ID: 65790
Title: An endangered wild kiwi fruit Actinidia callosa var. strigillosa C. F. Liang (Actinidiaceae) from India
Author: Abhilash Padhan, Dinesh Singh Thakur Kumar Ambrish
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 (5) 539-541 10 March (2024)
Subject: An endangered wild kiwi fruit Actinidia callosa var. strigillosa C. F. Liang (Actinidiaceae) from India
Keywords: None
Abstract: In this study, the wild kiwi fruit Actinidia
callosa var. strigillosa is reported for the
first time from the wild habitat of North
Sikkim district, Sikkim, North East India.
It is a dioecious climbing shrub with separate male and female vines. The fruits from
the female vine are consumed by local
tribes, either raw or on ripening, which directly contributes towards their nutritional
security1
. The green leafy parts, along with
young stems, are used as fodder, whereas
the older stems are used for making ropes
due to higher fibre content. This report on
the occurrence of wild kiwi fruit from the
Lachen area, along with its taxonomical
description, will be helpful for researchers
to locate it in other areas of India
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Padhan, A. et al., Genet. Resour. Crop Evol.,
2023, 71, 39–52.
Mao, A. A. and Dash, S. S., Flowering
Plants of India: An Annotated Check l,
Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, 2020,
vol. 1, p. 161.
Literature cited 2: Henare, S. J., In Nutritional Composition
of Fruit Cultivars (eds Simmonds, M. S. J.
and Preedy, V. R.), Academic Press, San
Diego, USA, 2016, pp. 337–370.
Lindley, J., A Natural System of Botany or a
Systematic View of the Organisation,
Natural Affinities, and Geographical Distribution of the Whole Vegetable Kingdom,
Longman, London, UK, 1836, 2nd edn.
ID: 65789
Title: Save the Sundarbans
Author: K. Kathiresan
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 (5) 536-538 10 March (2024)
Subject: Save the Sundarbans
Keywords: None
Abstract: The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove
forest in the world, covering a total area of
10,200 km2
, of which 42% is in India and
the remaining is in Bangladesh. It is located
in the Gangetic Delta, the world’s largest
wetland with the highest sedimentation. It is
the only mangrove–tiger kingdom in the
world and is internationally recognized as a
‘World Heritage Site’ of UNESCO and a
Ramsar Site. The Sundarbans is a crucial
biodiversity hotspot, offering unique habitats for terrestrial and marine wildlife, as it
is located between land and sea. It is a
‘heaven’ for globally threatened species
such as tigers, fishing cats, Gangetic dolphins, Irrawaddy dolphins, estuarine crocodiles, horseshoe crabs, water monitor
lizards, sea turtles, otters and river terrapins. Several species have already become
extinct in the Sundarbans, e.g. Javan rhinoceros, water buffalo, swamp deer, hog
deer and marsh crocodile. Covering 42%
of mangrove cover, the Sundarbans is the
largest mangrove area in India, supporting
28 mangroves, 55 mangrove associates and
2628 fauna, and the organisms are remarkably adapted to rigorously fluctuating tidal
conditions1,
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kathiresan, K., Curr. Sci., 2018, 114, 1–
6.
Kathiresan, K., Curr. Sci., 2023, 125, 721–
722.
Literature cited 2: Kathiresan, K., Indian For., 2021, 147,
758–761.
