In a warming world, species distribution models have become a useful tool for predicting plausible shifts of a species occurrence enforced by climate change. Using maximum entropy (Mexent) model, we analysed present and future distribution patterns of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) in two distinct bio-greographical regions of India: the Western Ghats having a good distribution of rubber plantations at present and the Brahmaputra Valley, where rubber trees are recently being cultivated.

The increasing demand for agricultural products and the uncertainty of international food markets has recently drawn the attention of governments and agribusiness firms toward investments in productive agricultural land, mostly in the developing world. The targeted countries are typically located in regions that have remained only marginally utilized because of lack of modern technology. It is expected that in the long run large scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) for commercial farming will bring the technology required to close the existing crops yield gaps.

Landless dalits and adivasis have occupied parts of a corporate rubber plantation at Chengara in Kerala for five years. Despite being pressurised in various ways, they have held out, sticking to their demand of land for them to pursue livelihoods. None of the agreements so far reached with the state government has been satisfactorily implemented. Yet, the issues raised by the Chengara struggle have a social and economic significance that no government can afford to ignore.

This study aimed to evaluate toxic emission and combustion characteristics of rubber materials used in Indian NBC respiratory mask. A cone calorimeter was used for combustion study and FT-1R gas analyzer for emissions. Mass loss of rubber materials had indirect relationship with time to ignition.