ID: 66190
Title: Power of Urine (Reimagining the future)
Author: Dr S S Verma
Editor: Dr. Arun K.Tripathi
Year: 2016
Publisher: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Akshay Urja Vol. 9 (6) 24-25, June (2016)
Subject: Power of Urine (Reimagining the future)
Keywords: None
Abstract: With around one-seventh of the population lacking access to basic electricity and dwindling of the global supply of oil and coal, scientists are eager to find solutions to power the world in more renewable and sustainable ways. A electric power has become the lieline in modern times, so has the quest of human beings to find out ways to generate clean power from cheap and environment-friendly resources. We are constantly presented with better ways of doing things, but rarely do we see quick implementation or production of these technologies. These methods use very little input, and in some cases, achieve infinite output. In this context, one resource that is always available-human urine-has recently attracted the attention of energy enthusiasts as a resource to generate energy.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66189
Title: Enabling concentrated solar thermal systems in Desert Areas (The Challenges and innovations)
Author: Dr Laltu Chandra, Dr Ambesh Dixit and Dr V Narayanan
Editor: Dr. Arun K.Tripathi
Year: 2016
Publisher: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Akshay Urja Vol. 9 (6) 22-23, June (2016)
Subject: Enabling concentrated solar thermal systems in Desert Areas (The Challenges and innovations)
Keywords: None
Abstract: Desert areas, such as Rajasthan in India, receive reasonable direct normal irradiation (DNI) on account of being located at the equatorial belt. Concentrated solar thermal (CST) system, for example hellostat based, can be utilized for harnessing solar energy for applications, such as electricity, process heat and cooling. However, it must be emphasized that adaptation of such CST concepts to local conditions, such as the arid desert in Rajasthan, is necessary for long-term reliable operation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66188
Title: Energy access through off-grid micro hydro projects
Author: Onkar Nath
Editor: Dr. Arun K.Tripathi
Year: 2016
Publisher: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Akshay Urja Vol. 9 (6) 18-21, June (2016)
Subject: Energy access through off-grid micro hydro projects
Keywords: None
Abstract: There are different elements that constitute infrastructure, such as road, water, sanitation, electricity, health, telecommunication, etc. Each one contributes and complements other elements in achieving overall development of a region or a Country. Access to electricity is perceived to be a key requirement for poverty reduction by enabling the creation and improvement of income-generating activities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66187
Title: The National Solar Mission (India Marching ahead in Solar Energy)
Author: Shri Dilip Nigam
Editor: Dr. Arun K.Tripathi
Year: 2016
Publisher: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Akshay Urja Vol. 9 (6) 11-15, June (2016)
Subject: The National Solar Mission (India Marching ahead in Solar Energy
Keywords: None
Abstract: The National Solar Mission (NSM) launched in January 2010, is a major initiative of the Government of India involving States, R&D institutions, and industries to promote solar energy while addressing security and climate change challenges of the Country. Thus, it will constitute a major contribution by India to the global effort to meet the challenges of climate change. The Mission is one of the several initiatives that are part of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66186
Title: Upgradation of the sperm vertical velocity analyzer and uncovering the correlation between vertical velocity and fertility potential
Author: Arpita Bhoumik, Sudipta Saha, Sandhya Rekha Dungdung, Debashis Paul and Gopal Chandra Majumder
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 505-511 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Upgradation of the sperm vertical velocity analyzer and uncovering the correlation between vertical velocity and fertility potential
Keywords: Fertility, instrument, motility, sperm, velocity, vertical
Abstract: The present study enhances the sperm motility analyzer
(SPERMA) computer-based instrumental system, correlating sperm ‘vertical velocity’ with fertility potential.
The upgraded SPERMA allows simultaneous analysis
of four samples at different heights, a substantial improvement over the previous designs. Two prototypes
with diverse actuators, lead screws and gears were
developed. Vertical velocity data, using goat sperm
model, showed a direct correlation with fertilization
parameters. The upgraded SPERMA proves valuable
in assessing human and mammalian fertility, applicable in infertility clinics, animal breeding and species
conservation. Its versatility enables enhanced fertility
evaluation and reproductive research and may extend
to other basic sciences.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hamadaa, A., Estevesb, S. C. and Agarwala, A., Unexplained male
infertility: potential causes and management. Hum. Androl., 2011,
1, 2–16.
Sullivan, R., Male fertility markers, myth or reality. Anim. Reprod.
Sci., 2004, 82–83, 341–347.
Literature cited 2: Mandal, M., Saha, S., Ghosh, A. K. and Majumder, G. C., Identification and characterization of a sperm motility promoting glycoprotein from buffalo blood serum. J. Cel. Physiol., 2006, 209, 353–362.
Kamidono, S., Hazama, M., Matsumoto, O., Takada, K., Tomioka,
O. and Ishigami, J., Study on human spermatozoal motility: preliminary report on newly developed multiple exposure photography
method. Andrologia, 1983, 15(2), 111–119
ID: 66185
Title: Foam index as a surrogate measure of protein content: an exploratory and inexpensive laboratory-free tool for students
Author: Rakshitha Madamakki and Subhojit Sen
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 495-504 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Foam index as a surrogate measure of protein content: an exploratory and inexpensive laboratory-free tool for students
Keywords: Froth, grains, home lab, nutrition, protein estimation
Abstract: An easily executable method to track nutritive potential of raw food grains at home is described here.
Blanching the soaked grains with the boiled supernatant aided the release of protein into the supernatant
which in-turn correlated with the protein content of
the grains analysed in this study. When agitated, the
supernatant generated stable froth, measured as foam
index (FI). When compared with standard protein
estimation methodologies (ultra-violet absorption and
Folin–Lowry), both the percentage volume of the water
absorbed (VA) and FI emerged as potential quantitative parameters. Correlation analyses using multiple
grains of varying protein content indicated that VA
and FI could serve as laboratory-free surrogate
measures of protein content, and therefore a reflection
of their nutritional value. To eliminate the possibility
of surfactant-mediated foam, an ink-based ‘dye diffusion test’ was developed, wherein the dye was significantly retarded by protein foam. The simplicity of
these assays were tested as a part of learning modules,
successfully executed even by school students (12–15
years old). Qualitatively, it engaged them in more authentic scientific inquiry in a way that was meaningfully associated with their daily lives. We propose that
this technique creates opportunities for participation
in citizen science, and can help address questions about
cultivar growth in different climatic conditions when
analysed temporally in a large networked format.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Eliazer Nelson, A. R. L., Ravichandran, K. and Antony, U., The
impact of the green revolution on indigenous crops of India. J.
Ethn. Foods, 2019, 6(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-019-
0011-9.
Council, N. R., Lost Crops of Africa: Volume I: Grains, The
National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 1996; https://doi.org/
10.17226/2305.
Literature cited 2: Wolfe, R. R., Baum, J. I., Starck, C. and Moughan, P. J., Factors
contributing to the selection of dietary protein food sources. Clin.
Nutr., 2018, 37(1), 130–138; https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.clnu.2017.11.017.
Dwivedi, S., Sahrawat, K., Upadhyaya, H. and Ortiz, R., Food,
Nutrition and Agrobiodiversity under Global Climate Change. In
Advances in Agronomy (ed. Sparks, D. L.), Academic Press, USA,
2013, vol. 120, chap. 1, pp. 1–128; https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-
12-407686-0.00001-4.
ID: 66184
Title: Unveiling margin of safety and break-even point of open vis-à-vis protected capsicum cultivation in the northwestern Himalayan state
Author: Niyati Thakur , Ravinder Sharma , Pinaki Roy, Shilpa and Ajit Sharma and T. N. Roy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 479-484 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Unveiling margin of safety and break-even point of open vis-à-vis protected capsicum cultivation in the northwestern Himalayan state
Keywords: Break-even analysis, capsicum, margin of safety, profitability, protected vis-à-vis open cultivation.
Abstract: In the context of mitigating climate change with investment in advanced production technology, the study
was conducted in 2022–23 to ascertain the impacts of
open versus protected cultivation of capsicum in the
northwestern Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh.
Capsicum is a high-value commercial crop, and it has a
lot of scope to augment farm income. Although the initial cost for polyhouses is higher, protected cultivation
delivers far better technical and economic results. The
yields and net income increased by 200% and 258%
respectively, compared to open field conditions. Output–input ratios (3.30 and 2.55) for protected and open
are also highly prospective. A higher value of break even point and a larger margin of safety in protected
cultivation implies enhanced feasibility of additional
financial involvement and resilience against production risks (yield and profitability), which could help
mitigate the climatic risks. Since the return part of the
technology is ascertained, the policymakers, researchers
and practitioners can leverage these insights to promote these sustainable agricultural strategies among
the resource-poor cultivators amidst climate uncertainties. Technical and financial support may encourage the adoption of protected cultivation, which can
enhance food security and farmers’ income and foster
agricultural sustainability in the regions. Future research will explore the scope of diversification of crops
to validate the scaling-up of the benefits of protected
cultivation at macro level.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rosenzweig, C., Iglesias, A., Yang, X., Epstein, P. R. and Chivian,
E., Climate change and extreme weather events; implications for
food production, plant diseases, and pests. Glob. Change Hum.
Health, 2001, 2, 90–104.
Chhogyel, N. and Kumar, L., Climate change and potential impacts
on agriculture in Bhutan: a discussion of pertinent issues. Agric.
Food Secur., 2018, 7, 79.
Literature cited 2: Aryal, J. P., Sapkota, T. B., Khurana, R., Khatri-Chhetri, A., Rahut,
D. B. and Jat, M. L., Climate change and agriculture in South Asia:
adaptation options in smallholder production systems. Environ. Develop. Sustain., 2022, 22, 5045–5075.
Prabhakar, I., Vijayaragavan, K., Singh, P., Singh, B., Janakiram,
Manjunatha, B. L., Jaggi, S. and Sekar, I., Constraints in adoption
and strategies to promote poly house technology among farmers: a
multi-stakeholder and multi-dimensional study. Indian J. Agric.
Sci., 2017, 87, 485–490.
ID: 66183
Title: Insecticidal activity of leaf proteins isolated from tuberous Ipomoea mauritiana against sweetpotato weevil
Author: B. G. Sangeetha, Athira. J. K. Jayan , T. Makeshkumar , T. Santhoshkumar , G. Ajesh , E. R. Harish and L. S. Rajeshwari
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 472-478 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Insecticidal activity of leaf proteins isolated from tuberous Ipomoea mauritiana against sweetpotato weevil
Keywords: Extraction, Ipomoea sp., protease inhibitory assay, protein, sweetpotato, TCA-acetone.
Abstract: Sweet potato is one of the most important food crops in
the world and serves as a rich source of carbohydrates,
beta-carotene, vitamins and minerals. Sweet potato
weevil is one of the harmful pests infesting the crop
and remains a challenge for crop cultivation. From
screening of different Ipomoea spp., wild tuberous Ipomoea mauritiana was identified as resistant to sweet potato weevil infestation. Hence, several extractions
methods for the isolation of proteins from the leaves of
different wild I. mauritiana, Ipomoea palmata, Ipomoea
triloba and Ipomoea obscura were standardised. Further, the crude protein extract from I. mauritiana was
tested against adult sweet potato weevils using the leaf
dip method. The mortality of the weevils was observed
for crude extract isolated after 48 h at a concentration
of protein ranges from 4 to 5 mg/ml. Further, to study
the effects of crude protein of I. mauriatiana, the protein content and various enzymes from sweet potato
weevil was estimated after treatment. Significant
reduction in the amount of protein was observed after
treatment with crude leaf protein, which shows the
presence of protease inhibitor activity. Significant difference was observed in the different enzyme activity,
viz. superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidase, glutathione
peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione s-transferase of sweetpotato weevil, which also reveals the
insecticidal activity of crude protein extract. In conclusion, this is one of the first studies regarding the evaluation of insecticidal activity of leaf protein extract
from the wild I. mauritiana against sweetpotato weevils, and our studies revealed the presence of insecticidal proteins as well as protease inhibitors from the
leaves of I. mauritiana. Further studies will be done to
identify and purify novel proteins from I. mauritiana
using a proteomics approach to evaluate insecticidal
activity against sweet potato weevil
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Yang, J. et al., Haplotype-resolved sweetpotato genome traces back
its hexaploidization history. Nat. Plants, 2017, 3, 696–703.
Varon, D. and Collins, W., Ipomoein in the major soluble protein
of sweetpotato storage roots. Hortscience, 1989, 24(5), 829–
830.
Literature cited 2: Benjamin, B. A. C., Sweetpotato: a review of its past, present, and
future role in human nutrition. Adv. Food Nutr. Res., 2007, 52,
1–59.
Kyereko, W. T., Hongbo, Z., Amoanimaa-Dede, H., Meiwei, G.
and Yeboah, A., The major sweetpotato weevils; management and
control: a review. Entomol. Ornithol. Herpetol., 2019, 8, 218; doi:
10.35248/2161-0983.8.218
ID: 66182
Title: Assessment of remote sensing-based environmental features of severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ over the Bay of Bengal in October 2024
Author: Sunil Kumar, Shashi Kant , Amrit Kumar and Satya Prakash
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 465-471 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Assessment of remote sensing-based environmental features of severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ over the Bay of Bengal in October 2024
Keywords: Bay of Bengal, dynamic features, satellite imagery, structural analysis, thermodynamic processes, tropical cyclone.
Abstract: The present study investigates the structural, dynamic
and thermodynamic characteristics of severe cyclonic
storm, ‘Dana’, the first post-monsoon tropical cyclone
over the North Indian Ocean in 2024. Using synoptic
data and satellite imageries, we have analysed the evolution of storm, intensity changes and atmospheric interactions. The structural analysis reveals that ‘Dana’
predominantly exhibited an irregular central dense
overcast pattern with a mean diameter of 173 km
throughout its lifecycle. Dynamically, the development
and movement of the cyclone were influenced by wind
profiles, sea-surface temperature (SST), upper-level
divergence, lower-level convergence and atmospheric
pressure patterns. The average vertical wind shear
was 16 knots, increasing to 20 knots during cyclone
strengthening. Regarding thermodynamics, SST ranged
from 29°C to 30°C over the central and northern Bay
of Bengal and the north Andaman Sea, with tropical
cyclone heat potential between 100 and 112 kJ/cm2
.
This study integrates satellite-based observations with
traditional meteorological data, providing valuable insights into the internal dynamics of the cyclone and
contributing to improved forecasting and understanding of factors influencing tropical cyclone intensity and
track in the region.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Vigh, J. L., Knaff. J. A. and Schubert W. H. A., Climatology of
hurricane eye formation. Mon. Weather Rev., 2012, 140, 1405–
1456; https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-11-00108.1.
Knapp, K. R., Velden, C. S. and Wimmers, A. J., A global climatology of tropical cyclone eyes. Mon. Weather Rev., 2018, 146(7),
2089–2101; https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-17-0343.1.
Literature cited 2: Mohapatra, M., Sharma, M., Devi, S. S., Kumar, S. V. J. and
Sabade, B. S., Frequency of genesis and landfall of different categories of tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean. Mausam,
2021, 72, 1–26.
Gray, W. M., Global view of the origin of tropical disturbances and
storms. Mon. Weather Rev., 1968, 96(10), 669–700; https://doi.org/
10.1175/1520.
ID: 66181
Title: Two-decade long spatial–temporal study of vegetation dynamics over the Narmada river basin, India
Author: Heli S. Oza, Dhruva R. Jani , Nikhil Lele , Sandip R. Oza , Bimal Kumar Bhattacharya and Hitesh A. Solanki
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 457-464 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Two-decade long spatial–temporal study of vegetation dynamics over the Narmada river basin, India
Keywords: HydroSHED, MODIS NDVI, Narmada basin, vegetation dynamics, vegetation fraction.
Abstract: India is an agriculture dominated country, which requires well managed irrigation system across the river
basins to benefit farmers. Narmada basin is one of the
largest basins in India, having a large-scale implementation of irrigation network in the last few decades. A
study of vegetation dynamics, along with associated environmental and surface parameters, is required for the
sustainable development. However, only a few studies
focused on the basin level and sub-basin level vegetation dynamics. The present study is focused on dynamically varying vegetation over spatial and temporal
scales for Narmada basin and its sub-basins using
MODIS normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI)
data (2000–2021). Changes were observed in the fractional vegetation cover using MODIS vegetation continuing field (VCF) data, surface soil moisture using
microwave remote sensing based derived soil moisture
data and MODIS aqua day and night land surface temperature data. Time-series analysis revealed the increasing trend of NDVI at basin level and majority of subbasins. An increase in fractional vegetation cover associated with improved vegetation condition was observed
during the last two decades (2000–2020). Change in
cropping pattern was observed over wide area across
the basin, showing increase in the number of months
with vegetation cover along with associated increase in
yearly cumulative soil moisture and decrease in day
and night temperature difference. The present study
fills the gap area in the existing literature describing
changes observed in the vegetation dynamic pattern
over Narmada basin after the implementation of large-scale irrigation network during last two-decade
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Thakur, T. K. et al., Assessment of decadal land use dynamics of
upper catchment area of Narmada River, the lifeline of central
India. J. King Saud Univ. - Sci., 2021, 33(2), 101322; doi:10.1016/
j.jksus.2020.101322
Zhang, W., Wang, L., Xaing, F., Qin, W. and Jiang, W., Vegetation
dynamics and the relations with climate change at multiple time
scales in the Yangtze River and Yellow River basin, China. Ecol.
Indic., 2020, 110; doi:j.ecolind.2019.105892
Literature cited 2: Bhatt, D., Kundu, A., Mall, R. K. and Raju, K. N. P., Dynamics of
vegetation response to seasonal rainfall in the Gomati river basin
(India) using earth observation data sets. J. Sci. Res., 2020, 64, 20–31.
Liu, F., Qin, T., Girma, A. and Wang, H., Dynamics of land-use
and vegetation change using NDVI and transfer matrix: a case
study of the Huaihe River Basin. Pol. J. Environ. Stud., 2018, 28,
213–223.
ID: 66180
Title: Season-dependent reproductive performance in a non-seasonally breeding diurnal species, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Author: Nidhi Yadav, Mayank Kumar, Vatsala Tripathi and Sanjay Kumar Bhardwaj
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 452-456 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Season-dependent reproductive performance in a non-seasonally breeding diurnal species, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Keywords: Clutch size, nest building, reproduction, seasons, zebra finch.
Abstract: The reproduction and its associated behaviour in a
non-seasonal species are considered totally independent
of seasons. To assess this, we examined seasonal differences in the nest building and reproductive performance in diurnal zebra finches that were hatched and
raised in outdoor aviaries. Adult male and female
birds were separately housed in cages equipped with
two perches stacked in a large aviary, receiving the
natural day length (NDL) and temperature conditions.
Cages housing male birds were also fixed with a nest box.
After two weeks of acclimation, the males and females
were paired randomly, and the parameters of nest
building and reproductive performance, such as the
onset of egg laying, clutch size and hatchlings and
fledglings per pair, were recorded in the winter (second
week of November 2022 to the first week of February
2023), and subsequently similarly in the summer (third
week of April 2023 to the first week of July 2023) seasons. The pairs took more time to initiate (mean ± SE –
winter: 2.92 ± 0.58; summer: 2.33 ± 0.45) and complete
(mean ± SE – winter: 6.75 ± 0.52; summer: 4.50 ± 0.27)
the nest in winter, as compared to that in summer. Per
pair, the clutch size was significantly smaller in winter
(mean ± SE: 2.2 ± 0.36) than in summer (mean ± SE:
3.6 ± 0.34), but the hatchlings (P = 0.2123) and fledglings (P = 0.5302) were not significantly different
between the two seasons, perhaps due to higher temperature and dryness in summer. These results indicated an underlying seasonality in zebra finches, which
could be economically useful to those engaged in
breeding and raising of pet species.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Lack, D., Ecological Adaptations for Breeding in Birds, Methuen,
London, 1968, vol. 33, p. 402.
Murton, R. K. and Westwood, N. J., Avian Breeding Cycles, Clarendon Press, Oxford
Literature cited 2: Bentley, G. E., Spar, B. D., MacDougall-Shackelton, S. A., Hahn,
T. P. and Ball, G. F., Photoperiodic regulation of the reproductive
axis in male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Gen. Comp. Endocrinol., 2000, 117, 449–455; https://doi.org/10.1006/gcen.1999
.7430
Visser, M. E., Holleman, L. J. and Caro, S. P., Temperature has a
causal effect on avian timing of reproduction. Proc. R. Soc. B: Biol.
Sci., 2009, 276, 2323–2331; https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2009.0213.
ID: 66179
Title: Martian/Lunar analogue research station in India: Ladakh as a potential site
Author: Binita Phartiyal, Aloke Kumar and Shubhanshu Shukla
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 446-451 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Martian/Lunar analogue research station in India: Ladakh as a potential site
Keywords: Analogue research, Ladakh, Lunar, Martian, terrestrial research station.
Abstract: India has a rich geographical landscape suitable for creating extra-terrestrial analogue habitats,
which are crucial for supporting prolonged space missions and addressing the challenges of sustaining human life outside of Earth. It is also imperative that these habitats are analogous, both in
design and proposed locations, as accurately as possible for meaningful lessons and research. India
has set ambitious targets for its space program, which necessitates the construction of terrestrial
research stations that can simulate extra-terrestrial conditions. We believe this is an opportune time
to establish an analogue research station in Ladakh, that will benefit a diverse group of researchers.
It can potentially become a shot in the arm for the Indian human space program. Apart from research, the tourism boost that such a site can give will also benefit local communities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sundararajan, V., Gaganyaan mission: socio-technical systems
(STS) design and strategic perspectives of India’s human spaceflight program. In AIAA Scitech 2021 Forum. 11–15 and 19–21
January 2021, American Institute of Aeronautics, Inc, 2021, p.
0306; doi:10.2514/6.2021-0306.
George, A. J., A short review on India’s interplanetary missions.
Acceleron Aerosp. J., 2024, 2(1), 138–147
Literature cited 2: Canup, R. M. and Asphaug, E., Origin of the Moon in a giant impact
near the end of the Earth’s formation. Nature, 2001, 412(6848),
708–712.
Wiechert, U. et al., Oxygen isotopes and the Moon’s origin. Science, 2001, 2
ID: 66178
Title: Additional distribution records of two fruit flies of subfamily Dacinae (Tephritidae: diptera) from Himachal Pradesh
Author: Sharma Sneha, Maneesh Pal Singh, David Lawrence Hancock
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 444-445 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Additional distribution records of two fruit flies of subfamily Dacinae (Tephritidae: diptera) from Himachal Pradesh
Keywords: None
Abstract: The Dipteran family, Tephritidae is characterized by three costal breaks in the wing
(humeral, subcostal and costal) and often a
distinct apical extension to cell bcu (ref. 1).
Subfamily Dacinae comprises three tribes,
namely Ceratitidini, Dacini and Gastrozonini. Eighty-two species of Dacini and
36 species of Gastrozonini (bamboo shoot
flies) have been recorded from India2
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hancock, D. L., Freidberg, A. and Friedman, A. L. L., In Manual of Afrotropical
Diptera, Volume 3: Brachycera-Cyclorrhapha, Excluding Calyptratae (eds KirkSpriggs, A. H. and Sinclair, B. S.), Suricata,
8, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, 2021, pp. 1669–1734.
