Enter records

ID: 66175
Title: Epigenetic DNA methylation markers: a non-invasive diagnostic approach for urinary bladder cancer
Author: Amandeep Singh , Bhasker Mukherjee , Mukul Sharma and Rattan Deep Singh
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) 398-403 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Epigenetic DNA methylation markers: a non-invasive diagnostic approach for urinary bladder cancer
Keywords: DNA methylation, methylation-specific PCR, non-invasive biomarkers, urinary bladder cancer.
Abstract: Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) has high recurrence rates, making early detection vital. Promoter DNA methylation of CALCA, CCNA1 and P16 genes can serve as non-invasive biomarkers. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the promoter methylation status of CCNA1, CALCA and P16 genes in the blood of UBC patients compared to controls, and to explore their utility as non-invasive biomarkers. Blood samples from 169 participants, including 89 UBC patients and 80 controls, were analysed. Blood samples were collected, DNA was extracted for bisulphite conversion, followed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Statistical analyses determined the association between methylation status and clinical features. Methylation was detected in CCNA1 (66.2%), CALCA (53.9%), and P16 (72%) in UBC patients, significantly higher than in controls. Combined analysis of these three genes provided a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 80% for UBC detection. Blood-based methylation of CCNA1, CALCA and P16 genes emerged as a promising non-invasive biomarker for early UBC detection. Further validation in larger cohorts is required.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pietzak, E. J. et al., Next-generation sequencing of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer reveals potential biomarkers and rational therapeutic targets. Eur. Urol., 2018, 74(6), 733–740; doi:10.1016/ j.eururo.2018.07.041 Kandimalla, R. et al., A 3-plex methylation assay combined with the FGFR3 mutation assay sensitively detects recurrent bladder cancer in voided urine. Clin. Cancer Res., 2019, 25(3), 945–953; doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-18-2150
Literature cited 2: Park, J. C., Citrin, D. E., Agarwal, P. K. and Apolo, A. B., Multimodal management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Curr. Probl. Cancer, 2020, 44(6), 100604; doi:10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2020. 100604. Springer, S. U. et al., Non-invasive detection of urothelial cancer through the analysis of driver gene mutations and aneuploidy. eLife, 2018, 7, 21; doi:10.7554/eLife.32143.

ID: 66174
Title: Estimating geomagnetic field detection sensitivity of pigeons and passerine migrants using deep machine learning
Author: Vedachalam Narayanaswamy and Bala Naga Jyothi Vandavasi
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) 388-397 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Estimating geomagnetic field detection sensitivity of pigeons and passerine migrants using deep machine learning
Keywords: Deep learning, machine learning, magnetic field, navigation.
Abstract: The capability of homing pigeons and passerine migrants to derive navigation-rated information from the geomagnetic field (GMF), enabling them to navigate from unfamiliar sites, is a subject of research. Despite the vast trajectory information available from field experiments, the true accuracy of their map and compass sense are seldom reported. The recent developments in bird geo-tagging, precision world magnetic model and deep machine-learning capabilities enable us to understand the mechanisms underlying their innate abilities in true navigation. In this article, we machine-learnt the GMF anomaly in a 10 km2 region and analysed the flight path efficiency for a 10-km GMF-anomaly-guided trajectory using the developed deep-learning-based artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. From the simulated flight path and comparing the computed efficiencies with the field-reported results, it is observed that the sensitivity of the GMF gradient detection sensory system in pigeons and passerine migrants in familiar and unfamiliar regions are in the range of 1–3 nT and 0.5–2.5 nT respectively. Identified results shall help implement AI based solutions for understanding spatiotemporal bird migration and enacting environmental conservation policies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nimpf, S. et al., Myths in magneto-sensation. iScience, 2022, 25, 104454; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2022.104454. Wiltschko, R. et al., The discovery of the use of magnetic navigational information. J. Comp. Physiol. A, 2022, 208, 9–18.
Literature cited 2: Schnieder, W. T. et al., Over 50 years of behavioural evidence on the magnetic sense in animals: what has been learnt and how?. J. Eur. Phys., 2023, 232, 269–278. Lohmann, K. H. et al., Animal magnetic sensitivity and magnetic displacement experiments. Nature-Commun. Biol., 2024, 7(1), 650; https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04530-w

ID: 66173
Title: Effects of begomovirus infection on invasiveness of plant Croton bonplandianus Baill.
Author: N. Kamala Dhasan, S. Saravanan , J. K. John Praveen Kumar , K. Jeyalakshmi , B. Parthiban , M. R. Anbarasan , P. Manikandan , S. Ganesh-Kumar , P. Gopal , M. Jothi Basu and S. Chandrasekaran
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) 381-387 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Effects of begomovirus infection on invasiveness of plant Croton bonplandianus Baill.
Keywords: Begomovirus infection, chilli leaf curl virus, Croton bonplandianus, exotic species, papaya leaf curl, pathogen reservoir.
Abstract: Invasive species are considered the second worst threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction, which was altered the function and service of the ecosystem. However, some exotic species fail to become invasive due to newly acquired enemies in the introduced range, as described by the ‘increased susceptibility’ hypothesis. In the present study, we have tested the increased susceptibility hypothesis: does begomovirus infection play an important role in the invasiveness of Croton bonplandianus in its introduced range. To understand the role of viral infection on the invasiveness of C. bonplandianus, the healthy and viral infected population density of C. bonplandianus was measured at different ecosystems by the quadrat method. Several first- and second-order branches, number of inflorescence per plant, number of buds/inflorescence, number of male and female flower/ inflorescence, number of seed/inflorescence, pollen and seed viability, chlorophyll content were measured in infected and healthy populations of C. bonplandianus. Results showed that the infected population of C. bonplandianus was higher in agroecosystems than in other ecosystems. The number and length of the inflorescences were maximum in healthy plants (24.74 ± 1.78 and 5.78 ± 0.13 respectively) than infected population (7.28 ± 0.88 and 2.04 ± 0.08 respectively). The number of male and female buds per inflorescences were also recorded maximum in healthy plants (21.19 ± 0.86 and 4.44 ± 0.13 respectively) and significantly different from the infected plants (9.99 ± 0.63 and 2.16 ± 0.12 respectively). Further, to identify the nature of the virus, viral DNA was isolated from the infected plant and confirmed through Rolling Circle Amplification followed by digestion to release the 2.7 kb and anticipated 1.3 kb. The above fragments were cloned, sequenced and analysed to identify the nature of the virus molecules. Surprisingly, 2.7 kb matched the papaya leaf curl virus, whereas 1.3 kb showed significant similarity with the alpha satellite, which is associated with the chilli leaf curl virus. Based on the results, we concluded that begomovirus infection has strongly affected reproductive traits of C. bonplandianus thus resulting in their failure to become an invasive species at the introduced range. However, the infected population of C. bonplandianus acts as a pathogen reservoir for various crop diseases, namely papaya and chilli leaf curl diseases.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pimentel, D., Zuniga, R. and Morrison, D., Update on the environmental and economic costs associated with alien-invasive species in the United States. Ecol. Econ., 2005, 52(3), 273–288. Pejchar, L. and Mooney, H. A., Invasive species, ecosystem services and human well-being. Trends Ecol. Evol., 2009, 24(9), 497– 504.
Literature cited 2: Vilà, M. et al., Ecological impacts of invasive alien plants: a metaanalysis of their effects on species, communities and ecosystems. Ecol. Lett., 2011, 14(7), 702–708. Jeschke, J. M., General hypotheses in invasion ecology. Divers. Distrib., 2014, 20(11), 1229–1234.

ID: 66172
Title: Non-tariff measures and export of marine products from India: trends and future prospects
Author: A. Suresh, Sachu Sara Sabu , Pankaj Kishore and Satyen Kumar Panda
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) 373-380 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Non-tariff measures and export of marine products from India: trends and future prospects
Keywords: Compliance cost, fish export, fish value chain, non-tariff measures, SPS measures
Abstract: Adherence to international norms of food quality and safety is paramount to enhance the export of marine products from India. The exporters have focused on compliance with the non-tariff measures to widen and deepen their exports. The present study analysed the trends and compliance status of quality standards in Indian marine exports to major importers and offers policy recommendations for enhancing the safety and quality of these exports. The study emphasises the role of regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders and international partners in promoting quality compliance
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: GoI, Annual Report 2021–22, Government of India, 2022; https://commerce.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AnnualReport-FY-2022-23-DoC.pdf (accessed on 15 September 2023) GoI, Economic Survey 2022–23, Government of India; 2023; https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/ economicsurvey/ (accessed on 2 September 2023)
Literature cited 2: Keel, A. L. and Wolf, M., Towards a classification of marine wildlife crime: marketing strategies to curtail illegal fishing, malicious acts, and waterway pollution. Psychol. Market., 2020, 37(12), 1743–1754. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Non-tariff measures to trade: economic and policy issues for developing countries, Developing Countries in International Trade Studies, 2013; https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ditctab20- 121_en.pdf (accessed on 21 September 2023).

ID: 66171
Title: Climatic influences on flowering dynamics, reproductive development and fruit set in litchi cv. Dehradun
Author: Shiv Kumar Shivandu , Gaurav Kumar , Ishani Sharma and Jayesh Garg
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) 368-372 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Climatic influences on flowering dynamics, reproductive development and fruit set in litchi cv. Dehradun
Keywords: Climate change, flowering, fruit set, litchi, temperature.
Abstract: The present study investigates the effects of climatic variability on the reproductive development, flower sex ratios, and fruit set of Litchi chinensis cv. Dehradun in Himachal Pradesh from 2021 to 2023. Results reveal that cooler temperatures during floral bud induction (November–December) favoured balanced flower sex ratios and floral differentiation, promoting a successful fruit set. Higher temperatures in December 2022, however, led to increased vegetative growth and reduced reproductive output. Early flowering in January was advanced by cooler conditions in 2021–22, while improved rainfall and humidity further supported panicle health and fruit retention. Warmer April–May conditions contributed to elevated fruit drop and cracking, impacting yield. Additionally, cooler temperatures encouraged longer, more robust panicles, positively influencing flower production. These findings highlight the significance of cooler temperatures during key stages of litchi development and suggest the potential of adaptive practices, such as supplemental irrigation during dry spells, to counter climate impacts on yield and quality
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Menzel, C. M. and Simpson, D. R., Effect of temperature on growth and flowering of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cultivars. J. Hortic. Sci., 1988, 63, 349–360. Kumar, R., Litchi. Abiotic Stress Physiology of Horticultural Crops, Springer, New Delhi, 2016, pp. 235–266; https://doi.org/ 10.1007/978-81-322-2725-0-14
Literature cited 2: Menzel, C. M. and Simpson, D. R., Effect of environment on floral sex ratios in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn). Acta Hortic., 1992, 321, 616–620. Dinesh, M. R. and Reddy, B. M. C., Physiological basis of growth and fruit yield characteristics of tropical and sub-tropical fruits to temperature. In Tropical Fruit Tree Species and Climate Change, 2012, vol. 45, pp. 46–137

ID: 66170
Title: Hydrology and water management in the Anthropocene: challenges and opportunities with particular reference to India
Author: Sharad K. Jain, Rajiv Sinha , Arpita Mondal , P. P. Mujumdar , Urmin Vegad , Vikram Singh Chandel , Padmini Ponukumati and Achala Singh
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) 353-367 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Hydrology and water management in the Anthropocene: challenges and opportunities with particular reference to India
Keywords: Anthropocene, anthropogenic drivers, Indian rivers, tipping point, water resource management.
Abstract: The Anthropocene period is characterised by multiple stressors triggered by human-induced changes in the hydrological cycle and land surface transformations. The arrival of humans on this planet has significantly altered the biophysical systems, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, commonly known as the era of the Great Acceleration. It is important to recognise these changes in the hydrological systems and start planning country-specific and sustainable strategies to mitigate the challenges posed in terms of water availability and demands, water-related disasters, river health and river ecology. It is of particular importance to realise that our water resource system may already cross the tipping point of exploitation. Water is undoubtedly the most essential commodity for humans, but it is equally important to understand the needs of other ecosystems that depend on water. This article documents the challenges and opportunities of water resource management in the Anthropocene, which is particularly relevant to India and proposes a series of urgent measures to mitigate the situation. We reason that a better understanding of our hydrological systems will contribute to water security and resilience to society in terms of water and the environment and contribute to the growth of the nation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Crutzen, P. J., The Anthropocene. In Earth System Science in the Anthropocene (eds Ehlers, E. and Krafft, T.), Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2006, pp. 13–18. Gregory, C., Brierley, G. and Le Heron, R., Governance spaces for sustainable river management. Geogr. Compass, 2011, 5, 182– 199.
Literature cited 2: Brierley, G. and Fryirs, K., Truths of the riverscape: moving beyond command-and-control to geomorphologically informed naturebased river management. Geosci. Lett., 2022, 9, 14. Gill, S., Handley, J., Ennos, R. and Nolan, P., Planning for green infrastructure: adapting to climate change. In Planning for Climate Change, Routledge, Oxfordshire, UK, 2009, pp. 273–285

ID: 66169
Title: Agrivoltaics – a potential solution for sustainable energy use from a global perspective
Author: Vedavalli Rohitha Lakshmi , K. Uma, S. Selvanayaki and R. Gangai Selvi
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) 344-352 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Agrivoltaics – a potential solution for sustainable energy use from a global perspective
Keywords: Agrivoltaics, economic feasibility, global initiatives, integrated production, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture.
Abstract: Agrivoltaics, the amalgamation of solar panels with farming methods, has been steadily gaining traction as an innovative remedy for managing the conflicting needs of land in both food cultivation and energy generation. This concept emerged in the 1980s and has since gained momentum as a viable solution to optimise land usage for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy production. This integrated production model seeks to synergize food, energy and water resources, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional land division practices. The co-location of solar panels with crops demonstrates promising results, indicating increased agricultural outputs and energy yields. While global leaders like Japan, France, Germany and China have embraced agrivoltaics, challenges in regulatory frameworks and societal acceptance persist, particularly in European nations. Economic feasibility studies, conducted through simulations, highlight promising electrical and agricultural benefits. Comparative assessments against conventional photovoltaic systems reveal potential advantages, including increased electric yield and positive impacts on crop yields. Integration of agrivoltaics into diverse farming practices, from aquaculture to horticulture, offers a holistic approach to sustainable land use, promising secondary income and enhanced crop yields. By addressing farmers’ distress, agrivoltaics emerges as a unique solution, providing additional income sources and reducing reliance on traditional farming. As the world pivots towards sustainable agriculture, agrivoltaics presents a beacon of promise, poised to play a pivotal role in the world’s transition towards integrated and resilient agriculture.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Market and industry trends. Renewables 2007 Global Status Report, REN21 Secretariat, Paris, France, 2017, pp. 63–65. Goetzberger, A. and Zastrow, A., On the coexistence of solar energy conversion and plant cultivation. Int. J. Sol. Energy, 1982, 1, 55–69.
Literature cited 2: Escobar, J. C. et al., Biofuels: environment, technology and food security. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., 2009, 13, 1275–1287. Ceccon, E., Production of bioenergy on small farms: a two-year agroforestry experiment using Eucalyptus urophylla intercropped with rice and beans in Minas Gerais, Brazil. New For., 2008, 35, 285