FSI, SFR mangroves cover: India State of
Forest Report, Forest Survey of India,
Dehradun, 2021, pp. 64–72
ID: 65788
Title: Convalescent millets combating against non-communicable diseases
Author: Aayushi Nagwanshi, Tapas Chakma, Suman Kumar Ray, Kritika Singh and Suyesh Shrivastava
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 (5) 534-535 10 March (2024)
Subject: Convalescent millets combating against non-communicable diseases
Keywords: None
Abstract: Non-communicable diseases and hunger are significant global issues, with undernourishment and hunger creating a vicious cycle. Promoting millets during the International Year of Millets in 2023 with the theme ‘Healthy
millets, healthy people’ is a healthier option than rice or wheat. Millets offer health benefits such as low glycaemic index, high fibre content and antioxidant properties. They also help regulate blood sugar levels, aid in
weight control and lower the risk of obesity. The National Millets Mission was launched by the Government of
India to encourage the production and consumption of millets, nutrient-dense, high-energy foods that can help
deal with non-communicable diseases and significantly combat the global burden of these diseases and global
hunger. Owing to the benefits of millets, including them in the daily diet can decrease the chances of cardiovascular diseases and ultimately improve the health of people.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dias-Martins, A. M., Pessanha, K. L. F.,
Pacheco, S., Rodrigues, J. A. S. and Carvalho, C. W. P., Food Res. Int., 2018, 109,
175–186.
https://apeda.gov.in/milletportal/Production.
html (last accessed on 14 November 2023)
Literature cited 2: http://www.nuscommunity.org/initiatives/
ifad-eu-ccafs-nus/kodo-and-kutki-milletsin-madhya-pradesh/ (last accessed on 14
November 2023).
https://apeda.gov.in/milletportal/files/Madhya_Pradesh_Millet_Value_Added_Products_Catalogue.pdf (last accessed on 14
November 2023).
ID: 65787
Title: The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023: a balancing act of rights and obligations
Author: Padmesh P. Pillai
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 (5) 532-533
10 March (2024)
Subject: The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023: a balancing act of rights and obligations
Keywords: None
Abstract: The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was approved by both houses of the Indian Parliament in August
2023. The Bill introduces major changes compared to the National Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the subsequent Rules, 2004. The amendments ease the process of patent filing for Indian citizens and support the livelihood
of indigenous people associated with biodiversity-related activities. The introduction of a new term, ‘codified
traditional knowledge’ will make few activities distinct from ‘traditional knowledge’. The Bill has provisions to
protect the nation’s rich biological wealth, including that deposited in the International Depository Authority. It is
a positive move to protect the larger interest of India while honouring the international obligations under various treaties and conventions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: The Biological Diversity (amendment) Act
2023. The Gazette of India, 3 August 2023,
No. 10 of 2023
Literature cited 2: GoI, The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
and Biological Diversity Rules, 2004, National Biodiversity Authority, Government
of India, 2004, p. 74.
ID: 65786
Title: Evaluation of constant ductility displacement response spectra for near-fault ground motions of the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, Taiwan
Author: Konkula Rama Neeraja , Faisal Mehraj Wani , Chereddy Navyatha , Jaya Prakash Vemuri and Chenna Rajaram
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 (7) 837-847 10 April (2024)
Subject: Evaluation of constant ductility displacement response spectra for near-fault ground motions of the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, Taiwan
Keywords: Constant ductility response spectra, earthquakes, forward and backward rupture, near-fault ground motions, seismic hazard.
Abstract: This study evaluates the constant ductility displacement
response spectra (CDDRS) for near-fault ground motions
(NFGMs) of the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake in Taiwan.
The complex source mechanism was mainly caused by
a rupture on the Chelungpu fault that spanned about
100 km. A dataset of 63 NFGM records was considered to
understand the effects of CDDRS due to hanging wall,
foot wall and directivity effects. CDDRS were generated
using SeismoSignal tool for the selected ground motions.
Significant variation was observed in both elastic and
inelastic CDDRS for tall buildings due to the hanging
wall effect. In addition, variations in the inelastic spectra
were found to be more prominent due to the backward
directivity effect. Moreover, the inelastic displacement
spectral values for pulse-like ground motions were much
higher than those associated with non-pulse ground
motions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Shin, T. C. and Teng, T. L., An overview of the 1999 Chi-Chi,
Taiwan, earthquake. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am., 2001, 91(5), 895–913.
Alavi, B. and Helmut, K., Effects of Near-Fault Ground Motions on
Frame Structures, John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center,
Stanford, USA, 2001.