Agarwal, M. L. and Sueyoshi, M., Orient.
Insects, 2005, 39, 371–433.
Literature cited 2: David, K. J. and Ramani, S., Zootaxa, 2011,
3021, 1–31.
Drew, R. A. I. and Romig, M. C., Tropical
Fruit Flies (Tephritidae: Dacinae) of
South-East Asia, CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2013, pp
ID: 66177
Title: Value in waste: water-splitting photo-electrocatalyst from wastewater
Author: Yousuf Khan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (5) 440-440 10 March. (2025)
Subject: Value in waste: water-splitting photo-electrocatalyst from wastewater
Keywords: None
Abstract: Wastewater treatment strategies underpin
the sustainability of our cities. Cities like
Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru are leading
contributors to the almost 72 thousand million litres of wastewater produced daily in
India1
. Merely 20 thousand million litres
per day can be treated under the actual utilised capacity of wastewater treatment plants
in the country
. Wastewater is a complex
mixture of organic matter, chemical waste
and pathogens requiring multiple treatment
steps ranging from bioremediation to chemical interventions
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: CPCB, Status of water quality in India 2021,
Central Pollution Control Board, 2022, p. 55;
https://cpcb.nic.in/openpdffile.php?id=UmV
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ID: 66176
Title: Relative abundance and diversity of insect foragers associated with inflorescence in dwarf varieties of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
Author: Regi Jacob Thomas, Arulappan Josephrajkumar , Bharath Mohan , Sandip Shil and Mohammedali Shareefa
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 128 (4) 404-413 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Relative abundance and diversity of insect foragers associated with inflorescence in dwarf varieties of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
Keywords: Conservation, diversity indices, ecosystem service providers, nut yield, pollinators.
Abstract: Ecosystem services offered by insect foragers in the
coconut system are exceptional in utilizing pollen and
nectar resources and, thereafter, rewarding effective
pollination in coconut palms. The pollinator community recorded from dwarf varieties of coconut comprised
35 insect species, out of which 30 could be identified,
belonging to 6 orders and 17 families. Insect fauna belonging to families Formicidae (ants), Apidae (bees)
under Hymenoptera and Curculionidae (weevils) under
Coleoptera were recorded in abundance from the coconut inflorescence. However, a considerable quantity of
pollen grains clings onto the body parts of bees and
assumes likely pollination services in coconut. Ants,
though noticed in large numbers, may not be involved
in pollination, probably because of their apterous nature
and smooth body surfaces warranting in-depth scrutiny. Abundant floral visitors were registered during January–July compared to August–December. Higher nut
yield in coconut recorded during January–May could
be positively linked to enhanced foraging activities by
insects, a classical instance of ecosystem services delivering economic benefits to farmers. The maximum insect
activity was during the forenoon session, coinciding
with anthesis time of coconut. Modulation among various diversity indices (Menhinick index, Shannon’s index) were recorded for species richness and temporal
abundance for insect visitation in coconut. Conservation
of these pollinators in the perennial coconut system is
crucial for sustaining production and safeguarding the
ecosystem. As coconut produces inflorescence around the
year and ensures continuous pollen availability, coconut
orchards can also be used for division of honeybee colonies during the brood rearing season.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Thomas, R. J. and Josephrajkumar, A., Flowering and pollination
biology in coconut. J. Plant. Crops, 2013, 41(2), 109–117.
Menon, K. P. V. and Pandalai, K. M., The Coconut Palm – A Monograph, Indian Central Coconut Committee, Ernakulam, 1958,
p. 384.
Literature cited 2: Henderson, A., Pollination biology of economically important
palms. Adv. Econ. Bot., 1988, 6, 36–41.
Moore, D., Insects of palm flowers and fruits. In Insects on Palms
(eds Howard, F. W. et al.), CABI Publishing, Wallingford, United
Kingdom, 2001, p. 244