahmad, T., Buhroo, A.A., Hussain, B., Ignacumuthu, S. and Sharma, H.C., Mechanisms of plant defense against insect hervivores. Plant Signal .Behav., 2012, 7, 1306-1320.
Literature cited 2: Furstenberg-Hagg, J., Zagrobelny, M. and Bak, S., Plant defense against insect hervivores .Int. J. Mol.ci., 2013, 14, 10242-10297. Bonanomi, G., Sicurezza, M.G., Caporaso, S., Esposito, A. and Mazzoleni, S., Phytotoxicity dynamics of decaying plant materials. new Phytol., 2006, 169 (3), 571-578.

ID: 62387
Title: INSAT-3DR-rapid scan operations for weather monitoring over India
Author: M.Mohapatra, A.K.Mitra, Virendra Singh, S.K.Mukherjee, Kavita Navria, Vikram Prashar, Ashish Tyagi, Atul Kumar Verma, Sunitha Devi, V.S. Prasad, Mudumba Ramesh and Raj Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1028-1034 (2021)
Subject: INSAT-3DR-rapid scan operations for weather monitoring over India
Keywords: Nowcasting, physical processes, rapid scan operations, severe weather conditions, weather monitoring
Abstract: In order to observe severe weather conditions during cyclones, thunderstorms, etc., IMAGER instruments on-board INSAT3D/3DR have been built with a flexible scanning feature known as ‘rapid scan mode’. Using this feature, the number of scan lines over a given coverage region and the number of repetitions of the selected region and the number of repetitions of the selected region can be programmed for scanning. Therefore, to understand the physical processes involved in convective clouds associated with severe weather phenomena, rapid scan of INSAT3DR mode is attempted. It has very high temporal resolution of approximately 4 min and 30 sec. The present study will help in better understanding of the physical processes of severe weather phenomena and in nowcasting .It will also help to improve the accuracy in the NWP model forecast through assimilation of radiances and atmospheric motion wind determined using rapid scan mode.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: IMD, A technical report ‘INSAT-3d DATA Products Catalog’, India Meteorological Department, New Delhi, January 2014. EUMETSAT, Meteosat-9 takes over rapid scanning service, 9 April 2013; http://www.eumetsat.int/Home/Main/News/Press_Release/831419?=en.
Literature cited 2: Schmit, T.J. et al., Geostationary operational environmental satellite (GOES) -14 super rapid scan operations to prepare for GOES-R .J. Appl. Remote Sensing , 2013, 7 (1) , 073462. Bessho, K. et al., An introduction to Himawari-8/9-Japan’s new generation geostationary meteorological satellites. J. Meteorol. Soc. Jpn., 2016, 94 (2), 151-183; https://doi.org/10.2151/jmsj.2016-009.

ID: 62386
Title: Microbial bioremediation of heavy metals
Author: Amanso Tayang and L.S.Songachan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1013-1025 (2021)
Subject: Microbial bioremediation of heavy metals
Keywords: Bioremediation, heavy metals, microorganisms, metal-microbe interactions, resistance mechanisms
Abstract: Heavy metals are persistent in nature and toxic to all life forms. Increase in industrialization, urbanization and unsafe agriculture practices is constantly adding heavy metals pollution of water and soil. Considering the negative impacts of heavy metals on the environment, several strategies have been devised to remediate them. However, most of these have their own limitations. Bioremediation of metals by microorganisms is efficient, cost-effective and environment friendly method of metal detoxification. Microbes can utilize metal contaminants as their energy source and transform them to less toxic forms. When exposed to metals for a considerable period of time, microorganisms interact with them and become tolerant by developing resistance mechanism against them. Metal-microbe interactions can occur in several ways such as biosorption, bioleaching, bio mineralization, bioaccumulation and biotransformation. Study of these interactions is important to understand resistance mechanisms against metals which include barriers, efflux system, sequestration and reduction of metals. These mechanisms are encoded by the resistance genes localized in chromosomes and plasmids. Understanding resistance mechanisms against metals in microorganisms become crucial for devising strategies for bioremediation of metals.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ojuederie, O.B. and Babalola, O., O., Microbial and plant assisted bioremediation of heavy metal polluted environments: a review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public health, 2017, 14, 1504. Ahemad, M., Implications of bacterial resistance against heavy metals in bioremediation: a review. IIOAB J., 012, 3, 39-46.
Literature cited 2: Ayangnenmro, A.S., and Babalola, O.O., A new strategy for heavy metal polluted environments: a review of microbial biosorbents. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2017, 14, 94. Kumar, N.M., Muthukumaran, C., Sharmila, G., and Gurunathan, B., Genetically modified organisms and its impact on the enhancement of bioremediation. In Bioremediation: Applications for Environmental Protection and Management (ed.Varjani, S.), Springer, Singapore, 2018, pp.53-76.

