Abstract: Achieving sustainability is a global concern, while the twelfth sustainable development goal focuses on responsible consumption and production that can be attained by reducing waste and transforming agricultural by-products into valuable items. This study investigates the use of eggshell waste for calcium, given that eggshells are abundant in calcium carbonate, and its incorporation into oat-based energy bars. This approach aims to address several objectives, including the elimination of calcium deficiency, enhancement of the nutritional value of energy bars, and reduction of waste to promote a cost-effective approach to sustainability. The eggshells were cleaned, sterilized, and ground into a powder, which was then added to oat energy bars at varying concentrations. Five samples were prepared, including a control, and a sensory evaluation was performed using a 9-point hedonic scale to assess organoleptic attributes such as color, appearance, texture, mouthfeel, taste, and overall acceptability. Among all variants, the energy bar with 2% eggshell (OEC2) incorporation was deemed the most acceptable overall, although other variants did not show significant differences from the control sample. Higher concentrations of eggshell powder resulted in a slight decrease in sensory scores due to alterations in flavor and texture. Sensory scores could be improved by adding flavor enhancers and texturizing agents. These results indicate that the addition of 2% eggshell to energy bars provides a palatable solution for addressing calcium deficiency while simultaneously promoting sustainability. Further research could explore the use of eggshells in various products for calcium fortification.

Abstract: The present paper deals with biodiversity assessment of JVR Park and its ecosystem services. The present study reveals a rich plant diversity with 114 species belonging to 44 families, dominated by the trees. Key families like Fabaceae and Arecaceae contribute to its ecological and aesthetic value. The park hosts about 1,030 mature trees, storing a total of 3,862.13 tons of carbon and producing over 9,824 tons of oxygen to date, with an annual oxygen output of 446.56 tons and carbon sequestration potential of 614.25 tons. Over 22 years the plants sequestered nearly 13513.42 tons of carbon, highlighting the park's environmental impact. JVR Park also serves as a hotspot of biodiversity, supporting various species, including birds and reptiles.

Abstract: Mastitis has been one of the most common and economically important infectious diseases infecting dairy cows worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence of clinical and subclinical bovine mastitis and to identify the major bacterial causes in selected dairies of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. In the cross-sectional study, milk samples were aseptically collected from 168 lactating cows across 13 dairies. Mastitis screening included the California Mastitis Test, White Side Test, Surf Field Mastitis Test, pH measurement, and Methylene Blue Reduction test. Positive samples were cultured for bacteria isolation and identified by standard plate count methods, microscopic examination, and biochemical tests. Overall mastitis prevalence was 72.61%. Both clinical and subclinical cases were detected; the majority of positive samples showed moderate to severe infection. The most causative bacteria in clinical and subclinical manifestations was S. aureus. The high prevalence of mastitis indicated an urgent need for hygiene and management interventions in Uttarakhand dairies. We recommend regular herd screening to control the risk of infection.

Abstract: In Western Odisha, where paddy cultivation is the primary source of income, climate change poses serious issues to the agricultural sector. Using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to analyze the relationship between paddy farmers' socio-economic characteristics and their adaptation strategies regarding climate change. The present study was conducted in 2024-25 to investigate the adaptation strategies of paddy farmers in the Balangir and Kalahandi districts of Western Odisha. Located in the KBK (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput) region, these two districts are among the most impoverished in the state, where most of the residents are residing Below the Poverty Line (BPL). 180 farmers were randomly recruited from 30 villages, and their adaptation techniques were reviewed through structured interviews. Paddy farmers' adaptation tactics to climate change include high levels of agro-diversification (67.22%), low levels of varieties (41.11%), low levels of soil conservation measures (50%), and medium levels of land use management (66.11%). With the best hidden nodes—that is, 3,3 for the soil conservation measures component and 5,3 for the agro-diversification, varieties, and land use management component—an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was created. The optimal neural network architecture had a total minimum Mean Square Error (MSE) of 4.983.

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to estimate genetic diversity among the twenty genotypes and to study the nature and magnitude of association among the various morphological and biochemical traits evaluated. The experiment was conducted in an RCBD with three replications in Rabi at Jalandhar. A diverse set of twenty spinach genotypes was evaluated for agro-morphological and yield-related traits across two growing seasons. Significant variability was observed for most traits, indicating the presence of substantial genetic diversity. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce dimensionality and identify traits contributing most to variation among genotypes. The first few principal components accounted for a major proportion of total variability, with leaf yield, leaf length, leaf breadth, and plant height emerging as the most influential traits. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into distinct clusters, suggesting potential heterotic groups for future breeding programs. The findings offer valuable insights for genetic improvement and selection strategies aimed at enhancing spinach yield and adaptability under North Indian agro-ecological conditions. The study provides a roadmap for selecting genetically diverse parents with complementary traits and identifies the most important traits for improvement. This enhances the efficiency of breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding, nutritionally superior, and adaptable spinach varieties.

Abstract: The present study investigates the variation in disease susceptibility in six multivoltine silkworm breeds of Bombyx mori—4 Nistari strains and 2 developed breeds. The effect of BmNPV and disease resistance was observed both in infected and in stages without BmNPV load (control). The BmNPV polyhedra were isolated from the hemolymph of the grasserie-infected larvae. The eggs were incubated at room temperature and underwent block boxing for uniform hatching. Pathogen suspensions were transferred to the treated worms with a pipette (1×106 OBs/ml) onto the surface of the leaves and gently smeared and allowed to air dry. Maximum mortality (66%) due to grasserie, flacherie, and other diseases was observed in the breed Nistari–Plain. The BmNPV-infected breeds showed higher mortality (49%) and less pupation (98.07%) than the breeds of control (mortality 7% and pupation 99.4%). Results of ranking analysis based on Mano’s Evaluation Index (EI) indicate the highest (51%) degree of tolerance (DT) in the Nistari–Marked breed and the lowest (28%) in the Nistari–Plain breed. As per the multiple trait evaluation index (EI) analysis, Nistari–Debra is placed at 1st rank (Cumulative EI - 59.95) and Nistari–Plain at last rank (Cumulative EI - 43.13). The present study can help to develop BmNPV-resistant varieties for commercial use in the future.

Abstract: The ecological crisis of India, manifesting in the forms of rampant deforestation, pollution, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and several other issues, is rarely acknowledged by the mainstream Indian media. We explain some of the possible reasons behind what we perceive to be this neglect, as well as its implications for the way environmental issues are perceived and for future political action on crucial environmental issues. Stakeholder reporting does not adequately highlight ecological issues; their absence is evident in analytics of trends in news coverage. They are compounded by media ownership structures, corporate interests, and political pressures that inhibit longer-term investigative environmental coverage. It also explores how the limited coverage of environmental issues affects public perception and policymaking and ends with a reflection on social media or independent platforms being able to rescue this situation. These findings drive home the importance of responsible journalism practices and the necessity for policy measures that not only promote a stronger emphasis on ecological issues but also counterbalance media content with respect to ecological interests. Enhancing media independence and building stronger environmental journalism will be crucial first steps towards greater public engagement with India’s environmental challenges.

Abstract: The study aims to understand the awareness among Indigenous people of climate change and its impacts on the surrounding environment and biodiversity in the District of Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The purposive sample method was used to select the study area, viz., Quailmuqam, Malangam, and Panar of District Bandipora, and a random sampling method to select the respondents. The responses from Indigenous Gujjar and Pahari people, preferably above 30 years old, who are mostly associated with farming and animal husbandry, were gathered using a semi-structured interview schedule and focus group discussions. The results reveal that over 75% of respondents have observed the changes in environmental parameters over the decades. About 79.5% agreed to have observed the change in temperature, variation in seasonal durability (79.5%), late onset of rains (76.8%), and change in rainfall patterns (77.3%). The findings demonstrate that people have witnessed an increase in intensity of flash floods (88.3%), quick drying of water bodies (83.0%), decrease in forest area cover (85.8%), decrease in population of pollinators (87.3%), early ripening of forest fruits/seeds (87.8%), early budburst/flowering (86.8%), earlier singing of migratory birds (77.5%), increase in diseases and pests (72.3%), increase in movement of animals towards human settlements (89.5%), and increase in incidence of weed invasion (78.3%). The results show that the respondents are well aware of the changes in their surroundings and have perceived the impacts on the environment and biodiversity. The findings will lead to understanding the perception of these people towards climate change and thereby help government agencies develop mitigation policies and actions in the Himalayan region.

Abstract: Weeds are the most significant biotic constraint threatening the productivity of direct-seeded rice; however, brown manuring serves as an effective strategy for suppressing weed growth and enhances crop yield. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, during the 2024 kharif season to evaluate the effect of brown manuring on weed dynamics, growth, and yield of direct wet-seeded rice. The experiment was designed in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications to compare rice alone with brown manuring treatments. The results showed that significantly higher growth parameters, viz., plant height (139 cm) and DMP (23132 kg/ha), physiological parameters, viz., LAI (3.08), CGR (9.08 g/m²/day), RGR (0.0229 g/g/day), SPAD value (28.50), and yield, viz., grain yield (6046 kg/ha) and straw yield (10801 kg/ha), were observed in the weed-free check (T9) with higher WCE, which was on par with pretilachlor (PE) 50% EC at 1.25 l/ha + knockdown of Dhaincha by 2,4-D 38% EC at 1 kg/ha at 30 DAS (T6) over the unweeded control (T10). Therefore, the co-culture of brown manure, combined with a post-emergence herbicide, exhibited greater competitiveness against weeds, while the dead residue acted as a stimulant for wet-sown rice, enhancing its growth and yield.

Abstract: The rapid pace of urbanization, industrialization, and population explosion exerts pressure on nature, the natural scavenger of pollution, and therefore currently 99% of the population is living in areas of unhealthy air quality. Construction industries are the major thrust areas, as they impact the air quality to a great extent. Therefore, in the current study air quality along the under-construction Danapur–Bihta Elevated Road, Patna, Bihar, was documented. The air quality index (AQI) was also applied to the obtained data to rank the different sites based on pollution level. The results of the current study revealed that PM10 & PM2.5 values were found beyond the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 24 hours (100 µg/m³) at AA-4 & 5 while beyond the annual standard (60 µg/m³) at all the sites. Even PM2.5 values were found beyond the NAAQS standard at the control site. Values of SO₂ and NO₂ were found below the NAAQS standard at all the sites. Percentage increase varies from 43.3 to 79.1% in the case of PM10, 43.2 to 48.4% in the case of PM2.5, 14.6 to 32.2% in the case of SO2, and 11.3 to 25.7% in the case of NO2. AQI results revealed that air is lightly polluted at the control site while moderately polluted at all the studied sites. Although dust mitigation strategies are in continuous application, there is a need to increase the frequency of water sprinkling on the road and use of fog cannons to suppress the dust emission. Face masks are also necessary for the workers involved in these types of construction activities to protect them from occupational health diseases.