Literature cited 2: . Chen, C. C., Huang, C. T., Cherng, R. H. and Jeng, V., Preliminary
investigation of damage to near fault buildings of the 1999 Chi-Chi
earthquake. Earthq. Eng. Eng. Seismol., 2000, 2(1), 79–92.
Tsai, K. C., Hsiao, C. P. and Bruneau, M., Overview of building
damages in 921 Chi-Chi earthquake. Earthq. Eng. Eng. Seismol.,
2000, 2(1), 93–108
ID: 65785
Title: Geospatial technology in groundwater recharge potential assessment using multi-criteria decision-making approach
Author: Prafull Singh, Pradipika Verma , Shahnawaz and Shailesh Kumar 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 (7) 827-836 10 April (2024)
Subject: Geospatial technology in groundwater recharge potential assessment using multi-criteria decision-making approach
Keywords: Geospatial technology, groundwater recharge, multi-criteria analysis, rainwater harvesting, water scarcity.
Abstract: Many regions in India and worldwide are currently
grappling with or have experienced water crises, primarily due to frequent droughts, expanding agricultural land, and excessive groundwater abstraction. The
primary objective of present study is to map groundwater recharge (GWR) potential in hard rock-dominated terrain. The approach involves an ensemble of
techniques, combining an integrated analytic hierarchy
process with the geographic information system. Various hydrogeological and groundwater-controlling factors, including geology, slope, geomorphology, depth to
water level, soil types, normalized difference vegetation index, land use/land cover and drainage density
were mapped and assessed using satellite data and field
verification. The methodology was applied in the
Chhindwara region in the southern part of Madhya
Pradesh, India, where the geological composition is predominantly hard rocks. The outcomes of this study can
be utilized for GWR potential mapping, land-use planning, rainwater harvesting and formulating groundwater development plans.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: USGS, Ground-water depletion across the nation. United States
Geological Survey Fact Sheet, 2003, vol. 103; https://pubs.usgs.
gov/fs/fs-103-03/JBartolinoFS(2.13.04).pdf.
Jat, M. K., Garg, P. K. and Khare, D., Integrated water management in urban areas: ecological and economic advantages. J. Indian
Build. Congr., 2005, 12(1), 186–193.
Literature cited 2: CGWB, Groundwater resources estimation report, Central Ground
Water Board, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India,
2018.
Singh, P., Thakur, J. K. and Kumar, S., Delineating groundwater
potential zones in a hard-rock terrain using geospatial tool. Hydrol.
Sci. J., 2013, 58, 213–223.
ID: 65784
Title: Morphological and molecular characterization of groundnut leaf miner confirms the occurrence of Aproaerema modicella Deventer (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Tamil Nadu, India
Author: K. Murugasridevi, S. Jeyarani and S. Mohan Kumar
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 (7) 821-826 10 April (2024)
Subject: Morphological and molecular characterization of groundnut leaf miner confirms the occurrence of Aproaerema modicella Deventer (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords: Aproaerema modicella, Aproaerema simplexella, DNA barcoding, leguminous crops, morphological identification
Abstract: The groundnut leaf miner (GLM), Aproaerema modicella
Deventer (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a consequential pest of groundnut and other leguminous crops,
which causes yield loss of up to 30–60% in groundnut in
India. Nevertheless, some scientific studies have reported
the occurrence of soybean moth, Aproaerema simplexella Walker attacking groundnut in India. The present study was conducted to assess the leaf miner
species destroying groundnut in different regions of
Tamil Nadu, India. Correctly identifying an insect species based on morphological and molecular techniques
may pave the way for formulating accurate insect pest
management strategies. Studies on the morphological
characters of GLM confirmed that the species found in
different districts of Tamil Nadu is A. modicella. However,
BLAST search of GLM sequences indicated 100% similarity with A. simplexella. Since morphological characters of larva, pupa, adult, and male genitalia indicated
the GLM species available in Tamil Nadu, as A. modicella, the sequences acquired from the present study
have been submitted as the first entry in the NCBI database for species-level representation of A. modicella.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Platnick, N. I., The World Spider Catalog, version 25.0. Natural
History Museum Bern, online at http://wsc.nmbe.ch (accessed on 9
March 2024).
Grimaldi, D. and Engel, M. S., Evolution of the Insects, Cambridge
University Press, New York, USA, 2005, p. 755.
Literature cited 2: Jinbo, U., Kato, T. and Ito, M., Current progress in DNA barcoding
and future implications for entomology. Entomol. Sci., 2011, 14,
107–124.
Barrett, R. D. H. and Hebert, P. D. N., Identifying spiders through
DNA barcodes. Can. J. Zool., 2005, 83, 481–491
ID: 65783
Title: Impact of prescribed fire on nitrogen mineralization in three different ecosystems of the north-western Himalaya: an insurance to wildfire-prone ecosystems
Author: Sakshi Vishvamitera, Uday Sharma, Abhinav Guleria and Ramesh Chauhan
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 (7) 813-820 10 April (2024)
Subject: Impact of prescribed fire on nitrogen mineralization in three different ecosystems of the north-western Himalaya: an insurance to wildfire-prone ecosystems
Keywords: Ammonification, chir pine forest, grassland, nitrogen mineralization, prescribed fire, scrubland
Abstract: To understand the dynamics of nitrogen pools in response to prescribed fire, a study was carried out with
four land uses, viz. chir pine forest (Pinus roxburghii),
grassland, scrubland and non-fire site in chir pine
(control) at three soil depths (0–5, 5–10 and 10–15 cm)
for a period of one year. The results revealed that ammonification rate increased initially for few months postfire up to the rainy season and then showed a declining
trend in all the burnt land uses, and decreased with increasing soil depth. The nitrification rate was almost
the same as pre-fire levels in the initial few months after
fire, and then started increasing from August onwards
till the end of the study period. Post-fire, the net nitrogen mineralization was found higher in all the burnt
land uses over control. Prescribed fire accelerates the
rate of net N mineralization which contributes to ecosystem productivity.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Keenan, R. J., Reams, G. A., Achard, F., de Freitas, J. V.,
Grainger, A. and Lindquist, E., Dynamics of global forest area:
results from the FAO global forest resources assessment. For. Ecol.
Manage., 2015, 352, 9–20.
Tian, P., Zhang, J., Mueller, C., Cai, Z. and Jin, G., Effects of six
years of simulated N deposition on gross soil N transformation
rates in an old-growth temperate forest. J. For. Res., 2018, 29, 647–
656
Literature cited 2: Owen, J., King, H. B., Wang, M. K. and Sun, H. L., Net nitrogen
mineralization and nitrification rates in forest soil in northeastern
Taiwan. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr., 2010, 56(1), 177–185; doi:10.1111/
j.1747-0765.2009.00427.x.
Gruber, N. and Galloway, J. N., An earth-system perspective of
the global nitrogen cycle. Nature, 2008, 451, 293–296.
ID: 65782
Title: Analysis of various spectral indices and their weighted fusion techniques for the accurate extraction of forest burn scar in a tropical deciduous forest
Author: Amrita Singh, A. O. Varghese, Jugal Kishore Mani, Ashish Kumar Sharma and G. Sreenivasan
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 (7) 803-812 10 April (2024)
Subject: Analysis of various spectral indices and their weighted fusion techniques for the accurate extraction of forest burn scar in a tropical deciduous forest
Keywords: Burn scar extraction, change vector analysis, forest fire, spectral indices, weighted fusion.
Abstract: The present study was conducted in the tropical dry
deciduous forests of Vidarbha region, Maharashtra,
India. Burn scar discrimination capabilities of seven
widely used spectral indices (SIs) such as burn area index
(BAI), burned area index modified-LSWIR (BAIML),
burned area index modified-sSWIR (BAIMs), normalized burn ratio (NBR), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference moisture
index (NDMI), modified soil-adjusted vegetation index
(MSAVI) and their weighted fusion were examined in
a multi-temporal domain. This study generated different images during fire season using individual SIs,
change vector analysis and weighted fusion normalized
difference image technique. Comparative analysis was
performed between these approaches for burn scar
discrimination with M statistics, burned and unburned
class distribution and evaluation of confusion matrix. The
study demonstrates that the weighted fusion of BAI,
MSAVI and BAIMs can more accurately discriminate
burn scars with good overall accuracy (86.61%)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Menon, A. R. R., Varghese, A. O. and Martin Lowel, K. J., Impact
of fire on moist deciduous forest ecosystem of southern tropical
forests of India. In Impacts of Fire and Human Activities on Forest
Ecosystems in the Tropics, Proceeding of the International Symposium on Asian Tropical Forest Management, Samarinda, Indonesia,
1999, pp. 52–61.
Bright, B. C., Hudak, A. T., Kennedy, R. E., Braaten, J. D. and
Khalyani A. H., Examining post-fire vegetation recovery with
Landsat time series analysis in three western North American forest
types. Fire Ecol., 2019, 15, 1–14; https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-
018-0021-9.
Literature cited 2: Liu, Y., Dai, Q., Liu, J., Liu, S. and Yang, J., Study of burn scar extraction automatically based on level set method using remote sensing data. PLoS ONE, 2014, 9, e87480; https://doi.org/10.1371/
journal.pone.0087480.
Varghese, A. O., Ecological studies of the forests of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary using Remote Sensing Techniques, Ph.D. thesis,
Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 1997, p. 286.
ID: 65781
Title: Dynamic performance of vibration absorbers for low-frequency vibration isolation systems
Author: Shamsul Bashir and Nasim Akhtar
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 (7) 791-802 10 April (2024)
Subject: Dynamic performance of vibration absorbers for low-frequency vibration isolation systems
Keywords: Deflection, fatigue, natural frequency, stiffness, stress, vibration attenuation
Abstract: The present study introduces a novel mass-spring system
utilizing a well-designed polyurethane pad vibration isolator conceptually designed as a floating slab track
structure. The floating slab track is considered one of
the most efficient countermeasures for attenuating the
vibration impacts of underground high-speed railways.
The dynamic performance of the polyurethane slab track
structure was studied and compared with the steelspring floating slab track using a conventional mathematical approach based on the principle of influence
lines. The study examines vibration isolation performance under dynamic vehicle loads at speeds ranging
from 180 to 300 kmph. Results indicate a significant
reduction in slab dynamic responses with increasing
speed. Both systems demonstrate excellent vibrationdamping ability, with the steel mass-spring system being
approximately 18% more efficient in vibration reduction
than the polyurethane mass-spring system
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Lei, X. and Jiang, C., Analysis of vibration reduction effect of steel
spring floating slab track with finite element. J. Vibr. Control,
2014, 1–10; doi:10.1177/1077546314539372.
Xin, T. and Gao, L., Reducing slab track vibration into bridge using
elastic materials in high speed railway. J. Sound Vib., 2011, 330,
2237–2248; doi:10.1016/j.jsv.2010.11.023.
Literature cited 2: . Lombaert, G., Degrande, G., François, S. and Thompson, D. J.,
Ground-borne vibration due to railway traffic: a review of excitation
mechanisms, prediction methods and mitigation measures. In Noise
and Vibration Mitigation for Rail Transportation Systems, Springer,
Berlin, Germany, 2015, vol. 126, pp. 253–287.
Yao, T. P., Concept of structural control. J. Struct. Div., ASCE,
1972, 98(7), 1567–1574.