ID: 66168
Title: GDP and population baseline ranking and benchmarking of Indian university systems
Author: Gangan Prathap
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) 339-343 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: GDP and population baseline ranking and benchmarking of Indian university systems
Keywords: GDP baseline, intensity indicators, Lorenz curve, population baseline, science of science, size-dependent indicators
Abstract: We use an approach based on gross domestic product baselines and curated data from three ranking agencies to rate and benchmark Indian universities relative to their counterparts in other countries. Various scientific impact measures are used, considering both size-dependent and composite indicators. The relative position changes dramatically depending on the extent to which the intensity or quality of research is factored in.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Docampo, D. and Cram, L., On the effects of institutional size in university classifications: the case of the Shanghai ranking. Scientometrics, 2015, 102(2), 1325–1346; https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192- 014-1488-z. Pietrucha, J., Country-specific determinants of world university rankings. Scientometrics, 2018, 114, 1129–1139; https://doi.org/10. 1007/s11192-017-2634-1.
Literature cited 2: Li, M., Shankar, S. and Tang, K. K., Why does the USA dominate university league tables? Stud. High. Educ., 2011, 36(8), 923–937; https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2010.482981.

ID: 66167
Title: India’s participation in the 6th BRICS meeting on research infrastructures and mega science projects
Author: Shivaprasad Amaravayal, Pratishtha Pandey, Gaurav Aggarwal and Arindam Bhattacharyya
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) 337-338 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: India’s participation in the 6th BRICS meeting on research infrastructures and mega science projects
Keywords: None
Abstract: BRICS member states, in spite of their unique developmental strategies, need to address common concerns like better quality of life, inclusive economic growth, employment and a sustainable development pathway. Research and development (R&D) has emerged as a primary growth engine for driving scientific know- how, technological breakthroughs and innovative strategies towards facing these challenges. A collaborative BRICS effort utilizing its combined strength in science, technology and innovation (STI) can facilitate a platform for sustained growth for BRICS; an effective BRICS synergy can achieve what a single nation may find arduous, or take ages to achieve. Several past collaborative engagements have regularly demonstrated that BRICS has this potential.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: World Population Prospects, the 2019 Revision. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, Population Estimates and Projections Section, June 2019. BRICS Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation between the Governments of the Federal Republic of Brazil, The Russian Federation, The Republic of India, The People’s Republic of China and The Republic of South Africa
Literature cited 2: BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation; https://brics2021.gov.in/sti.

ID: 66166
Title: National conference on urban biodiversity
Author: S. Sandilyan, R. Sugantha Sakthivel, B. Balaji and C. Achalender Reddy
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) 331-332 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: National conference on urban biodiversity
Keywords: None
Abstract: Urban biodiversity refers to the wide variety of life forms, plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms that inhabit urban environments. However, the rapid expansion of cities in recent decades has led to significant habitat fragmentation, pollution, climate change and the loss of natural areas, all of which threaten the survival of many species. Urbanisation has become a major driver of ecological and biodiversity loss globally, as unchecked city growth contributes to land degradation, increased resource consumption, higher greenhouse gas emissions, and greater waste generation. Predictions indicate that by 2050, 70% of the global population will live in urban areas, intensifying the pressure on urban biodiversity and exacerbating these negative impacts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 66165
Title: Observations on Erythrina resupinata Roxb. – an endangered fire-adapted species in the Terai Grasslands of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh, India
Author: Praveen Kumar Verma, Krishna Giri Lovepreet Singh Anup Chandra
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) 325-326 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Observations on Erythrina resupinata Roxb. – an endangered fire-adapted species in the Terai Grasslands of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: The grasslands are a pyrophytic biome developed over the last 4 million years due to natural fires1 and at least 4000 years due to man-made fires2 . Fire plays an important role in promoting the flowering of many grassland species3 . Lamont and Downes4 reported that 345 species of Australia and South Africa have fire-stimulated flowering through resprouting. Resprouting after fire is a widespread trait in all fire-prone environments and plant lineages5 . Usually, dormant buds that survived the fire and were shielded by the insulating soil sprout again at the root crown of the burned plants. In India, no such studies have been carried out that elaborate on the necessity of fire for plant phenology.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Simon, M. F., Grether, R., de Queiroz, L. P., Skema, C., Pennington, R. T. and Hughes, C. E., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2009, 106, 20359– 20364. Pivello, V., Fire Ecol., 2011, 7(1), 24–39.
Literature cited 2: Crisp, M. D., Burrows, G. E., Cook, L. G., Thornhill, A. H. and Bowman, D. M. J. S., Nat. Commun., 2011, 2, 193. Lamont, B. B. and Downes, K. S., Plant Ecol., 2011, 212, 2111–2125.

ID: 66164
Title: A call for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency in India: bridging silos for a healthier future
Author: Soumya Swaminathan Kalpana Balakrishnan Vijay Shankar Balakrishnan
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) 323-324 25 Feb. (2025)
Subject: A call for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency in India: bridging silos for a healthier future
Keywords: None
Abstract: The study of Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), injuries and risk factors since 1996 has systematically estimated exposure to specific risk factors and the attributable disease burden measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) that represents the sum of years of life lost due to premature mortality and years lived with disability – that can be attributed to a particular risk factor or combination of risk factors (Lancet, 1997, 349, 1436–1442). In the latest round of assessment, GBD (2021), an estimated 103 million DALYs were attributable to environmental and occupational risks in India, accounting for nearly a third of the total disease burden in the country attributable to all risk factors (Lancet, 2024, 403(10440), 2162–2203). Air pollution in the household and ambient environment is ranked as the highest risk factor in India, contributing to nearly 62 million DALYs and 2 million premature deaths in 2021. The estimates provided by the GBD are just the tip of the iceberg, as data on exposure to a multitude of chemicals, and epidemiological studies examining their association are lacking, making it impossible to accurately quantify the health burden. The latest Annual State of the Environment Report (https://www.cseindia.org/stateof-india-s-environment-2024-12071) provides a grim picture of the state of air, water, solid-waste management and biodiversity loss across Indian states which indicates the potential for multiple disease impacts over the life-span and impacting all age groups.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 66163
Title: A report of house rat (Rattus rattus L.) damage on phylloclades of dragon plants (Hylocereus spp.)
Author: K. V. Saroj , M. Lekha, P. I. Poornima Yadav , C. R. Manu , R. V. Sindhu , P. R. Nithya , A. H. Shamsiya , Bindu Podikunju , S. J. Joy and Bini Sam
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 (3) 309-311 10 Feb. (2025)
Subject: A report of house rat (Rattus rattus L.) damage on phylloclades of dragon plants (Hylocereus spp.)
Keywords: Dragon plant, pests, phylloclade damage, Rattus rattus, rodent.
Abstract: The dragon plant is an exotic fruit crop gaining importance in urban and peri-urban rooftop cultivation for its nutritional and commercial value. It requires minimal inputs for crop husbandry. Of late an unusual feeding pattern was observed in the phylloclades of dragon plants in the experimental unit of ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kollam. A motion-triggered camera was installed to monitor the pest, which was identified as Rattus rattus L. It badly damaged the phylloclades leaving the central core resulting in reduced photosynthetic activity and yield. This clearly highlights the infestation of rats on the phylloclades of dragon plants
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Abirami, K., Swain, S. and Baskaran, V., Distinguishing three Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) species grown in Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India using morphological, biochemical and molecular traits. Sci. Rep., 2021, 11, 2894. Barthlott, W. and Hunt, D. R., In Cactaceae (eds Kubitzki, K., Rohwer, J. G. and Bittrich, V.), Springer Verlag, Berlin, Germany, 1993, pp. 161–197.
Literature cited 2: Wakchaure, G. C., Satish Kumar, Meena, K. K., Rane, J. and Pathak, H., Dragon fruit cultivation in India: scope, marketing, constraints and policy issues. Technical Bulletin, ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Pune, 2020, vol. 46, p. 54. Alalade, O. A., Matanmi, B. M., Adegoke, B. J., Olaoye, I. J. and Olaitan, T. R., Assessment of Pest control methods and its perceived on agricultural output in Kwara state, Nigeria. J. Trop. Agric. Food Environ. Ext., 2017, 16(1), 42–47

ID: 66162
Title: Seismicity in Karnataka: an assessment of earthquake activity, geological controls and hazard implications
Author: R. Sajeev
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 (3) 304-305 10 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Seismicity in Karnataka: an assessment of earthquake activity, geological controls and hazard implications
Keywords: Earthquake, fault reactivation, hazard assessment, reservoir-induced seismicity, tectonic structures
Abstract: Karnataka, traditionally considered a low to moderate seismicity zone, has shown increased activity over the past two decades, with low- to moderate-magnitude earthquakes clustered in certain districts. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of Karnataka’s seismicity from 2003 to 2023, drawing on seismic data, geological mapping and case studies to assess the role of tectonic structures, fault reactivation, and reservoirinduced seismicity. The study highlights critical geological features like the Peninsular Lineament, Mercara Shear Zone and Chitradurga Boundary Shear, evaluating their influence on local seismicity. Findings underscore the need for advanced monitoring, improved fault mapping, and community awareness to mitigate seismic risks and build resilience.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: BIS, Indian Standard Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures, Part 1 – General Provisions and Buildings (IS 1893- 2002), Bureau of Indian Standards, 2002. Reeves, C., Gondwana breakup and the alignment of the Peninsular Lineament: Insights from the Indian subcontinent. J. Afr. Earth Sci., 2014, 94, 45–57.
Literature cited 2: Sajeev, R., Geological cues from frequent earth tremors in northern Karnataka, India. Curr. Sci., 2022, 122(12), 1371–1373. Ravi Kumar, M., Rao, C. V. and Kumar, A., Seismotectonic framework of Peninsular India with implications for Karnataka. J. Geol. Soc. India, 2011, 77(2), 91–98

ID: 66161
Title: Distribution and phylogeny of bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia in the wild populations of Bactrocera and Zeugodacus sp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) from India
Author: Ashok B. Hadapad , Chandra S. Prabhakar , Arpit Prashar , Uttam Sahane , Vilas M. Jadhav and Ramesh S. Hire
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 (3) 297-303 10 Feb. (2025)
Subject: Distribution and phylogeny of bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia in the wild populations of Bactrocera and Zeugodacus sp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) from India
Keywords: Bactrocera, endosymbionts, tephritids, Wolbachia, Zeugodacus
Abstract: Tephritid fruit flies are the serious insect pest of fruits, vegetables and flower crops. Various control strategies have been used for the control of fruit fly. Wolbachia is a group of obligatory, intracellular and maternally inherited bacteria widely present in insects and has significance as an incompatible insect technique for pest control. In the present study, the wild populations of Bactrocera and Zeugodacus sp. were collected from 13 locations in India by using pheromone traps. Total genomic DNA of individual male fruit fly samples was extracted and Wolbachia prevalence was assessed through Wolbachia specific 16S rRNA gene analysis. The variable Wolbachia infection rates were observed in six different species of tephritid fruit fly samples obtained from different regions. The average Wolbachia infection was 62.9% (Zeugodacus tau), 57.1% (Bactrocera dorsalis), 52.07% (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) followed by 47.8% and 8.5% in Bactrocera correcta and Bactrocera zonata populations respectively. While, no infection was observed in Zeugodacus caudatus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed supergroup-A of Wolbachia is present in wild Bactrocera and Zeugodacus sp. The prevalence of Wolbachia and identifying strains in fruit fly species could facilitate in designing suitable pest management strategies
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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