An extensive field survey was conducted to assess the seasonal incidence and ecological relationship of insect pests associated with Ber (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) plantations in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. The survey covered all 11 tehsils of the district, with four distinct Ber plantation sites selected in each tehsil. The study was carried out over a period of three years, from January 2022 to December 2024. Observations were primarily recorded during the rainy and winter seasons, which coincide with the fruiting phase of the crop. A total of 23 insect pest species were documented as being associated with Ber in the study area. Among these, six species were identified as major pests due to their significant impact on the crop, while the remaining 17 were categorized as minor pests. The present investigation highlights the diversity of insect pests infesting Ziziphus jujuba in the Solapur region and provides detailed insights into the nature and extent of damage caused by these pests.
In the phylum Arthropoda, millipedes are categorised as Diplopoda. The goal of the current study was to investigate the diversity and distribution of pill millipedes, which are abundant in the KMTR of Tamil Nadu's Southern Western Ghats. A total number of four pill millipede samples Arthrosphaera brandtii (Humbert, 1865), Arthrosphaera dalyi (Pocock, 1895), Arthrosphaera hendersoni (Pocock, 1895), Arthrosphaera magna (Attems, 1936) belonging to order Sphaerotheriida and family belongs to Arthrospharidae also of four genera were annotate from the forest and tropical of KMTR of Southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. According to these findings, pill millipede conservation and the checklist would be greatly improved by additional research. For precise identification and keys, the current study defined the morphological characteristics of each millipede.
Ramtek is situated in the Nagpur district of Vidarbha, Maharashtra, on the northern edge of the Deccan Plateau. This region is characterized by a wide variety of bioclimatic and geographical variables. The region is characterized by a mosaic of diverse ecosystems encompassing deciduous forests, scrublands, agricultural fields, and freshwater bodies, which harbor a rich variety of insect life for ecological and conservation research. Ramtek is situated in the Nagpur district of Vidarbha, Maharashtra, on the northern edge of the Deccan Plateau. The present study was carried out in and around Ramtek region of Maharashtra India. Total five spots were identified and study was undertaken in forest area, lake side area, agricultural farm, college campus and open land area of various vegetation. The study was conducted from January to April 2025 period. The collected insects were identified and maintain the record in tabulated form for analysis. Results shown that lepidopteran species were dominant followed by Odonata, Hymenoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Isoptera etc. The objective of this study is to evaluate the dominance and abundance of various arthropods population in different region of Ramtek
Spiders are an abundant and species-rich taxon of generalist predators that can affect herbivore populations and ecosystem functioning in agroecosystems. The present study was focused on the diversity and abundance of agroecosystem-inhabiting spiders and their impact on insect pests of rice and wheat crops. The crop fields were visited weekly to record spider diversity by the all-out search, sweep net and the pitfall trap methods. Fourteen species of spiders and six species of insect herbivores were recorded in the rice and wheat cropping systems. The lynx spider, Oxyopes javanus and the web-making, Neoscona theisi and Tetragnatha javana were the ecologically dominant, arboreal species, while Pardosa sumatrana, an epigeal lycosid spider, was the dominant, ground-dwelling species, in both cropping systems. Furthermore, to highlight the impact of these four ecologically dominant species of spiders on insect pests of crops, We propose estimates of the biomass of annually killed insect pests. In the event of an anticipated abundant prey availability, the annual prey kills of these four spider species were estimated to be in the range of »3-8 kg (fresh weight) over the entire cultivated field (Area= 65 ha). The assessment of the estimated annual insect pests kill and the comparative impact of spider predation in the annual agroecosystems will help in expanding the approach of conservation biological control.
Butterflies are included under insects as the Papilionoidea superfamily. They are attracted by their bright and beautiful appearance. They have classified many species depending upon their habitat, behaviour and nature. This paper gives a brief data about the butterflies present in Mysore, Karnataka, India in Monsoon season during the month from May to July. The article aims at giving the importance of butterflies in nature and their role in maintenance of the ecosystem with specific points. Furthermore, there are a number of different butterflies mentioned which belong to different families with explanations about their characteristics and nature in the surrounding area. Thus, this data plays a vital role as a guide for the identification of butterflies. The photography was done from the month May to July-2025 in Mysore Region.
The present study examines the economic conditions and challenges faced by traditional fishermen inhabiting the Ganga–Gomati river basin. Fishing remains a primary source of livelihood for these communities, yet their socio-economic well-being is under persistent threat due to multiple environmental, institutional, and market-related factors. The study highlights pressing issues such as declining fish resources caused by overfishing, habitat degradation, and water pollution, which directly affect fishermen’s income and food security. Market exploitation by intermediaries, lack of access to modern infrastructure, inadequate financial support, and bureaucratic hurdles further aggravate their vulnerability. Climate change-induced floods, droughts, and shifting river ecology have disrupted traditional fishing cycles and livelihoods. In addition, technological displacement by mechanized boats and the erosion of cultural traditions are weakening community resilience. The study emphasizes that strengthening market linkages, promoting sustainable fishing practices, improving access to credit and government schemes, and supporting livelihood diversification are essential to enhance economic resilience. Collaborative interventions from government bodies, NGOs, and local institutions are crucial for securing both the livelihoods and cultural identity of fishing communities in the Ganga–Gomati rivers.
The present study investigates the impact of mass bathing during Mahakumbh 2025 on the water quality of the River Ganga at two key sampling points Sangam and Daraganj in Prayagraj. Water samples were collected and analyzed before (January 8), during (January 13 to February 26), and after (February 28) the Mahakumbh event. Parameters including water temperature (WT), transparency, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total alkalinity (TA), total hardness (TH), chloride content, and electrical conductivity (EC) were monitored. The results revealed noticeable temporal variations across several parameters, particularly during peak bathing days. During Mahakumbh, transparency and TDS levels fluctuated significantly, indicating increased turbidity and pollutant load due to mass gatherings. DO levels generally decreased while BOD increased on key bathing days, especially on February 3 and 6, suggesting a decline in water quality due to organic load. A slight decrease in pH and increases in TH and chloride concentrations were also observed at both sites during the event. Post-Mahakumbh (Feb 28), some recovery in parameters like DO and transparency was evident, though not uniformly across all indicators.
Freshwater ecosystems in the tropical regions are facing significant threats due to anthropogenic disturbances and habitat alterations. Tropical freshwater habitats comprise a fraction of the Earth's water and surface and are crucial for biodiversity as they house 40% of global fish diversity. This study focused on the biodiversity and habitat utilization of dominant cyprinid fish species across 21 streams in the Western Ghats. Field assessments indicated varying habitat characteristics and preferences among cyprinid species, with shallow pools and slow riffles being important for fish reproduction and survival. Over 2,700 fishes were collected, and species such as Hypselobarbus and Puntius favoured specific habitat types based on size and ecological needs. The analysis of habitat features showed strong associations with fish density, thus highlighting the diverse stream conditions for fish populations. Conservation measures are critical for threatened cyprinid species, as overfishing poses a threat to their survival. The necessity for immediate action by competent authorities and conservationists is emphasized to protect the vital ecosystems having the diverse fish species which ensures freshwater biodiversity sustenance in the Western Ghats.
Marine ecosystems are vital to the health of the planet, providing critical ecological, economic, and cultural services that sustain life on earth. This review underscores the ecological importance of marine biodiversity, analyses major threats like overfishing, pollution, and climate change, and proposes innovative solutions including satellite technology, AI, and interdisciplinary cooperation to safeguard marine ecosystems for sustainable development. Emphasizing on the interconnections between ocean health, environmental protection, and sustainable development, the study highlights innovative solutions such as sustainable fishing practices, marine habitat restoration, and advanced technologies for monitoring and conservation. The role of community engagement and public awareness in fostering sustainable marine management is also discussed. By synthesizing current knowledge and future prospects, this review underscores the urgent need for integrated global efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems and align their protection with the broader goals of sustainable development.
Cognitive science is a dynamic discipline that examines the complex mental processes connecting perception and action. It draws from a rich range of fields, including philosophy, psychology, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, linguistics, and anthropology. The foundation of progress in cognitive science lies in the collaborative interaction among these various disciplines, enhancing our ability to solve the mysteries of the human mind, utilise its potential for practical uses, and effectively tackle cognitive challenges. Advancing knowledge and exploration in cognitive science is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and the complexities of our brains. Furthermore, the relationship between the mind and the environment is expected to usher in a new era of enhanced well-being and technological innovation. A central element of this effort is interdisciplinary education, which is vital in developing the next generation of cognitive scientists. Equipping them with a broad spectrum of skills prepares them for success in a continuously evolving and expanding field. The interdisciplinary approach is also essential for addressing the ethical aspects of cognitive science. Additionally, interdisciplinary education plays a key role in preparing future cognitive scientists. Providing students with various techniques and knowledge from multiple disciplines enhances their problem-solving abilities. It fosters pioneering spirits, enabling them to navigate the complex landscape of cognitive science with creativity and innovation. This educational model equips them to confront the field's challenges directly and to develop innovative solutions.
The increasing demand for sustainable energy sources has directed attention toward bioethanol production from lignocellulosic waste. This study explores the valorisation of Rosa indicaflower waste as a potential feedstock for bioethanol production via submerged fermentation using yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiaeVBG3. A systematic statistical approach was applied to optimize the fermentation parameters. Initially, the Plackett–Burman design was employed to identify significant factors influencing ethanol yield. Among the screened parameters, fructose concentration, corn steep liquor (CSL), and substrate concentration were found to significantly enhance ethanol production. These variables were further optimized using Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimal levels of the selected parameters yielded a maximum bioethanol concentration of 42.12 g/L. The findings underscore the efficacy of statistical optimization in enhancing bioethanol production from rose flower waste, offering a promising avenue for waste-to-energy bioconversion.
Edible’s Bird Nest (EBN) is a nest made from dried bird (Aerodramus fucuphagus) saliva and can be consumed. The process of turning dirt into edible bird’s nest involves a lengthy process, from harvesting in the birds' houses or caves, removing dirt and sand, soaking/washing, removing feathers, reshaping, drying, and heating. In this reshaping process, gelatin can be used as the glue. Gelatin is recovered from collagen by hydrolysis. The resources of gelatin are derived from bovine, porcine, and fish sources. Indonesia is the world's largest exporter of commodities. Each export destination country has its unique requirements. Export destination countries with Muslim consumers require a product to be halal, without porcine material. In contrast, other countries require it to be free from bovine materials or pure, without gelatin. Fish gelatin has advantages as an alternative source for bovine and porcine gelatin substitutes. There is a need for a valid and fast deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection method for fish to support the acceleration of exports. This study aims to detect fish DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction and to determine the concentration of fish DNA in gelatin that can be detected by real-time PCR. Fish gelatin EBN samples and positive controls were used in this study. The primer and probe were BLAST primed before use. The results of fish gelatin amplification with graded concentrations from 50 ng/µl to 0.00005 ng/µl, and the detection limit was 0.0005 ng/µl in the presence of gelatin. The analysis of 50 samples and their results revealed that fish DNA was detected in 90% of the EBN samples, with a gelatin spike in 20% and 10%.
Coral reefs are the most biodiverse marine ecosystems, supporting intricate symbiotic relationships and contributing an estimated $9.9 trillion annually to global benefits. Despite their ecological and economic significance, coral reefs are under severe threat, with 27% already lost and a 14% decline in coral cover over the last decade. India’s coral reefs cover around 2,374 sq.km, yet regions like Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep remain understudied. Its geographic isolation presents a unique opportunity for biodiversity research, potentially revealing novel species traits and serving as a key reference for Indo-Pacific coral diversity. This study evaluates coral species diversity in Kavaratti Island to bridge gaps in regional coral fauna knowledge using the LIT (Line Intercept Transect) method. Fourteen hard coral species across five families were documented, with Acropora (n=6) as the dominant group, followed by Poritidae (n=4). Spatial analysis across three reef zones showed that the intermediate lagoon had the highest live coral cover (56.0%), while the inner reef had the highest mortality (66.7%). These findings offer critical baseline data to inform conservation planning, reef management, and climate resilience strategies for coral ecosystems in the Indian Ocean region.
This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of graduate students who participated in the “WRAP in LOVE: A Community Clothing & Care Initiative” of San Pablo Colleges (SPC) Graduate School. The outreach program was conducted as part of SPC’s 80th founding anniversary and in response to the Octomonth theme -Clothe the Naked. Designed to serve both orphans and elderly individuals in homes for the aged through clothing donations and care sessions, the initiative provided a platform for graduate fellows to engage in socially transformative service. A total of 12 key informants—two each from MAEd, EdD, MA Counseling, MAN, MBA, and DBA programs—were selected using purposive sampling. Using the ORID (Objective, Reflective, Interpretive, and Decisional) framework for focused conversation and reflection, the study gathered rich narrative data on how fellows described their experiences, internalized their learnings, and envisioned future actions. Thematic analysis revealed that students underwent emotional shifts from hesitation to empathy, gained critical insights about human dignity and social responsibility, and expressed a renewed commitment to integrating service into their future professions. Findings emphasized the role of experiential learning in building civic consciousness, ethical leadership, and intergenerational compassion. The study concludes that structured outreach initiatives, when integrated with critical reflection, have lasting pedagogical and professional impact. It recommends institutionalizing similar programs in graduate education and calls for future interdisciplinary collaborations and longitudinal impact assessments. WRAP in LOVE is not merely a clothing drive—it is a formative journey in shaping servant-leaders grounded in empathy, equity, and community care.
The use of satellite technology to retrieve Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) data has revolutionized the fishing industry by providing real-time information to fishermen. By leveraging advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and data analytics, PFZs are identified based on oceanographic parameters like sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations. These PFZs highlight areas where fish are most abundant, allowing fishermen to optimize their efforts and focus on regions with higher fish concentrations. This targeted approach minimizes overfishing in less productive areas, promoting sustainable fishing practices. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and data analytics, this system not only enhances the fishing process but also contributes to environmental conservation by reducing the ecological impact of fishing activities.