Abstract: The cement industry is responsible for approximately 5–7% of global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions and significantly contributes to the depletion of natural resources, necessitating the exploration of more sustainable supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Biochar, a material gaining attention, is investigated for its potential as a partial cement substitute for mortar in this study. The biochar was derived from fecal sludge feedstock at a fecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP). The raw biochar was subsequently ground and sieved in the laboratory before incorporation into mortar. For the effect of biochar replacement on the curing mechanism of cement mortar cubes, specimens were prepared in accordance with ASTM C 109, with sludge biochar incorporated at 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of cement. The specimens were subjected to three curing regimes—water curing, air curing, and sealed curing using polyethylene sheets—and tested for compressive strength at 7, 28, and 56 days. Additionally, the pozzolanic reactivity of the mixes was assessed through the Strength Activity Index (SAI) following ASTM C311. Wet curing is a conventional method to prevent moisture loss in mortar, but incorporating biochar provides a secondary curing mechanism by retaining and gradually releasing water to sustain the hydration process. Results of this study have shown that strengths were comparable to the control up to 10% replacement, with the highest value at 56 days under wet curing (41.66 MPa). Sealed curing achieved over 90% efficiency by achieving a compressive strength of 38.56 MPa, while air curing with 10% biochar (29.36 MPa) outperformed the control (23.40 MPa) by 120%. Pozzolanic activity peaked at 5–10% replacement, with sealed curing yielding the highest SAI (141.6% at 56 days). Beyond 15% replacement, dilution effects reduced performance. Overall, 10% biochar under sealed curing optimized strength and pozzolanic reactivity, confirming its feasibility as a sustainable cement substitute. Regression analysis is also carried out to explore the trend of biochar replacement on compressive strength, found more evident at 5% and 10% replacements across all curing regimes and weakened with higher percentages of biochar. The trendlines exhibited more consistent patterns and stronger correlations, with the highest R² value of 0.86 observed at 10% replacement in air-cured specimens, followed by 0.84 at 5% in the same curing condition. Overall, results indicate a positive influence of biochar on the strength properties of mortar.

Abstract: The extant literature on peer-to-peer accommodation sharing has focused largely on the motivators prompting the travelers and the providers to opt for shared accommodations, but little attention has been paid to the sustainability aspect of this proxy accommodation service. The present study thus makes an attempt to bridge this gap by aligning the fundamentals of peer-to-peer accommodation sharing with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) attainment, specifically encompassing five core areas—People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership—supplemented with a case study conducted on shared accommodations in the city of Amritsar, Punjab. The paper concludes that the fundamentals upon which peer-to-peer accommodation sharing works are contributing either directly or indirectly towards sustainable development goal attainment, and hence, shall be leveraged as a beacon for attaining both financial and sustainability outcomes from the tourism sector.

Abstract: Nemacheilus multifasciatus is a hillstream loach that contributes to the stability of Himalayan ecosystems and supports local subsistence fisheries. This study aimed to evaluate the sex ratio of the N. multifasciatus in the Heval River, a tributary of the holy river Ganga, across temporal (monthly, seasonal) and size class scales and to examine its deviation from the expected 1:1 proportion. A total of 253 fish specimens were collected from 2023 to 2025 and examined to assess the sex ratio by month, season, and 0.5 cm length groups and to determine the stock percentage in each size group using chi-square tests for deviation from parity. Monthly sex ratio (male: female) ranged from 1:0.86 (November) to 1:1.43 (August), while seasonal value varied from 1:1.06 in autumn to 1:1.30 in summer; none of these temporal differences were statistically significant (p>0.05). Size-wise sex ratios showed stronger deviations, from 1:0.17 at 5.1-5.5 cm to 1:8.00 at 8.6-9.0 cm, with significant differences among length groups (p<0.05). The highest stock percentage (18.18%) was observed in the 7.6-8.0 cm size group, and the lowest (0.79%) in the 9.1-9.5 cm group, with an overall sex ratio of 1 male:1.18 females for the population. These observations and overall analysis indicate a slight female bias and size-dependent variations in the sex ratio of this hillstream loach, N. multifasciatus, with potential implications for population dynamics and management.

Abstract: The aim of the current study is to assess the impact of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) and Dihydrozeatin (DHZ) priming on the early development of Jowar (Sorghum vulgare) and Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum). To fulfill the objective of the current study, two separate experiments were conducted following the completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications along with a control experiment. Priming of the ten seeds of both the selected crops was performed with four different concentrations (0.64, 1.34, 2.01, and 2.68 mg/l) of IBA and DHZ for 24 hours. Thereafter the seeds were incubated for 7 days at laboratory conditions {temperature (27ºC), humidity (65%), light (900 Lux for 12 hours)}. The results revealed that there were significant differences in the germination percentage (3-10% increase in P. glaucum (PG) and 3-8% increase in S. vulgare (SV) in comparison to control at 2.01mg/l exposure of DHZ and 2-9% increase in PG and 0-8% increase in SV in comparison to control at 2.01mg/l exposure of IBA), root length (1.9cm increase in both PG and SV in comparison to control at 1.34mg/l exposure of DHZ and 2.8cm increase in PG and 3.0cm increase SV in comparison to control at 1.34mg/l exposure of IBA), and shoot length (2.1cm increase in PG and 1.9cm increase in SV in comparison to control at 1.34mg/l exposure of DHZ and 3.0cm increase in both PG and SV in comparison to control at 1.34mg/l exposure of IBA ) between the priming and non-priming treatment seed. The optimum treatment in both trials was seed priming with IBA and DHZ at the concentration of 1.34 mg/l for 24 hours for root length and shoot length, while the germination rate was maximum at 2.01 mg/l for 24 hours for both hormones. The results of the current study highlight the potential of hormonal priming as a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach for improving crop establishment and productivity, particularly under stress-prone conditions.

Abstract: The present work focuses on the bioactivity of secondary metabolites secreted by Bacillus stercoris strain GRS6 against E. coli MTCC118 and L. monocytogenes MTCC657 which are commonly considered as gastrointestinal pathogens. This strain was isolated from the sediments of river Ganga at Haridwar (India) and its cell free supernatant demonstrated anti-microbial action against these two test organisms. As bioactivity of microbial metabolites is also a consequence of media composition and physiological conditions, therefore an attempt was made to optimize media and growth conditions of B. stercoris for subsequent enhancement of biological activity. The optimization studies were conducted by following One Factor at time (OFAT) and response surface methodology - Central composite design. The OFAT approach investigated the effect of various carbon and nitrogen sources along with different growth media. Apart from these, the critical physiological parameters such as pH (5-9), temperature (25 to 50℃) and incubation period (24 to 120 hrs.) were also carried out. Based on OFAT findings, A CCD matrix comprising of 26 experimental runs was generated as combinations of different growth parameters by Design Expert version 13.0. The percentage improvement against E. coli calculated as inhibition zone (IZ) was 21.5% in RSM optimization compared to that observed in OFAT approach. Similarly, RSM optimization improved bioactivity against L. monocytogenes by 24.9% as compared to OFAT. Spectroscopic and chromatographic identification of GRS6 bioactive metabolites revealed the presence of 3,3-([1,3] Dioxolan)-4,4-Dimethyl-7-Oxa-Bicyclo [4.1.0] Heptan and dodecanamide. The present study signifies the importance of RSM approach for enhancing the bioactivity against gastrointestinal pathogens.

Abstract: Climatic parameters and vegetation indices are significantly influenced by anthropogenic activities, posing concerns for climate prediction amid global warming. This study examines atmospheric dynamics and the distribution of climatic and anthropogenic factors across varying altitudes using satellite remote sensing data for the year 2023. Findings indicate that experimental sites are affected by anthropogenic activities like ozone (O₃) and biomass carbon stocks (BCS), while sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and sulfate (SO₄) exhibit maximum variability, particularly in the Himalayan foothills. Higher altitudes show long-term temperature increases, with land surface temperature (LST) and precipitation (PPT) fluctuating alongside normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI). All locations exhibit a non-platy kurtic distribution of climatic and anthropogenic indicators, with a positively skewed relationship between skewness and kurtosis. These findings highlight the potential of climatic parameters and vegetation indices for microclimate analysis and weather forecasting models. The study also emphasizes the utility of multivariate statistical approaches in assessing climate variations at temporal and spatial scales using remote sensing data.

Abstract: Climate change threatens food and water security in rain-fed countries like India, where climate policies like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) often prioritize monetary, non-participatory, and techno-centric interventions, overlooking Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). This empirical study explores TEK’s potential to enhance the efficacy of NAPCC, especially in terms of water resource management, and highlights its potential in informing climate policies and promoting participatory, location-specific climate adaptation practices. In-depth interviews with farmers revealed that rain-fed TEK practices like in-situ rainwater harvesting, hybridized with modern technologies (e.g., drip irrigation), and community-driven wastewater management can enhance climate resilience and address policy gaps in the NAPCC. The study highlights a novel pathway for cost-effective, scalable, and socially inclusive climate adaptation and is among the first to empirically connect farmers’ TEK with identifiable policy gaps in India’s NAPCC. The insights call for integrating traditional resource management and participatory decision-making in climate policy.

Abstract: Constructed wetlands (CWs) are eco-friendly, low-cost systems increasingly used for wastewater treatment and among the various macrophytes utilized, Canna indica has shown significant potential due to its high adaptability, attractive growth and pollutant removal capabilities. This plant contributes to the treatment process through direct nutrient uptake and by supporting microbial activity in its rhizosphere, enhancing the degradation of organic matter and removal of nutrients and heavy metals. Studies across different CW configurations—including vertical flow, horizontal subsurface flow and hybrid systems—demonstrate effective removal of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 59-98%, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 47-99%, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 97%, Total Nitrogen (TN) 45-98%, Total Phosphorus (TP) 50-96% and FCB 95-97%. Its application not only improves the functional efficiency of CWs but also adds landscape value, contributing to the ecological and aesthetic benefits of treatment sites. This review highlights the plant’s phytoremediation capacity, operational advantages and potential for integration into sustainable wastewater management systems, while also suggesting future direction for research focused on large-scale implementation, hybrid system design and long-term monitoring. However, despite encouraging research outcomes, critical knowledge gaps persist, including limited long-term field trials, inadequate understanding of plant–substrate–microbe interactions and the need for optimized or hybrid CW configurations to achieve higher efficiency and broader real-world applicability.

Abstract: A biodegradable polysaccharide, starch is vital to many businesses because of its affordability, availability, and adaptability. An eco-friendly and sustainable source of starch, mango seeds are a frequently discarded by-product of the processing of mangoes that encourages waste valorization and resource recovery. Techniques based on alkali, enzymatic, and aqueous methods are employed to extract starch from mango seeds; each is assessed for effectiveness, yield, and environmental impact. The functional qualities of native starch are limited by nature and can be improved via alteration. While chemical alterations like esterification, oxidation, and cross-linking increase solubility, film-forming ability, and enzymatic resistance, physical techniques like heat-moisture treatment and annealing improve thermal stability and gelatinization. Mango seed starch now has a wide range of uses thanks to these developments, such as a food thickener and stabilizer, a disintegrant in medication formulations, and a biodegradable substitute in adhesives and plastics. Mango seed starch supports sustainable industrial operations by lowering dependency on traditional starch supplies and efficiently using agricultural waste. By enhancing its structural qualities, physicochemical characteristics, and technical value, modification procedures can significantly increase the qualities of native starch. Depending on the modification, starch's properties—such as its solubility in cold water, its ability to expand after heating, and its propensity to retrograde—are essential for its usage in industry. To promote environmental and economic sustainability, the goal is to draw attention to its potential as a renewable resource and encourage its creative usage across a range of industries.

Abstract: A two-year research experiment was carried out at the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - SKLTGHU, during Rabi, 2022-23 and 2023-24, to study the integrated effect of N, P, and K and biostimulants with bioagents and botanicals on the quality and economics of garlic (Allium sativum L.). The experiment was laid out in a contrast factorial randomized block design with ten treatments and thrice replication. A separate control plot was grown to compare the data with treatment applications. The design consists of two levels: one indicates inorganic nutrients as well as biostimulants, and the other includes biocontrol agents and botanical extracts. Based on two seasons of pooled data, the results revealed that the highest total soluble solids (40.26°Brix) and ascorbic acid content (9.95 mg) were recorded under the combined application of 50% NPK + seaweed extract at 5 ml/l + Trichoderma viride at 10 ml/l + neem oil at 0.5% (S3B1), and the highest total biomass (7.59 t/ha), harvest index (79.64%), and dry matter content (36.44%) were recorded under the combined application of 50% NPK + humic acid at 5 ml/l + Trichoderma viride at 10 ml/l + neem oil at 0.5%. Regarding the sulphur content of the bulb, the maximum sulphur (1.28%) was recorded under the application of 50% NPK + seaweed extract at 5 ml/l + Bacillus subtilis at 10 ml/l + sesame oil at 1%. In view of economic viability, the treatment of 50% NPK + Humic acid at 5 ml/l + Trichoderma viride at 10 ml/l + Neem oil at 0.5% (S1B1) recorded the highest gross (Rs.718,000.00) and net returns (Rs.509,090.00) as well as the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.44). In conclusion, the S3B1 is an effective choice for enhancing quality attributes of garlic, and the S1B1 is an effective option for the highest yield and economic returns to the farming community of garlic. From the current research it is recommended that integrated farming be feasible for balanced production and enhancing farmers' economic.

Abstract: More than half of the world's population depends on rice (Oryza sativa L.) as a staple food, making it the most significant cereal crop in developing nations. Rice production greatly depends upon the nature of the soil. Soil is greatly altered by the extensive use of chemical fertilizers, which also lower soil fertility, harm plants, promote soil erosion, and lower NUE (nutrient use efficiency). Adopting Nano-DAP in kharif rice cultivation is a game-changer for enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and ensuring environmental sustainability. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2023 at the Agriculture Farm of Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal. The experiment results revealed that the highest value of growth parameters (plant height, no of tillers/hill, leaf area index), yield attributes (effective tillers/m2, filled grains/panicle, panicle length, test weight), yield (grain yield, straw yield, harvest index), economics (gross return, net return, B:C ratio) and highest nutrient use efficiency were observed in T7 (recommended dose of fertilizers @ 80:40:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg/ha + seedling treatment with nano-DAP for 30 min @ 0.4%+one foliar spray at tillering @ 4ml/l) and lowest values were recorded in T10 (control). Application of RDF at 80:40:40 N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg/ha + seedling treatment with nano-DAP for 30 min at 0.4% + one foliar spray at tillering at 4 ml/l registered the highest grain yield (5302 kg/ha), straw yield (8384 kg/ha), gross return (Rs.141804), net return (Rs.96188), and B:C ratio of 2.1. From the economic analysis of different treatments, it was observed that the highest B:C ratio was seen in the T7 treatment, followed by the T8 treatment. So, T8 treatment was also beneficial in economical aspect also.

Abstract: This study investigated the use of zirconium–ferrite nanoparticles (ZF-NPs) as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The nanoparticles were created using a co-precipitation method and were previously characterized as mesoporous particles with a charge point of zero of roughly 3.9, a very high surface area, and a small particle size (16–20 nm), all of which combined to offer a lot of reactive and easily accessible adsorption sites. The effects of temperature (288–333 K), initial dye concentration (10–50 mg/L), pH (2–8), adsorbent dosage (0.05–0.30 g), and contact time (10–80 min) on MB uptake were assessed using batch adsorption experiments. The Langmuir isotherm revealed a maximal monolayer adsorption capacity of 238.10 mg/g at ideal circumstances of 0.2 g ZF-NPs, pH 4.0, contact period of 60 min, and initial MB concentration of 10 mg/L. Chemisorption-dominated uptake on energetically heterogeneous surface sites was indicated by kinetic analysis, which demonstrated that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.999) and was well described by the Elovich equation. Thermodynamic parameters (negative ΔG°, ΔH° ≈ −41.15 kJ/mol, and ΔS° ≈ −49.30 J/mol.K) confirmed that MB adsorption on ZF-NPs was spontaneous and exothermic with reduced randomness at the solid–solution interface. The synthesized ZF-NPs demonstrated a noticeably higher adsorption capacity while maintaining magnetic separability when compared to a variety of documented adsorbents for MB, such as zeolite, biomass-derived carbons, polymer-based hydrogels, and other oxide materials. Overall, this work showed the potential of zirconium–ferrite nanoparticles as a next-generation adsorbent for dye-contaminated wastewater by extending their use to MB removal for the first time and exhibiting a unique combination of ultra-high surface area, strong chemisorptive interaction, and simple magnetic recovery. This clearly offered a performance and handling advantage for water treatment.

Abstract: Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS) comes under the category of autoimmune disorder, causing oral and eye dryness because SS mainly affects secretory organs of the sufferer’s body, such as the tear and salivary glands, resulting in chronic inflammation. Autoreactive B and T cells that secrete disease-specific autoantibodies and persistently stimulate the type I interferon system are central to the origination of SS. Some viruses, especially Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1), and hepatitis C virus, are proposed as triggers. SS is even so due to environmental factors, and in its pathogenesis, there are several combined environmental factors. It's been suggested that SS might be more vulnerable to exposure to pollutants in the air, such as nitrogen dioxide, particles, or some chemical solvents. It has been found that stress and other environmental factors are causes or contributing causes that can act as initiators of the disease process in genetically predisposed individuals. Deficiency of vitamin D has also been proposed as an etiological factor. Several nongenetic, broad environmental influences appear to have important direct effects on the development of the disease. Throughout the studies, these exposures suggest that autoreactive B cells, as well as T-cell activation, trigger type I interferon-driven glandular inflammation and play a role in the breakdown of peripheral tolerance. The available research articles provide qualitative and limited quantitative associations, but results remain incompatible due to diverse study designs. There are no large, prospective studies being conducted with exposure analysis together with immunological and genetic phenotyping. Overall, published studies in relation to the environmental risk factors of SS have been reviewed extensively in this review, and a major research gap is the unavailability of large, prospective studies that merge environmental tracking with immunologic and genetic profiling. Addressing the research gap, this study presents an opportunity for a more complete investigation of how natural influences are related to the etiology and progression of illness. It would be beneficial in the future for early diagnosis, strategies of prevention, and measures of improved management of SS.

Abstract: In recent years, the significance of millets in India has been increasingly acknowledged due to their nutrient-rich quality, leading them to be recognized as "nutri-cereals." These hardy crops thrive in harsh climatic conditions and nutrient-deficient soils, making them crucial in the condition of climate change. With diminishing land resources and declining soil fertility, efficient cropping systems are essential for maximizing productivity. Intercropping, particularly the integration of legumes with millets, has demonstrated higher economic returns, increased crop equivalent yield, and reduced cultivation costs compared to sole cropping systems. This study was conducted at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, during the 2023-2024 season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) comprising eleven treatments and three replications. The treatments involved intercropping little millet with various pulses, including black gram, green gram, red gram, cowpea, and Bengal gram, at 4:1 and 6:1 row proportions, along with a control (sole little millet crop). The results revealed that little millet intercropped with black gram (4:1) (T2) and green gram (4:1) (T4) exhibited superior growth and physiological attributes at harvest, yielding 1326 & 4109 kg ha⁻¹ and 1298 & 4021 kg ha⁻¹ of grain and straw, respectively. These intercropping combinations proved advantageous due to enhanced resource utilization, higher yield benefits, and greater economic returns compared to other treatments.