Reports

The lunar missions gained impetus in the 21st century after decades of lull. The newer sprite in lunar missions began with orbiter and impact missions, which included India’s moon -impact probe onboard the Chandrayaan 1, in 2008. Subsequent robotic missions included orbiters, landers and rovers as well as sample collection missions. The Lunar south polar regions which is under permanent shadow is expected to have reserves of water-ice, essential for lunar habitation and as a source for future deep space missions(space) operating from lunar surface.

A unique piscine behaviour—collection and temporary storage of food materials inside the mouth during times of availability and particularly in response to starvation—has been reported in a single species, the climbing perch Anabas testudineus. In this study, we documented a significant variation in the amount of food collected by populations of climbing perch inhabiting different ecological regimes, kole paddy fields, canals and water channels in coconut plantations, after experiencing starvation for two different periods of 24 and 48 h.

In many parts of the world, there is uncertainty about the diminishing quality of higher education systems. Concurrent crises have negatively impacted the well-charted policy trajectories in education (i.e., what is being taught), learning (i.e., what is being learned and how), and knowledge (i.e., what ought to be taught). Existing policy interventions primarily focus on formal spaces of learning, despite the growing recognition of informal learning, and long-standing commitments to lifelong learning.

Air pollution is serious and most talked about issue in India as impacts are fast realized in a shorter time, unlike climate change. North India including the Indian capital experience extreme levels of pollution during winters due to extreme weather compounded by biomass burning episodes. On the other hand, Western India often witnesses pollution extremes during summer due to intercontinental dust flows whereas the peninsular and east India relatively remain better, but the frequency of weather extremes is increasing, and climate change is impacting the delicate balance.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is a primary global public health concern. Exposure to PM2.5 pollution beyond the safe limits of exposure is associated inter alia with respiratory and cardio-vascular mortality and morbidity.