ID: 65780
Title: Simultaneous physical retrieval of daytime lunar surface temperature and spectral emissivity in the 3–5 µm range from Chandrayaan-2 IIRS observations
Author: Satya P. Ojha, Aditya K. Dagar , K. V. N. G. Vikram , Satadru Bhattacharya , Bimal Kumar Bhattacharya and A. S. Kiran Kumar
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 (7) 781-790 10 April (2024)
Subject: Simultaneous physical retrieval of daytime lunar surface temperature and spectral emissivity in the 3–5 µm range from Chandrayaan-2 IIRS observations
Keywords: Hyperspectral imaging, lunar exploration mission, optimum estimation, retrieval algorithm, spectral emissivity, surface temperature.
Abstract: The Imaging InfraRed Spectrometer (IIRS) on board
Chandrayaan-2 has been providing high spatial and
spectral resolution observations of the lunar surface in
256 spectral bands (0.7–5 µm) since September 2019. It
is primarily intended for mineral mapping and identifying hydration features on the lunar surface using reflectance spectra in the range of 0.7–3.2 µm. Here, we
have used the IIRS observations in the 3–5 µm range to
retrieve daytime lunar surface temperature and spectral
emissivity using an optimal estimation theory-based retrieval algorithm. The surface temperature is retrieved at
every pixel, while spectral emissivity is retrieved at
every third pixel of the hyperspectral image. The mean
uncertainty of the retrieved spectral emissivity varies
from 0.04 to 0.08, while for surface temperature, it is
about 3.5 K. The retrieved spectral emissivity is found
to be in close agreement with the emissivity of the
Apollo-16 return soil samples.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Greenhagen, B. T. et al., Global silicate mineralogy of the Moon
from the diviner Lunar Radiometer. Science, 2010; https://doi.org/
1192196.
Li, Zhao-Liang et al., Land surface emissivity retrieval from satellite data. Int. J. Remote Sensing, 2013, 34, 9–10, 3084–3127; doi:
10.1080/01431161.2012.716540.
Literature cited 2: Jiang, G. M., Li, Z.-L. and Nerry, F., Land surface emissivity retrieval from combined mid-infrared and thermal infrared data of
MSG-SEVIRI. Remote Sensing Environ., 2006, 105, 326–340.
Paige, D. A. et al., The lunar reconnaissance orbiter diviner lunar
radiometer experiment. Space Sci. Rev., 2010, 150, 125–160
ID: 65779
Title: Chandrayaan-3 alternate landing site: pre-landing characterization
Author: K. Durga Prasad, Dibyendu Misra, Amitabh , Megha Bhatt , G. Ambily , Sachana Sathyan, Neeraj Srivastava and Anil Bhardwaj
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 (7) 774-780 10 April (2024)
Subject: Chandrayaan-3 alternate landing site: pre-landing characterization
Keywords: Geomorphology, lander, Moon mission, rover, surface composition, temperature
Abstract: India’s third Moon mission Chandrayaan-3, has successfully deployed a lander and a rover at a high-latitude
location on the Moon to conduct in situ scientific studies
that will potentially improve our understanding on the
primary crust formation and subsequent modification
processes. While the primary landing site (PLS) was
situated at 69.367621°S lat., 32.348126°E long., an alternate landing site (ALS) was selected at nearly the same
latitude but ∼450 km west of PLS, as a contingency.
We carried out a detailed study of the geomorphology,
composition and temperature characteristics of ALS
using the best-ever high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and ortho-images, and datasets obtained
from Chandrayaan-1 and the on-going Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter along with a well-established thermophysical model. Results indicate that like PLS, ALS is
also an interesting site for carrying out in situ scientific
studies from any future lunar-landing mission.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Bhardwaj, A., In 43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly, COSPAR,
Sydney, Australia (virtual), 28 January–4 February 2021, vol. 43,
p. 765.
Manju, G. et al., Lunar near surface plasma environment from
Chandrayaan-2 lander platform: RAMBHA-LP payload. Curr. Sci.,
2020, 118(3), 383–391.
Literature cited 2: Durga Prasad, K., Front-end electronics development for ChaSTE
payload onboard Chandrayaan-2 lander. In Annual Report 2015,
Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, 2016.
John, J., Thamarai, V., Mehra, M. M., Choudhary, T., Giridhar, M.
S., Jambhalikar, A. and Laxmiprasad, A. S., Instrument for lunar
seismic activity studies on Chandrayaan-2 lander. Curr. Sci., 2020,
118(3), 376–382.
ID: 65778
Title: Bovine milk vs plant-based beverages: nutrient composition and fortification
Author: Indu Devi, Divyanshu Singh Tomar , Kuldeep Dudi S. S. Lathwal and Pawan 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 (7) 765-773 10 April (2024)
Subject: Bovine milk vs plant-based beverages: nutrient composition and fortification
Keywords: Bovine milk, fortification, nutrients, plant based beverages.
Abstract: Milk has been considered a completely natural food
with an excellent nutrient profile without any antinutrients. Various health issues like lactose intolerance,
cow milk protein allergy and high cholesterol/fat are
some of the possible reasons for the increased consumption of plant-based milk analogues. Several new plant based beverages are being marketed as milk alternatives.
In this study, we compare the nutritional contents of
plant-based beverages (PBBs) and bovine milk to determine whether the nutritious content of the fortified
PBBs is comparable to bovine milk. The detailed nutritional breakdown and associated adverse effects of
consuming these plant-based beverages have been covered in detail, which might aid customers in making an
educated choice. Ultimately, the awareness of consumers
will decide the priority of food they want to consume.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Song, Y. et al., Whole milk intake is associated with prostate cancerspecific mortality among US male physicians. J. Nutr., 2013, 143,
189–196.
2. FAO, In General standard for the use of dairy terms Codex alimentarius, Food
Literature cited 2: Haug, A., Høstmark, A. T. and Harstad, O. M., Bovine milk in human nutrition – a review. Lipids Health Dis., 2007, 6, 25.
FSSAI, Food products standards and food additives. Draft Notification, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, New Delhi,
2020
ID: 65777
Title: Revolutionizing drug development: a paradigm shift with the FDA 2.0 modernization act
Author: Navjeet Kaur Lotey
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 (7) 758-759 10 April (2024)
Subject: Revolutionizing drug development: a paradigm shift with the FDA 2.0 modernization act
Keywords: None
Abstract: The commentary discusses the landmark FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which eliminates the mandatory use of
animal testing in obtaining licenses for certain drugs. The Valley of Death in drug development, marked by high
clinical trial failure rates, is attributed to the lack of target similarity between animal and human models. The
commentary emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift, encouraging the adoption of alternative testing methods,
including advanced in-vitro and in-silico approaches. The FDA’s decision signals a pivotal moment in drug development history, urging the industry to embrace a holistic and progressive approach that prioritizes innovative,
ethical, and sustainable methodologies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: S.5002 – 117th Congress (2021–2022): FDA
Modernization Act 2.0, 29 September 2022;
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117thcongress/
senate-bill/5002
Adashi, E. Y., O’Mahony, D. P. and Cohen,
I. G., Am. J. Med., 2023, 136, 853–854
Literature cited 2: Seyhan, A. A., Transl. Med. Commun.,
2019, 4, 18; https://doi.org/10.1186/s412-
31-019-0050-7.
S.4288 – 117th Congress (2021–2022): Reducing Animal Testing Act, 19 May 2022;
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4288/titles
ID: 65776
Title: Accelerating cropping intensity to feed ever-growing population in India
Author: Arbind K. Choudhary and Kumari Shubha
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 (7) 756-758 10 April (2024)
Subject: Accelerating cropping intensity to feed ever-growing population in India
Keywords: None
Abstract: To ensure the food and nutritional security of the rapidly growing population in India, the advancement of
cropping system productivity needs to be prioritized, as there is no option for horizontal growth of food production. Accelerating cropping intensity is visualized as the most viable option to enhance the crop’s total system
productivity. With fast-maturing crop varieties, suitable crop husbandry and cropping systems, better soil and
water management, farm mechanization and farmer-friendly policy support, cropping intensity can be increased
substantially in both irrigated and rainfed ecologies of India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2: