Enter records

ID: 65751
Title: South-South Knowledge Exchange for Plastic & Biomedical Waste Management
Author: Adeline Mertenat, Pia Hollenbach, Sudarshan Rajbhandari, Jayanthi TA, Babu Ambat, Damitha Samarakoon, René Véron, Christian Zurbrügg
Editor: Paul Donahule and Christoph Luthi, Eawag
Year: 2022
Publisher: Eawag, 8600 Dubendorf, Switzerland
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Sandec news, Issue No.23 9/22 13-13 (2022)
Subject: South-South Knowledge Exchange for Plastic & Biomedical Waste Management
Keywords: None
Abstract: The Transformation Accelerating Grant (TAG) project entitled “Participatory Training 4 Sustainable Waste Governance: South-South Knowledge Transfer Program” is a one-year project that started in June 2021, funded by the SNSF Research for Development (r4d) programme1. This project grew out of an ongoing R4D project that started in November 2018 focusing on learning from post-crisis municipal solid waste governance initiatives in South Asia2. The overarching objective of the TAG project was to transfer and adapt successful waste technologies and governance practices from Kerala, India, to the sociocultural and political contexts in Nepal and Sri Lanka, using co-creation of knowledge, capacity building and local stakeholder involvement. As part of the team, Sandec supported the knowledge exchange by providing technical know-how and assisted coordination of the activities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 65750
Title: Assessing BSFL Bioconversion Efficiency on Ammonia Pretreated Cow Manure
Author: Daniela A. Peguero, Andrea Endara, Moritz Gold, Alexander Mathys, Christian Zurbrügg
Editor: Paul Donahule and Christoph Luthi, Eawag
Year: 2022
Publisher: Eawag, 8600 Dubendorf, Switzerland
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Sandec news, Issue No.23 9/22 12-12 (2022)
Subject: Assessing BSFL Bioconversion Efficiency on Ammonia Pretreated Cow Manure
Keywords: None
Abstract: Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) transform agri-food wastes and byproducts into high quality nutrients for pet food, aquaculture, and animal feed, and leave behind a residue that can serve as a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. However, one current drawback is their low conversion efficiency of these wastes and byproducts due to their high consistency of difficult to digest fibres, such as hemicellulose and lignin. For example, cow manure can have high fibre content, with 12–21% hemicellulose and 6–14% lignin (based on dry mass), making it difficult for larval or microbial decomposition . A previous study reported that larvae grown on cow manure resulted in a low bioconversion rate of 4% compared to 15% when grown on nutritious food waste (based on dry mass) . The conversion efficiency of cow manure could potentially be improved by breaking down some fibres, using an ammonia pretreatment prior to larval rearing , to facilitate larval or microbial degradation. Ammonia pretreatments have been widely used for other bioconversion technologies, such as anaerobic digestion, to improve the conversion of fibrous agri-food wastes and byproducts into biogas . Therefore, this study evaluated if ammonia pretreatment can improve cow manure bioconversion.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Peguero D.A. et al., ‘A Review of Pretreatment Methods to Improve Agri-food Waste Bioconversion by Black Soldier Fly Larvae’, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, (2022) 1 – 9.
Literature cited 2: Gold M. et al., ‘Biowaste treatment with black soldier fly larvae: Increasing performance through the formulation of biowastes based on protein and carbohydrates’, Waste Management, 102, (2020) 319 – 329

ID: 65749
Title: A Cost Assessment and Modelling Tool for Municipal Solid Waste Management
Author: Dorian Tosi Robinson, Adeline Mertenat, Carlos García, Eddy Lemus, Sergio Morales, Christian Zurbrügg
Editor: Paul Donahule and Christoph Luthi, Eawag
Year: 2022
Publisher: Eawag, 8600 Dubendorf, Switzerland
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Sandec news, Issue No.23 9/22 8-9 (2022)
Subject: A Cost Assessment and Modelling Tool for Municipal Solid Waste Management
Keywords: None
Abstract: In low- and middle-income settings, limited financial resources, combined with low cost efficiency is often the cause for limited service delivery. Although a large share of municipal budgets are used for collection, street sweeping and disposal, the service quality generally remains low [1]. Municipalities and service providers often do not monitor, assess and evaluate solid waste management expenditures, nor do they compare this with service performance indicators. Fragmentation of expenditures amongst different administrative and organisational units of municipalities, as well as unaccounted, hidden costs, such as depreciation of infrastructure and equipment or use of land, complicate efforts to obtain a comprehensive overview. To support practitioners and municipalities in this regard, a collaboration with Helvetas Bolivia led to the development of an Excel-based cost assessment and modelling tool based on the work of Coffey and Coad [2]. Adapted to low- and middle-income settings, the tool was validated in three municipalities in Bolivia with 50,000–250,000 inhabitants. The tool guides the user through several steps to assess the situation of waste management in terms of: 1) efficiency, 2) costs and revenue, and 3) provides estimated costs from the modelling of four types of collection systems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kaza S. et al., What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050, (World Bank, 2018).
Literature cited 2: Coffey M., Coad A., Collection of Municipal Solid Waste in Developing Countries, (UN-Habitat, 2010).

ID: 65748
Title: Optimizing anaerobic digestion of tannery fleshings with different inoculums using biochemical methane potential test and mathematical modelling
Author: V. Kavan Kumar, R. Mahendiran , P. Subramanian , S. Karthikeyan , A. Surendrakumar , Y. Ravi , Sharda Choudhary , Ravindra Singh and Arvind K. Verma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 496-502 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Optimizing anaerobic digestion of tannery fleshings with different inoculums using biochemical methane potential test and mathematical modelling
Keywords: Anaerobic digestion, biogas first-order kinetics, inoculums, tannery fleshings.
Abstract: The present experimental set-up study of tannery fleshings with different inoculum batch sizes, was carried out for an hydraulic retention time of 50 days to check the capability of anaerobic digestion. Biogas production was between 10,102.5 and 14,505 ml/day. The firstorder and modified Gompertz models were calibrated using experimental data. For kinetic analysis of biogas production, modified Gompertz models and basic firstorder kinetics were employed. In each instance, the kinetic parameters, substrate biogas yield potential, maximal biogas production rate, lag phase time, coefficient of determination and root mean square error were calculated. The model parameters were estimated using the nonlinear regression approach made possible by IBM SPSS software 25.0. Both the models fitted/predicted the experimental data with over 99% accuracy (R2 = 0.990–0.999)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Costa, M. and Gutterres, M., Biogas from tannery solid waste anaerobic digestion is driven by the association of the bacterial order bacteroidales and archaeal family methanosaetaceae, 2020. Rodríguez-Valderrama, S., Escamilla-Alvarado, C., Rivas-García, P. and Magnin, J., Biorefinery concept comprising acid hydrolysis, dark fermentation and anaerobic digestion for co-processing of fruit and vegetable wastes and corn stover. No. i, 2020.
Literature cited 2: Lee, J., Hong, J., Jeong, S., Chandran, K. and Young, K., Bioresource technology interactions between substrate characteristics and microbial communities on biogas production yield and rate. Bioresour. Technol., 2020, 303, 122934; doi:10.1016/j.biortech. 2020.122934. Membere, E. and Sallis, P., Effect of temperature on kinetics of biogas production from macroalgae. Bioresour. Technol., 2018, 263, 410–417.

ID: 65747
Title: Dynamics of farm indebtedness in the agriculturally developed regions of India: a case of Cauvery Delta Zone across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Author: A. Pouchepparadjou , R. Jayakumara Varadan, S. Parthasarathi , M. Umamageswari and D. Cathrine
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 486-495 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Dynamics of farm indebtedness in the agriculturally developed regions of India: a case of Cauvery Delta Zone across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Keywords: Agrarian crisis, farm indebtedness, income inequality, institutional credit, skill development
Abstract: Tamil Nadu is one of India’s most agriculturally developed states, but has high-income inequality and indebtedness among its farmers. This study explores the dynamics of farm indebtedness among farmers in the Cauvery Delta Zone of combined Tamil Nadu state and Puducherry Union Territory. Resonating with the state-level trend, income inequality among the sampled farm households is significantly high, with a Gini coefficient of 0.56, and it decreases with an increase in farm size. Similarly, 80% of farmers are indebted, with the incidence of indebtedness, extent of indebtedness and proportion of institutional loanees increasing with farm size. Though all categories of farmers have considerable access to institutional credit, large farmers can fulfil all their credit needs through institutional sources, while small landholders have to fulfil almost 30% of their credit needs through non-institutional sources. Elderly farmers, large landholders and farm households with more dependent members are more prone to indebtedness than their counterparts, while farm households earning more income and possessing more assets are less prone to indebtedness. Various production, weather, market and institutional constraints deter farmers from repaying their outstanding loans, resulting in a vicious cycle of indebtedness. Therefore, farmers and youth of small farm households should improve their alternative employment opportunities by utilizing the state-sponsored skill development programmes and enhance their financial accessibility by availing Kisan Credit Cards.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Flachs, A., Charisma and agrarian crisis: authority and legitimacy at multiple scales for rural development. J. Rural Stud., 2021, 88, 97–107; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.10.010. Patnaik, U., Global capitalism, deflation and agrarian crisis in developing countries. J. Agrar. Change, 2003, 3(1), 33–66.
Literature cited 2: Sharma, H. R. and Malik, S. H., Land distribution structure, marginalization of holdings and dimensions of viability crisis in Indian agriculture: a state level analysis. Indian J. Agric. Econ., 2021, 76(2), 207–224. Reddy, A. A., Raju, S. S. and Bose, A., Farmers’ income, indebtedness and agrarian distress in India. Microfinan. Rev., 2020, XII(1), 20–38

ID: 65746
Title: Predicting the intention to use an e-learning module on climate-smart horticulture
Author: Bai Koyu and Rajumar Josmee Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 478-485 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Predicting the intention to use an e-learning module on climate-smart horticulture
Keywords: Agro-advisory services, climate–smart approach, e-learning module, farmers’ intention, horticulture, information and communication technology.
Abstract: The recent surge of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has changed nearly every business, including horticulture. Farmers can use climate information and ICT-based agro-advisory services to help them make seasonal decisions, technology choices and marketing strategies. Such drastic changes are upending traditional horticultural practices, and introducing a plethora of new opportunities and challenges. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing farmers’ intention to use an e-learning module. The study included 137 respondents from two districts in Arunachal Pradesh, North East India. The technology acceptance model was used as a basis for the study. Dijkstra–Henseler’s rho, Jöreskog’s rho, Cronbach’s alpha, average variance extracted and Heterotrait–Monotrait ratio of correlations were used to assess the reliability and validity of scale. ADANCO software was used to perform PLS–SEM, which showed that facilitating conditions and subjective norms had a significant positive effect on the intention to use an e-learning module. The proposed model had a good fit.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Singh, R. and Singh, G. S., Traditional agriculture: a climate smart approach for sustainable food production. Energy Ecol. Environ., 2017, 2(5), 296–316. Park, S. Y., Kim, S.-W., Cha, S.-B. and Nam, M.-W., Comparing learning outcomes of video-based e-learning with face-to-face lectures of agricultural engineering courses in Korean agricultural high schools. Interact. Learn. Environ., 2014, 22(4), 418–428
Literature cited 2: Mutoko, M. C., Rioux, J. and Kirui, J., Barriers, incentives and benefits in the adoption of climate-smart agriculture: lessons from the MICCA pilot project in Kenya. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome, Italy, 2015; http://www.fao.org/3/ a-i4396e.pdf Long, T. B., Blok, V. and Coninx, I., Barriers to the adoption and diffusion of technological innovations for climate–smart agriculture in Europe: evidence from the Netherlands, Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations, France, Switzerland and Italy. J. Clean. Prod., 2016, 112, 9–21.

ID: 65745
Title: Cropping pattern and crop diversification in Kerala, India – a spatio-temporal analysis
Author: Shilpa Mathew, A. Prema and M. Hema
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 470-477 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Cropping pattern and crop diversification in Kerala, India – a spatio-temporal analysis
Keywords: Agro-ecological zones, constraints, crop diversification, cropping pattern, labour.
Abstract: The assessment of shift in cropping pattern is crucial for a good insight into the agricultural development of a region. The present study focused on the changes in the cropping pattern and the extent of crop diversification in Kerala, India. The results of the study revealed that the share of food crops to the gross cropped area substantially declined from 56.85% in TE 1987–88 to 40.73% in TE 2019–20, whereas the share of non-food crops increased remarkably from 43.14% in TE 1987–88 to 59.29% in TE 2019–20. The extent of crop diversification was higher in Idukki district, while crop specialization was prominent in Kozhikode district. Labour unavailability, high labour wage rates and climate variability were identified as the major constraints faced by the respondents in the study areas.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mahesh, R., Causes and consequences of change in cropping pattern: location-specific study. Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development, Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, 1999, p. 56. 2. Khan, M. and Ahmad, A., Changing cropping pattern in Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh.
Literature cited 2: Singh, J. and Dilhon, S.S., Agricultural Geography, Tata McGraw Hill Pub., New Delhi, 1987. Seitinthang, Lh., Cropping pattern changes in Manipur. Hill Geogr., 2013, 29(2), 1–8

ID: 65744
Title: Modelling of surface run-off using SWMM and GIS for efficient stormwater management
Author: Ram Suhawan Patel, Sonia Taneja, Jagdish Singh and Shashikant Nishant Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 463-469 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Modelling of surface run-off using SWMM and GIS for efficient stormwater management
Keywords: Educational campus, efficient management, regional approach, stormwater modelling, surface run-off
Abstract: The management of rainwater is of utmost importance in the current climate change scenario. This study assesses the current stormwater management of the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) campus, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. It examines the efficiency of the management system with the help of stormwater management model (SWMM) and geographic information system (GIS) modelling. For this study, we have adopted a regional approach (whole campus) of MANIT for stormwater analysis. The quantitative interpretation of surface run-off analysis uses the SWMM model and Arc-GIS at various outfall nodes and proposes planning interventions and strategies for sustainable stormwater management.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Choudhury, R. R. et al., Recognizing efforts and leadership in the area of water management and conservation. Curr. Sci., 2017, 112(11), 2182–2183. Bell, D., Reordering the World, Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, USA, 2016.
Literature cited 2: Hanak, E. and Lund, J. R., Adapting California’s water management to climate change. Clim. Change, 2012, 111(1), 17–44; doi:10. 1007/s10584-011-0241-3. Sheng, J. and Wilson, J. P., Watershed urbanization and changing flood behavior across the Los Angeles Metropolitan Region. Nat. Hazards, 2009, 48(1), 41–57; doi:10.1007/s11069-008-9241-7

ID: 65743
Title: In silico design and molecular docking study of some novel flutamide analogues in the management of prostate cancer
Author: Ajay Kumar Gupta , Achal Mishra and Sanmati Kumar Jain
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 452-462 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: In silico design and molecular docking study of some novel flutamide analogues in the management of prostate cancer
Keywords: Anti-androgen agent, bioisosteric approach, flutamide, molecular docking, prostate cancer
Abstract: The androgen receptor (AR) plays a crucial role in the development of sexual functions in men, as well as the overexpression of androgenic hormones that contribute to prostate cancer (PC) development. Therefore, AR is an essential target for PC research. The aryl group of flutamide has been used as a replacement site in the present study to design newer and safer analogues using a bioisosteric approach with reduced toxicity. To design flutamide analogues, MolOpt was used along with ADMETlab 2.0 to determine their pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties. Additionally, OSIRIS Property Explorer was used to eliminate drug-likeness and drug score. Docking of the newly designed analogues was carried out using ArgusLab 4.0.1 based on Hartree–Fock calculations. The docking score ranged from –8.12 to –11.06 kcal/mol for all the ligands. A good binding score was observed for ligands 008, 009, 012, 016, 018 and 020, which had significantly better binding features than the other ones. Results from the in silico approaches (docking and ADMET study) suggest that these compounds 008 and 020 may have the potential as anti-androgen for prostate cancer. The hypothesis may be tested by synthesizing and evaluating the compounds for antiandrogen activity using in vitro and in vivo approaches.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sung, H., Ferlay, J., Siegel, R. L., Laversanne, M., Soerjomataram, I., Jemal, A. and Bray, F., Global cancer statistics 2020: Globocan estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA: Cancer J. Clin., 2021, 71, 209–249; https://doi. org/10.3322/caac.21660. Gunther, J. R., Parent, A. A. and Katzenellenbogen, J. A., Alternative inhibition of androgen receptor signaling: peptidomimetic pyrimidines as direct androgen receptor/coactivator disruptors. ACS Chem. Biol., 2009, 4(6), 435–440; https://doi.org/10.1021/cb900043e
Literature cited 2: Yamada, A., Fujii, S., Mori, S. and Kagechika, H., Design and synthesis of 4-(4-benzoylaminophenoxy)phenol derivatives as androgenreceptor antagonists. ACS Med. Chem. Lett., 2013, 4(10), 937–941; https://doi.org/10.1021/ml4001744. Liu, H. L., Zhong, H. Y., Song, T. Q. and Li, J. Z., A molecular modeling study of the hydroxyflutamide resistance mechanism induced by androgen receptor mutations. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2017, 18, 1823; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091823.

ID: 65742
Title: Impact of pharmaceutical toxicity on the environment and its regulatory aspects
Author: K. Venkateswara Raju, T. Harini, V. Akshaya Ratna Kireeti, A. Sai Priya and Lakshmi Prasanthi Nori
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 442-451 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Impact of pharmaceutical toxicity on the environment and its regulatory aspects
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, drug residues, environmental toxicity, green prescription, pharmaceutical pollutants
Abstract: Pharmaceutical-induced environmental contamination demands urgent attention, with around 43% of global rivers facing risks from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The entire spectrum of pharmaceutical products, including active and inactive components, requires serious consideration due to continuous emissions and potential hazards to the environment and human health. Discussions on chemical waste reduction face limitations due to incomplete knowledge about their toxicity to humans. Despite various initiatives, collaboration evidence is minimal, and environmental health disparities persist in socially disadvantaged communities, leading to higher disease rates. While awareness of ecotoxicity is growing, the European Union (EU), United States (US) and Canada have taken steps, including disposal procedures, prevention strategies, and focus on concerns like antimicrobial resistance. This article explores environmental pollution complexities and policies in US, EU and Canada to mitigate its impact within health disparities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Drishti, I. A. S., Pharmaceutical pollution; https://www.drishtiias. com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pharmaceutical-pollution (retrieved on 31 January 2024). US EPA, O. What are hazardous air pollutants? 2015; https:// epa.gov/haps/what-are-hazardous-air-pollutants.
Literature cited 2: Non-hazardous contaminants. Safeopedia. 28 April 2018; https:// www.safeopedia.com/definition/6778/non-hazardous-contaminants Eec.ky.gov. 31 January 2024; https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental Protection/Compliance-Assistance/DCA%20Resource%20Document%20Library/ChemoWas

ID: 65741
Title: Performance of human–wildlife conflicts compensation scheme in Karnataka, India
Author: Naveen Kumar Naik, P. Venkatesh, D. R. Singh, Alka Singh, G. K. Jha, V. Sangeetha, D. K. Sharma and M. Balasubramanian
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 434-441 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Performance of human–wildlife conflicts compensation scheme in Karnataka, India
Keywords: Compensation scheme, constraints, human–wildlife conflicts, national park, performance.
Abstract: Compensation serves as a post-conflict management tool for human–wildlife conflicts. In the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) region, Karnataka, India, around 57.4% and 95% of the farmers received compensation for crop loss and cattle kill respectively. Compensation claims incurred transportation and paper costs of 60–70% and 30–40% respectively, and it took 7.6–12.3 months on average to receive compensation. Crop loss applications had the lion’s share of the total applications, while the compensation paid share was relatively less in the total compensation paid. Inadequacy of compensation was a major constraint. Separate advance fund provisions for crop loss, livestock depredation, property damage and human-related losses in proportion to annual cases can prevent the delay and inadequacy of compensation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Karanth, K. K. and Kudalkar, S., History, location, and species matter: insights for human–wildlife conflict mitigation from India. Hum. Dimens. Wildl., 2017, 22(4), 331–346. Dickman, A. J., Macdonald, E. A. and Macdonald, D. W., A review of financial instruments to pay for predator conservation and encourage human–carnivore coexistence. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2011, 108, 13937–13944.
Literature cited 2: Ravenelle, J. and Nyhus, P. J., Global patterns and trends in human– wildlife conflict compensation. Conserv. Biol., 2017, 31(6), 1247– 1256. Madhusudan, M. D., Living amidst large wildlife: livestock and crop depredation by large mammals in the interior villages of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, South India. Environ. Manage., 2004, 314, 466–475.

ID: 65740
Title: Next-gen rice farming: ways to achieve food, nutritional and economic security under changing climatic conditions
Author: Amod Kumar Thakur, Krishna Gopal Mandal, Rajeeb Kumar Mohanty and Arjamadutta Sarangi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 426-433 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Next-gen rice farming: ways to achieve food, nutritional and economic security under changing climatic conditions
Keywords: Alternate wetting and drying, digital farming, farm mechanization, precision irrigation, system of rice intensification.
Abstract: The present rice cultivation systems face challenges of low production, water scarcity, shrinking cultivable land area due to degradation and urbanization, labour shortage, diminishing soil health, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and low income for farmers. Changes and/or modifications are thus necessitated in rice production to feed future generations. The aim of next-gen rice farming is to provide food, nutrition and economic security, as well as climate-smart solutions to safeguard ecosystems while using better tools and techniques, improved cultivars and management practices. To achieve these, there is a need to develop suitable farm mechanization for small-sized fields, precision (sensor-based) water-saving irrigation methods, greater input use-efficient systems, digital farming considering soil health improvement and proper utilization of rice straw. Next-gen rice farming should be taken as a business opportunity for the youth to earn more income and must be supported by a favourable Government policy.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: International Rice Research Institute, 2021; http://www. knowledgebank.irri.org/ericeproduction/bodydefault.htm#Importance_ of_Rice.htm (accessed on 15 July 2021). Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook, 2021; https://doi.org/10.4060/cb4477en (accessed on 3 August 2023)
Literature cited 2: Tilman, D., Balzer, C., Hill, J. and Befort, B. L., Global food demand and the sustainable intensification of agriculture. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2011, 108, 20260–20264. Tesfaye, K. et al., Model comparison and quantification of nitrous oxide emission and mitigation potential from maize and wheat fields at a global scale. Sci. Total Environ., 2021, 782, 146696; doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146696.

ID: 65739
Title: A voice for the Great Nicobar Island, India
Author: R. J. Ranjit Daniels
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 424-425 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: A voice for the Great Nicobar Island, India
Keywords: None
Abstract: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are important centres of endemic biodiversity in India. They have been the home to primitive human tribes for thousands of years. The southernmost Great Nicobar Island is known for its biogeographic affinity to Indonesia. A large part of this island is a biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO. A plan to urbanize a part of this island after clearing lush tropical rainforests has been a matter of concern. While development is not altogether a bad idea, it has to be done with greater sensitivity towards the fragile ecosystem of the small island and its original inhabitants. The vulnerability of this island and an alternate model of development are discussed here.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Daniels, R. J. R., Curr. Sci., 1996, 70, 775– 776. Daniels, R. J. R., David, P. V. and Ravi Kumar, M. V., Project Report, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, 1997.
Literature cited 2: Pardikar, R., September 2023, Article 14. Daniels, R. J. R. and Vencatesan, J., Curr. Sci., 2002, 83(10), 1266–1267.

ID: 65738
Title: Cultivating knowledge: the importance of integrating agriculture and farming education in Indian schools
Author: Dileep Kumar Pandey and Sreenath Dixit
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 422-423 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Cultivating knowledge: the importance of integrating agriculture and farming education in Indian schools
Keywords: None
Abstract: Amidst climate change and sustainability concerns, the imperative for agricultural education arises from the renewed focus of modern society, nature, agriculture and nutrition. Spanning primary to tertiary levels, this education encompasses diverse subjects. Elementary education instils fundamental concepts, while vocational programmes groom students for agricultural careers. At the college level, the emphasis shifts to teaching and research. Integrating agriculture into Indian schools yields multiple advantages, including enhancing fundamental life skills, nutrition comprehension, environmental consciousness and STEM education. Consequently, students are equipped with indispensable knowledge and skills, paving the way for a sustainable future in the ever-evolving world.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 65737
Title: Collaborative strategies for managing aquatic biological invasions
Author: Gopi Krishnan Prabhakaran and Govindhaswamy Umapathy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (4) 419-421 25 Feb (2024)
Subject: Collaborative strategies for managing aquatic biological invasions
Keywords: None
Abstract: A one-day consultative meeting on collaborative strategies for managing aquatic biological invasions was held last year. The study of biological invasions has gained significance due to their imminent threats, coupled with the limited existing research output in this field in India. This is even more relevant in aquatic ecosystems because of their vulnerability to biodiversity threats and deep connection with the livelihood of people and the economy. Considering these factors, the one-day consultative meeting was aimed at bringing together experts, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from different parts of India to exchange knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore effective strategies for managing and mitigating the impacts of aquatic invasive species.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2: