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Hill agriculture, characterized by undulating terrains and intricate poly-culture and agroforestry systems, serves as a vital livelihood source for human inhabitants. Employing traditional cultivation methods on ridges and valleys, small-scale farmers achieve remarkable productivity and stability, yielding high returns per unit of labor and energy. This agricultural approach mirrors natural ecosystems, boasting a rich organic environment, disease-resistant biodiversity, and inherent stability. Despite relying predominantly on rainfed methods, the sustainability of hill agriculture has endured through centuries of practice. This paper delves into the unique characteristics and sustainability of hill agriculture, drawing parallels between its practices and natural ecosystem dynamics. Through an exploration of traditional cultivation techniques and their alignment with ecological principles, it elucidates the resilience and productivity inherent in this agricultural approach. Emphasizing the significance of small-scale farming communities, the paper underscores their role as stewards of biodiversity and guardians of traditional knowledge systems. Moreover, the paper addresses the challenges and opportunities facing hill agriculture in the contemporary context. In light of increasing environmental pressures and changing socio-economic dynamics, it advocates for the preservation and promotion of traditional agricultural practices. By harnessing indigenous knowledge and integrating modern innovations judiciously, stakeholders can enhance the resilience and sustainability of hill agriculture while safeguarding the livelihoods of communities reliant on these practices. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between human societies, natural ecosystems, and agricultural practices in hill regions. It highlights the importance of adopting holistic approaches that prioritize ecological integrity, socio-economic equity, and cultural preservation. Through informed policy interventions and community-led initiatives, hill agriculture can continue to thrive as a resilient and sustainable livelihood strategy, nourishing both people and the planet.

Under business-as-usual development, emissions from the transportation system that delivers mobility, given its high fossil-fuel dependence, are expected to exacerbate local air pollution across India's cities and add to CO2 emissions that cause global climate change. Studies show these externalities are significant and emphasize on alignment of national, sectoral and local development policies with climate change targets to gain multiple co-benefits in the long run. There are also opportunities to gain incremental funds through carbon finance mechanisms for projects that mitigate greenhouse gases. Studies in the Indian context that quantify the long-term co-benefits of aligning global climate change targets with local and national development goals are rather limited. The study has explored this gap. The study uses an integrated assessment framework to assess the long-term co-benefits from a passenger mobility system aligned to climate and development goals at national, city (Ahmedabad) and project (metro rail) levels. The conjoint GHG emissions and local air pollutant reductions are estimated for business-as-usual (BAU) and sustainable low carbon mobility (SLCM) scenarios. The alternative scenarios are constructed to investigate the impact of a mix of strategies that involves environmental policies, fuel standards, penetration of alternative vehicle technologies, consumer behaviour, etc. A project level case study of a metro rail is used to show the access to carbon funds using the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) framework. The results for the National passenger mobility case study show that by 2050: (i) passenger mobility demand reduces by 10%, (ii) energy demand reduces by 43%, (iii) CO2 emissions decrease by 69% and (iv) PM2.5 emissions decrease by 40% in SLCM compared to the BAU. For the Ahmedabad passenger mobility system, by 2035: (i) the passenger mobility demand decreases by 20%, (ii) energy demand decreases by 32%, (iii) CO2 emissions reduce by 41% and (iv) PM2.5 emissions decrease ...

Catch and vulnerability forecast of key commercial marine fish species using climatic projec-tion data is of high na-tional significance. The mounting climatic pressures such as Ockhi and Gaja, emphatically point out the need for Development of Cli- mate Resilient Fishing Vil-lages and Technologies.

Microcalorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography (h. p. l. c.) have been used to conduct a thermodynamic investigation of the biochemical reaction (phosphoenolpyruvate(aq) + D-erythrose 4-phosphate(aq) + H2O(1) = 2-dehydro-3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptonate 7-phosphate(aq) + phosphate(aq)), the first step in the metabolic pathway leading to the biosynthesis of chorismate. DAHP synthase, the enzyme used to carry out this reaction. was prepared by using molecular biology techniques and then isolated in a highly purified form. The h.p.l.c. was used to establish that this reaction went to completion and that the apparent equilibrium constant K'(T = 298.15 K. pH approximate to 8.2) is > 1.4 . 10(3). The calorimetrically determined molar enthalpy for this biochemical reaction is Delta(r)H(m)(cal) = - (67.7 +/- 1.5) kJ . mol(-1) at T = 298.15 K, pH = 8.18, and ionic strength I-m = 0.090 mol . kg(-1). Use of this result together with a chemical equilibrium model led to the standard molar enthalpy of reaction Delta(r)H(m)(o), = -(70.0 +/- 3.0) kJ . mol(-1) at T = 298.15 K and I-m = 0 for the chemical reference reaction {phosphoenolpyruvate(3-)(aq) + D-erythrose 4-phosphate(2-)(aq) + H2O(1) = 2-dehydro-3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptonate 7-phosphate(3-)(aq) + HPO42- (aq)}. Use of an estimated value of the standard molar entropy change Delta(r)S(m)(o) for this reaction together with the measured value of Delta(r)H(m)(o) yielded the standard molar Gibbs free energy change Delta(r)G(m)(o) approximate to -39 kJ . mol(-1) and K approximate to 7 . 10(6) for the chemical reference reaction at T = 298.15 K and I-m = 0. Some insight into the thermochemistry of this reaction has been obtained by assessing the contributions to Delta(r)H(m)(o) that correspond to the loss of a phosphate from phosphoenolpyruvate and to the addition of a pyruvate group to D-erythrose 4-phosphate.

There is a growing need to assist those who have suffered an amputation due to vascular diseases, especially in those who have general lower limb weakness and need additional assistance to retain independence and overall quality of life. The CYBERLEGs system is a new artificial physical and cognitive lower-limb replacement system for dysvascular transfemoral amputees intended for assistance in activities of daily living. By lowering the cognitive and metabolic effort of using a prosthetic system, CYBERLEGs is intended to increase the number of amputees using prosthetic systems as well as expand the capabilities of those who use currently available technology.

Development of climatic resilient strategies even at regional levels is of necessity to cope up with climatic change impacts. This paper highlights wetland restoration along with incorporation of scientific fish farming at village level as a significant climatic resilient strategy. Geospatial techniques have been considered as tool for degraded regional wetland resource mapping and eco management plan development. A comprehensive approach by integrating qualitative as well as quantitative assessment of wetland is projected through this work. Scientific bodies are recognized to offer consultancy and monitoring throughout the project phases. Participatory programs with retaining the privileges of traditional local groups over the regional wetlands areenvisaged as project components. Scope of improved capture fisheries technique towards ensuring food and nutrition security, along with role of scientific bodies in assisting selection and implementation of proper aquaculture techniques are also mentioned. Utilization of equipments such as ‘aquatic weed harvesters’instead of manual removal of aquatic weeds is proposed. Conversion of the harvested aquatic vegetation into climate resilient products such as biochar, biofuels and value added products are anticipated as sustainable options. The proposed concept model thus includes regional level wetland resource mapping and restoration, coupled with implementation of scientific fish farming as per the guidelines and consultation of scientific bodies. Keywords: Aquaculture, climate resilience, remote sensing, wetland restoration.

Power Electronics (PE) are implemented in a wide variety of appliances, either to increase its controllability or energy efficiency, or simply because a DC supply is needed. The massive integration of rectifiers has resulted in a decrease of the supply voltage quality. Although PE have enabled the end user to control electrical machines, the resulting distortion inversely affects Direct On-Line (DOL) machines. In this paper a review is presented of the influence of these supply anomalies on Induction Motors (IM). The suggested problems have already been subject of much study. However, as new DOL technologies are emerging, for example Line Start Permanent Magnet Machines or Induction Generator systems, the influence of supply distortion on these systems should also be considered. This paper will present a comprehensive overview of the loss mechanisms, the magnitude of the losses and the impact of these losses on operation of IM, LSPMM and IG.

This paper reports on the long-term objectives and current research results of the on-going Renewable Energy to Africa (REAfrica) project. The purpose of the REAfrica project is to increase knowledge of renewable energy solutions and markets in Sub-Saharan Africa in order to support Finnish renewable energy sector companies in entering the African market. Entry into a new geographical area also involves entry into a new business culture. This paper considers the potential for collaboration and networking with local partners in both business and research as a means of fostering business innovation. To achieve this, it is proposed that research collaboration needs to evolve as ecosystem-level collaboration on three levels - business, research and governmental - in order to create a 'piloting gateway' for new technologies.

An unprecedented fire disaster, in which 196 mechanised fishing boats were gutted, took place at Malpe, a major fishing harbour in Karnataka State in the afternoon of 19th July, 1979. The total loss due to this havoc has been estimated at 2.3 crores of rupees. Though the total loss to the nation on accountof the fire disaster is to the tune of Rs. 2.3 crores, the individual loss of the owners of mechanised vessels was much less. A member of C. M. F. R. I. staff has been deployed to gather information relating to the progress made towards the normalisation of fishing activities in the affected area. This would enable monitoring of the process of rehabilitation in the coming months