ID: 62385
Title: Soil erosion and policy initiatives in India
Author: Debashis Mandal and Nishita Giri
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 1007-1012 (2021)
Subject: Soil erosion and policy initiatives in India
Keywords: Conservation initiatives, land degradation, soil erosion
Abstract: Though soil erosion is a natural phenomenon, the rate of erosion has been increased 10 to 100 times because of land conversion ( e.g. land conversion from forest to agriculture ) and land management ( overgrazing , expansion of cultivation) .However, behind this land transformation some, socio-cultural and policy decision acts as drivers. Ancient humans had a good knowledge to prevent soil erosion through terracing even 4000 years ago. The decline of civilizations has been closely linked with the degradation o their resources particularly deforestation, accelerated soil erosion and the decline of crop yields. Historical evidences are crucial and provide alternative proxies about soil erosion in the past. Among the various factors, it is portrayed that natural situations, cultural traditions and socio-economic, and governance played a major role in the dynamics and rates of soil erosion in a long-term perspective. Ensuring harmony and keeping balance with nature is a great challenge in a democratic polity with a fast-expanding market economy.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mandal, D. and Sharada, V.N., Assessment of permissible soil loss in India employing a quantitivve bio-physical model. Curr. Sci., 2011, 100 (3), 383-390. Mandal,D., Giri,N.and Srivastava,P., The magnitude of erosion-induced carbon (C) flux and C-sequestration potential of eroded lands in India. Eur. J. Soil. Sci., 2020, 71, 15-168.
Literature cited 2: Gadgil,M.and Guha, R., This fissured Land: An Ecological History of India, Oxford India Perennials, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1992, ISBN-13:978-0-19-807744-2. Xiubnin, H., Tang, K. and Zhang, X., Soil erosion dynamics on the Chinese Loess Plateau in the last 10, 000 years. Mt. Res. Dev., 2004, 24 (4) , 342-347.

ID: 62384
Title: Specimens of William Roxburgh in the Central National Herbarium at the A.J.C. Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah
Author: Henry John Noltie, Anand Kumar, Kumar Avinash Bharati, Avishek Bhattacharjee and Gopal Krishna
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 997-1006 (2021)
Subject: Specimens of William Roxburgh in the Central National Herbarium at the A.J.C. Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah
Keywords: Annotations, catalogue, herbarium specimens, sources and origins, sub-collections
Abstract: Sixty-one herbarium specimens collected by William Roxburgh (1751-1815) from India have recently been discovered in the Central National Herbarium (CAL), Howrah. A catalogue is provided here, including annotations o original names and determinations, currently accepted names and notes on actual or potential type status. The specimens came to CAL from eight different sources, and notes are provided on their possible origins.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Robinson, T.F., William Roxburtgh (1751-1815) : The Founding Father of Indian Botany, Phillimore in association with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Chichester, UK, 2008. Sanjappa, M., Thothathri, K. and Das, A.R., Bull., Bot., Surv., India, 1993, 33, 1-232.
Literature cited 2: Sealy, J.R., Kew Bull, M 1956, 297-399. Stafleu, F.A., and Cowan, R.S., Taxonomic Literature –II Bohn, Scheltema & Holkema, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 1983, vol., 4, p.983.

ID: 62383
Title: Potential of underutilized wild crops in Koraput, Odisha, India for improving nutritional security and promoting climate resilience
Author: Debabrata Panda and Sharat Kumar Palita
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 989-996 (2021)
Subject: Potential of underutilized wild crops in Koraput, Odisha, India for improving nutritional security and promoting climate resilience
Keywords: Climate resilience, indigenous landrace, nutritional security, wild crops
Abstract: Indigenous and wild crop resources play a significant role in food and nutrition security and are also important resources for sustainable food systems under climate change. Koraput district, Odisha is one of the agro-biodiversity hotspots in India dominated by tribal communities. The plant genetic resources of this region are the significance not only for the diversity, but also their consumption pattern. The present study aimed to chronicle the nutritional value of selected neglected and underutilized crop species of Koraput. Although these plant species are useful for poor and marginalized farmers, they are largely ignored by the scientific community, breeders and policymakers. Therefore, this study highlights the nutritional and climate-resilient traits of such species for conservation and further utilization. Mass consumption, commercialization and bioprospecting of these valuable resources would be the right step for ensuring food and nutritional security in future climate change scenarios.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: IPCC, Impacts , adaptation and vulnerability , The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Fourth Assessment Report, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2007. Krishnamurthy,P.K., Lewis, K. and Choularton, R.J. ,Climate impacts on food security and nutrition: a review of existing knowledge. Met Office and WFP’s Office for Climate Change, Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction, Exter Devon, UK, 2012.
Literature cited 2: Beddington, J., Food Security: contribution from science to a new and greener revolution. Philos .Trans. R. Soc. London, Ser. B, 2010, 365, 61-71. Singh, B., Bahuguna, A. and Bhatt, A., Small millets of Uttarakhand for sustainable nutritional security and biodiversity conservation. Int. J. Manage. Soc. Sci. Res., 2015, 4 (8), 26-30.

ID: 62382
Title: New farm Acts, 2020: rationale and challenges
Author: S.K. Srivastava and Raka Saxena
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 981-988 (2021)
Subject: New farm Acts, 2020: rationale and challenges
Keywords: Agriculture, challenges, critical issues, Farm Acts
Abstract: The recent development agenda in agriculture aims towards making the sector remunerative, competitive and sustainable through accelerating ongoing transformation and addressing the emerging challenges. The enactment of new farm Acts, 2020 has led to an intense debate with arguments both in favour and against their likely implications on farmers’ welfare and the agricultural sector .This article evidently examines the rationality of enacting new farm Acts, and discusses critical issues for their effective implementation and realizing the intended benefits. These Acts aim to create an ecosystem for efficient and competitive marketing and foster investment in post-production stages. Realization of indeed benefits requires strengthening of aggregating institution like farmer producer organizations, creating enabling conditions for competition between Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) mandis and outside trade, and developing an effective market intelligence and price information system for efficient price discovery outside APMCs.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chand, R., The state of Indian agriculture and prospects for future .In Growth, Equity, Environment and Population: Economic and Sociological Perspectives (eds Chopra, K and Rao, C.H.H.).Sage, New Delhi, 2008, pp.133-148. Chand, R., Saxena, R., and Rana, S., Estimates and analysis of farm income in India, 1983-84 to 2011-12. Econ.Polit Wkly, 2015, 50 (22), 139-145.
Literature cited 2: GoI, Report of the Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income: post production agri-logistics: maximizing gains for farmers, volume III. Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, 2017; http://agricoop.gov.in/sites/default/files/DFI%-20Volume%203.pdf. GoI, The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Gazette of India, CG-DL-E-27092020-222039.Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, 2020.

ID: 62381
Title: Climate change awareness and resilience building among rural women in the Himalaya, India
Author: Sumit Rai, Jagdish Chandra Kuniyal, Mithilesh Singh and Kapil Kesarwani
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (6) 979-980 (2021)
Subject: Climate change awareness and resilience building among rural women in the Himalaya, India
Keywords: Climate change, awareness and resilience building among rural women in the Himalaya, India
Abstract: Women are the backbone of any family and/or community across the globe mainly in the mountain scenario. However, the challenges faced by rural women in the Himalaya, India, are different as these communities reside in ecologically fragile and topographically mountain ecosystem. These women are mainly responsible for various activities related to household and farming systems ranging from gathering food, fodder and fuelwood and cultivation of food, and fetching water from distant sources.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2: