Latest news with #Gangetic
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
New genetic markers offer hope for early detection of gallbladder cancer
Varanasi: Research scholars from Banaras Hindu University, Dr Ruhi Dixit, Dr Manoj Pandey and Dr Vijay Kumar Shukla, achieved breakthrough in gallbladder cancer research by identifying novel genetic biomarkers that could transform early detection and targeted treatment of this deadly disease. Using advanced Clariom D Microarray technology , the team analysed gene expression profiles from gallbladder cancer, cholelithiasis (gallstones) and healthy tissues. Dr Dixit said it was first time in India, a three-way comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed 10 key genes potential drivers of cancer growth. Most of these genes are involved in DNA repair so their dysfunction promotes growth of cancer. The study suggests that, regardless of carcinogenic trigger, genetic pathways primarily involve DNA repair mechanisms , making treatment challenging. Building on the team's prior transcriptomic study, these findings clarify pathways in carcinogenesis and differential gene expression. Additionally, five genes were common across all three groups, indicating their potential as markers of early transformation before cancer is full-fledged. The study identified 3,898 genes, of which 2,575 were upregulated and 1,323 were downregulated. Mismatch repair pathway, nucleotide excision repair, and homologous recombination were the main pathways were found to be involved in carcinogenesis. He said gallbladder cancer was among most common cancers in Gangetic belt, often diagnosed late with poor prognosis and a 5-year survival rate of 10-20 per cent. Despite 25 years research at BHU to identify its elusive causes, the study marks a significant advance. It is the first in India to compare genetic changes across cancer, gallstone and healthy tissues simultaneously. The newly identified genes could serve as biomarkers for early detection and personalised treatment, paving way for improved diagnosis, prognosis and therapy for gallbladder cancer.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Union Jal Shakti minister pushes to conserve rivers
Lucknow: Union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil participated in a ' World Environment Day ' programme at Bulandshahr on Thursday, where he planted a sapling and released fish fingerlings into the Ganga. Remarking that in Indian culture, every river is revered as a mother, Patil said that conserving rivers was not just a responsibility but an act of devotion. He identified plastic pollution in rivers as one of the biggest challenges of the present times and highlighted the importance of eliminating the use of plastic. "Until we realise that the Ganga is not just a river but a life-giving force, our conservation efforts will remain incomplete," he said. Patil highlighted the role of the Namami Gange programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and spoke about how the sewage treatment plants (STPs) installed across the Ganga basin worked to stop untreated water from entering the river. Patil interacted with 200 'Ganga praharis' and praised them for not only cleaning the river themselves but also stopping others from polluting it. He also visited the Ganga Aqua Life Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Narora, a centre working on the conservation of Gangetic dolphins, freshwater turtles and other aquatic species. He released fish fingerlings into the Ganga at Narora Ghat, a step seen as crucial for restoring the aquatic food chain. A specially designed mobile bus operated by the National Book Trust (NBT) was also launched at the event. The bus will travel to rural and semi-urban areas to promote environmental awareness through literature, storytelling and interactive learning.
India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
Top 5 Most Scenic Train Journeys To Indore Form Indian Cities
Indore is the largest city located in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh. It is a confluence of commerce, culture and history and serves as a center of these activities. Indore is not just a place to visit, but rather an experience to be had. While air travel and road trips are quite common, Indore can also be reached through a train ride. Unlike its counterparts, a train ride offers the perfect opportunity to explore the countryside, villages, and the great Indian culture. With that said, let us examine some of the most breathtaking train journeys that make their way to Indore. 1. Mumbai- Indore Express The Mumbai-Indore Express is one of the most well known routes linking the economic capital of India, Mumbai to the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Indore. This route opens to the hills of Western Ghats, semi-arid plains and vast farmlands. Once the train leaves Mumbai, the Sahyadri mountain range can be seen, shifting slowly to the Deccan plateau which is dry. On the way to Indore, passengers can spot agricultural activity and other small stations such as Ratlam and Ujjain along the way. 2. Delhi–Indore Superfast Trains North and Central India are best experienced with a train journey and the Indore- Delhi Rajdhani and Kota- Indore Intercity Superfast trains do just that. The journey provides picturesque views starting from the fertile Gangetic plains surrounding Delhi, the majestic Aravalli Hills, and all the way to Rajasthan. Major points of interest include Kota, with its famous dams and lakes, and Chittorgarh with its massive historical fort. In the winter, the vivid fields of mustard plants add a form of beauty to an already breathtaking landscape. 3. Jaipur–Indore Link The Jaipur to Indore route showcases Rajasthan's landscapes through palatial forts, sand dunes and a vibrant bazaar. Passengers in the train can travel through Ajmer which is home to the renowned Pushkar Lake, towards the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Once you reach Indore, the transformation from desert-like lands to greener regions signifies the end of the journey. Trains, Indore A majestic experience that can be enjoyed within the vicinity of Madhya Pradesh, the Bhopal Indore trains offer riders a short yet fulfilling experience through nature. The journey emerges through the state's radio highlands, including dense forests, tranquil lakes and rolling cliffs. Eye-catching landmarks also include Halali Reservoir and lush farmlands in the Sehore District. Anyone who loves nature should preferably enjoy this ride instead for their visual needs and a fulfilling experience. Indore Connection The Ujjain Indore portion is highlighted by old temples, Ghats along the Shipra river and customary designed Indian structures. The Route offers a spiritual experience into one of the seven Indore cities, Ujjain. Kulak: spiritual and religious intertwined places tend to lure viewers in and make them awe at the charm while witnessing the soothing river banks and farmlands. The wonder rarely fails to fetch admiration and with so much countryside spanning across the terrain, one gets to drink in the beauty whilst enjoying the culturally rich experience. Conclusion Traveling to Indore by train is not simply reaching a destination, but a journey incorporating visual and cultural spectacles. It doesn't matter if you take the Mumbai–Indore Express, the Delhi–Indore Rajdhani, or another service; all of them will have beautiful sights throughout the journey along with amazing memories. These train rides introduce you to India – to its people, culture, and beauty, before you land in the extemporaneous Indore. So, for your next trip, try during those wonderful train journeys for a different way to travel.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Report flags tiger-human conflict risk as prey base shrinks in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha
Even as India celebrates a rise in its tiger population, a new national assessment has flagged an emerging conservation challenge: some of the prey species that sustain these big cats — chital (spotted deer), sambar (large deer), and the vulnerable gaur (Indian bison) — are declining across key tiger landscapes in east-central India, particularly in Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. These findings come from a first-of-its-kind assessment of ungulates (hoofed mammals) conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), using data from India's 2022 tiger census. Ungulates form the bulk of a tiger's diet and are also critical to the forest ecosystem. Yet, across tiger habitats in these regions, they are facing increasing pressure from loss of habitat due to deforestation, development, agricultural expansion, urbanisation, human-wildlife conflict, and subsistence hunting. The report points to the broader consequences, drawing a direct link between low prey numbers and human-wildlife conflict. 'High bushmeat consumption and civil unrest in the region negatively impact wildlife presence, leading to low ungulate densities,' the report notes on Odisha. 'Palamau (in Jharkhand), an important part of the Central Indian corridor, faces challenges such as Left Wing Extremism, which affects wildlife presence,' it says. To revive prey populations, the report recommends on-site breeding of chital and sambar in secure enclosures designed to keep out predators. However, even as eastern and central Indian states are seeing prey depletion, several other landscapes show healthier trends. The Shivalik Hills and Gangetic plains — from Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh to eastern Bihar — as well as tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have a stable prey base. In the Western Ghats, chital, sambar, wild pigs, gaur and barking deer are widely distributed, while the hog deer and wild pigs dominate in the Northeast. The report Status of Ungulates in Tiger Habitats of India is based on field data from the 2022 tiger estimation, supplemented with data from the 2018 and 2014 cycles. While ungulates have been mapped in each cycle, this is the first time their data has been analysed and published separately. Unlike tigers, whose individual numbers are tracked, prey estimation focused on mapping the density of chital and sambar. For other ungulates, scientists estimated where these animals are found and how many there might be, based on direct and indirect evidence such as field surveys, dung trails, and camera trap images. India is home to over 3,600 wild tigers — about 70% of the global population — and their survival depends heavily on prey such as chital, sambar and gaur. Other species in their diet include nilgai, wild pigs, hog deer, barking deer and chinkara. Leopards, wild dogs, jackals and hyenas also rely on the same prey base. 'The quality of forests within 40 per cent of tiger reserves — and outside them — is low. These assessments (of ungulates) are crucial as we have to look beyond the numbers (of tigers). These are measurable biodiversity indicators and can guide us on how to address forest quality on a large scale,' said Qamar Qureshi, wildlife biologist and co-author of the report. According to the report, a density of 30 ungulates per square km can support four tigers in 100 square km. Tiger numbers may rise with prey density, but plateau at about 75 ungulates per sq km due to ecological constraints such as territoriality, competition and lack of habitat connectivity. Among the tiger reserves, Pench in Madhya Pradesh has one of the highest chital densities — nearly 54 per sq km. 'Maintaining quality habitat and reducing pressures on the prey base is crucial. We are working with WII to improve prey density,' said Gobind Sagar Bharadwaj, Additional Director General of Forests (Project Tiger) and NTCA Member Secretary. The report draws a link between low prey numbers and human-wildlife conflict. In areas like Tadoba (Maharashtra) and Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), tigers are attacking livestock due to the lack of natural prey, sparking conflict with local communities. The report also identifies strongholds of prey abundance. Chital populations were found thriving across clusters like Rajaji-Corbett-Ramnagar-Pilibhit-Dudhwa (Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh), Kanha-Pench-Achanakmar (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh), Bandhavgarh-Sanjay Dubri-Veerangana Durgawati (Madhya Pradesh), and the Nagarhole-Bandipur-BRT-Wayanad-Mudumalai-Sathyamangalam landscape (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu). These clusters span diverse forest types — from the Terai-Duar savannas to the moist deciduous forests of Central and Southern India. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... 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Deccan Herald
7 days ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Assam, Meghalaya govts to build hydel project on dolphin habitat Kulsi river
Guwahati: Ignoring warnings by environmentalists, the Assam and Meghalaya governments have decided to jointly set up a 55MW hydro power project on the Kulsi, a small river known as a nesting ground for the endangered river was decided in a meeting between Assam Chief Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K Sangma, in Guwahati on Monday. "We have decided to set up the project after discussion with the local communities as it will lead to displacements of soma villages. While both the states will get benefts from the power to be generated on the Kulsi river, Assam will get additional benefits of irrigation," Sarma told satellite tagging of endangered Ganges river dolphin begins in Assam river to push for is a small tributary of the Brahmaputra that flows down from Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills district to Kamrup district of Assam. About 60km long river with average width of 70 to 80 meters flows in Assam before it meets the Brahmaputra. Sources said the dam for the project is likely to be constructed along the inter-state border. In the meeting, the two CMs also diccused ways to solve the long inter-state boundary disputes and the problem of flash floods. Dolphin the two CMs did not talk about the concerns over future of dolphins in the river, conservationists fear adverse impact of the dam on the river dolphins, an endangered species and the national aquatic species. The first-ever nationwide census of river dolphins carried out by the Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII) counted at least 17 river dolphins in the 60kms stretch of the 40%, Uttar Pradesh home to highest river dolphin census, which was conducted with the help of the state forest departments, counted 6,327 river dolphins in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and Punjab. The report was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March this year. The survey found 584 dolphins in the Brahmaputra basins, including 51 in its tributaries. In the report, the experts expressed concerns over on construction of big dams on the dolphin habitats. "Although it is difficult to say the extend of impact the project may have on the future of dolphins in the Kulsi, hydro power projects always have adverse impact on the downstream," said a conservatinist based in local people had several times urged the two state governments against going ahead with the hydro project on the Kulsi saying this could endanger the future of the dolphins. They also objected to the rampant sand mining taking place in the river beds and construction of several bridges. There are 14 bridges over the Kulsi and construction of the pillars on the river beds have affected free movement of the dolphins, says the conservation December last year, the WII also carried out first satellite tagging of a Gangetic river dolphin in the Kulsi river to study its movement and behaviour patterns for future conservation activities.
