The maritime trade of Orissa with transoceanic countries is evident from the early historical period onwards. It has been observed that new ports were set up after the decline of old ports in the nearby vicinity; however, information on the decline of ancient ports is very sparse. The archival

Plant functional types bridge the gap between plant physiology and ecosystem processes. In the present article, we review the plant functional traits and their response to grazing, and discuss how this affects the nutrient dynamics of the system under the pressure of herbivory. The results also strengthen the management of ecosystems being grazed by herbivores.
 

Under the project 'Seasonal Prediction of the Indian Monsoon' (SPIM), the prediction of Indian summer monsoon rainfall by five atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) during 1985-2004 was assessed. The project was a collaborative effort of the coordinators and scientists from the different modelling groups across the country.

A state of the art model of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system, the climate forecast system (CFS), from the National Centres for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), USA, has been ported onto the PARAM Padma parallel computing system at the  Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Bangalore and retrospective predictions for the summer monsoon (June-September) season of 2009 have

The immediate and most common response by the different organs of a plant to water stress is decrease in turgor. This may be partially or fully adjusted by
accumulation of solutes. In the present study sorghum pollen grains were subjected to in vitro osmotic stress using polyethylene glycol (PEG). The change in size and shape of the pollen grains under osmotic stress

Soil degradation in all its nefarious forms has serious repercussions on crop and biomass productivity. Assessment of soil loss tolerance limits (SLTLs) (permissible soil loss) serves as a tool to gauge the potential erosion risk in given area with regard to long term sustainability.

Quantifying the cost associated with forest activities in an effective way of managing and maintaining forests. This can be achieved by the economic valuation of our forest resources in terms of cost-benefit analysis (CBA). However, such studies on economic valuation of forest soils in India are sparse.

Multiple sightings of the white tiger, a colour variant of Panthera tigris tigris, from central India to Assam have been reported. White or partially white tigers are not uncommon in some of the dry open jungles of central India. (Correspondence)

Smallholder farming systems throughout the world are believed to be potential sinks to remove atmospheric CO2. Smallholder bamboo farming system in Barak Valley, Assam, which forms a part of the traditional homegarden system, holds promise in this respect. Occurrence of bamboo in all homesteads coupled with progressive increase in culm density over the years reflects its potential for carbon storage.

A recent article in Current Science for a unified academy of sciences in India
begins with a reference to the uproar caused by the inter-academy report on
genetically modified (GM) crops. While the case for a unified academy is most
welcome, increased participation of scientists would be of help in providing
useful inputs on national issues involving science and technology. (Correspondence)