eChapters

Synopsis

If the human being was born first, he or she needed food immediately to survive. Thereafter, human beings continued to need food and continued to eat food throughout his or her life. Hence, the relationship between human being and food is permanent and the requirement of food for the human being to be alive is everlasting. The paper provides the background, definition of right to food, and adequate food, historical events, legal perspectives, operational guidelines, and advances in its application and derives conclusion.

Introduction to Right to Information
The Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental democratic principle that ensures citizens’ access to information held by public authorities. RTI empowers individuals to participate in governance, hold officials accountable, and enhance transparency. This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of RTI frameworks in India and compares them with systems in selected Western countries, highlighting legislative evolution, scope, operational mechanisms, and significant challenges faced in these systems.
Historical Background of Right to Information
Origins of RTI in Democratic Societies
The concept of RTI has roots in Enlightenment-era principles of transparency and democracy, where the belief that government decisions should be made in the public eye gained momentum. Sweden was the first nation to codify freedom of information in 1766, emphasizing that transparency is essential for a democratic society.
International Recognition of RTI
RTI gained international prominence with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, wherein Article 19 affirmed the right to freedom of expression and information. In 1966, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) further articulated this right, strengthening its recognition on the global stage.

Precision farming has revolutionized the agricultural sector by enabling farmers to optimize their operations, increase productivity, and reduce environmental impact. Central to this transformation is the incorporation of GPS technology, which has ushered in a new era of smart farming techniques. Some key advantages of precision farming equipment include:
• Enhanced accuracy in planting and harvesting.
• Reduced input costs by applying fertilizers and pesticides only where necessary.
• Improved crop yield and quality.
• Minimized environmental impact.
• Efficient resource management. As we delve deeper into the world of precision farming, let’s explore the key equipment and technologies reshaping the agricultural landscape.
GPS TECHNOLOGY: THE BACKBONE OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE
GPS technology has become an essential tool in modern farming. It serves as the foundation for numerous precision farming practices, enabling accurate positioning and navigation during various farm operations.
Below mentioned are some ways GPS technology is transforming agriculture:
• Auto-steering systems: Allow tractors and other farming vehicles to navigate fields with centimeter-level accuracy, minimizing overlap and enhancing efficiency.

A. Answer the following?

1.    Why does camel mostly eat carbohydrates during desert travel?

Ans: Because increasedrespiration needed to oxidize body fat and protein which result in an increased loss of water by evaporation whereas carbohydrates oxidation results in lower loss of water.

2.    Why birds require less water than mammals?

Ans: Because uric acid is the end product of protein metabolism and is excreted in nearly solid form with minimum loss of water. Higher evaporative loss in birds is partially balanced bytheir reducedurinarywaterexcretionrelative to mammals. Besides, the breakdown of protein to uric acid provides more metabolic water than does its catabolism to urea.

3.    What is TDS?

Ans: TDS or total dissolved solids or salinity is a measure of the usefulness of water for animals or for crop irrigation.

4.    What is metabolic water?

Ans: When prganic compounds such as fat,protein, carbohydrates are oxidized in the animal body, water us produced as end product along with other usable products. Similarly, when proein, fat and carbohydrates are synthesized liberation of water takesplace. The water which is available to the animal body by such biochemical reaction is known as metabolic water.

5.    What is bound water?

Abstract

Drought and salinity are two major abiotic stresses that affect various aspects of human lives of one third world population including human health and agricultural productivity. Abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, nutrient deficiency or toxicity, and flooding limit crop productivity world-wide. A living organism is considered resistant if it tolerates a given physicochemical stress. The presence of microorganisms within the soil, specially a main group known as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is a key factor in the adaptation of plants to the different ecosystems. The AMF colonizing within the plant roots can determine the success of plants in salt- and/or drought-affected areas. The symbiosis with AMF has been proposed as one of the mechanisms of salinity and water stress avoidance. Studies have shown greater drought and salinity tolerance in AMF-colonized plants by a number of mechanisms. These mechanisms include enhanced water and nutrient uptake directly by extraradical hyphae, higher leaf stomatal conductance and/or better root system architecture, higher capacity of osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense systems, better soil structure due to higher glomalin and over expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes.

Introduction to AI in Toxicology

Toxicology is the scientific study of the adverse effects of chemical, physical, or biological agents on living organisms and the environment. It explores the mechanisms of toxicity, prevention, and mitigation, while applying this knowledge to safety evaluation and risk assessment of xenobiotics. It encompasses various sub-disciplines like chemical, organ-specific, genetic, environmental, and clinical toxicology, as well as toxicokinetic and regulatory risk assessment. Traditionally, toxicological assessments involve complex experimental models, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, which are time-consuming and resource-intensive. This is where AI steps in to revolutionize the field.

Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science focused on developing systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making. Its subdomains—such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and natural language processing (NLP). In toxicology, AI, especially machine learning (ML), is applied to predict and evaluate chemical toxicokinetic and toxicity. ML uses algorithms to train computational models for problem-solving, and is categorized into supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning methods. These AI techniques are increasingly utilized in toxicology for analyzing complex data and enhancing safety predictions. They are increasingly being used in various areas of toxicology, such as neurotoxicity, cardiovascular toxicology, nanotoxicology, toxicokinetic, dermal toxicity, and carcinogenesis. These approaches provide enhanced predictive and analytical capabilities across these diverse toxicological fields.AI methods can enhance in silico toxicology by integrating various data sources, including chemical structures, biological information, and in vitro results. This improves predictions of human toxicity, reducing the need for experimental studies, especially in vivo animal testing.

Abstract
The global biodiversity crisis emphasizes the necessity of effective conservation strategies, particularly in aquatic ecosystems that possess vast yet poorly understood biodiversity. This article explores the role of biosystematics, which combines taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and ecology, in protecting aquatic biodiversity. It emphasizes species identification, genetic diversity, and evolutionary relationships as key to targeted conservation efforts. Modern tools like DNA barcoding, eDNA, next-generation sequencing, and ecological niche modelling improve conservation precision. Despite challenges such as cryptic species and climate change, advancing technology, collaboration, and policy support are essential for protecting endangered aquatic species and maintaining ecological balance.
Keywords: Biosystematics, Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Insights, Aquatic Conservation, Evolutionary Relationships, Endangered Species

Biotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in agriculture, offering innovative solutions to enhance crop production. This article explores the extensive role of biotechnology in crop production, tracing its historical development and highlighting key technologies such as genetic engineering, marker-assisted selection, and genomics. The applications of these technologies in developing pest-resistant, herbicide-tolerant, nutritionally enhanced, and climate-resilient crops are examined. Benefits such as increased agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, economic advantages for farmers, and improved food security are discussed. Challenges, including ethical concerns, environmental risks, socioeconomic disparities, and regulatory issues, are also addressed. The article concludes by considering future prospects for biotechnology in crop production, emphasizing the potential of advanced genetic technologies, synthetic biology, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Introduction

Chemical exposure in the workplace is a prevalent concern across various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and construction. These exposures can range from acute to chronic and involve many substances, from heavy metals and solvents to pesticides and industrial chemicals. While the physical health effects of chemical exposure are well-documented, the psychological impacts are less understood but equally significant. Psychological stress is a response to perceived threats or challenges characterized by physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. Theories such as the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping by Lazarus and Folkman emphasize the role of individual perception and coping mechanisms in stress experiences.

The modern industrial landscape is characterized by ubiquitous chemicals, ranging from benign substances to potentially hazardous compounds. As industries strive for higher productivity and efficiency, the workforce is frequently exposed to various chemicals. This exposure is not without consequences; while the physical health effects of chemical exposure have been extensively studied, the psychological impacts are less understood. Emerging research indicates that chemical exposure can significantly contribute to psychological stress, affecting worker health, productivity, and overall well being.

Abstract
Coastal wetlands, including mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows, play a critical role in regulating the global climate by sequestering carbon. These ecosystems act as vital carbon sinks, efficiently absorbing and storing carbon in their biomass and soils. Despite covering only 2-3% of the planet’s surface, coastal wetlands are believed to store more than half of the world’s carbon in the top meter of soil, helping to mitigate climate change. The unique hydrological and biological characteristics of these ecosystems, such as their ability to slow the decomposition of organic matter and facilitate sediment burial, are crucial to their carbon storage capacity.
In addition to their role in carbon sequestration, coastal wetlands provide essential ecological services, including supporting biodiversity, preventing erosion, and protecting against storm surges. However, they face significant threats from pollution, climate change, human activity, and hydrological alterations, which could jeopardize their ability to store carbon. Preserving and restoring coastal wetlands is essential for maintaining their carbon sequestration capacity and strengthening climate resilience. Effective wetland conservation efforts, including sustainable land-use practices and restoration techniques like sediment augmentation, are essential to ensure these vital ecosystems continue to contribute to climate regulation.
Keywords: Coastal Wetlands, Climate, Carbon Sequestration, Blue carbon

Epigenetics is a new field of research in plant biology, which aims to provide a powerful tool to improve crop productivity, adaptability, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In recent years, researchers have begun to explore the potential of epigenomics in plant breeding, providing breeders with an alternative to genetic engineering, addressing concerns related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture. In particular, epigenetic markers (epimarkers) are chemicals which regulate genes by sitting over the DNA sequence; they explore the consequences of thermal and ionic variation on the behavior of plant under stress conditions. Moreover, epialleles may be promising sources of new variation of traits that are controlled by genes that are not detrimentally regulated. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the current state of the art in epigenomic research, focusing on the impact of next-generation sequencing (NGS) on epigenomes, as well as the potential use of epigenetics in crop breeding.

Introduction

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without alterations in the DNA sequence. It involves modifications of the DNA or associated proteins that can influence gene activity and expression. Most cells in an organism share the same genes, although they can be very diverse from one another. This is due to the fact that not all genes are active in all cells at the same time. The epigenetic context of a gene, or its accessibility to transcription, can tell whether the gene is likely to be active or not (Klemm et al. 2019). Indeed, the nuclear genome is found as a dense combination of long DNA strings wrapped around specialized proteins called histones to create nucleosomes (Samo et al. 2021). These nucleosomes can be further packed together to form even denser 3D formations that are sometimes visible under a microscope, giving rise to the term “chromatin”.

Introduction
Public relations (PR) is a vital element for government institutions seeking to establish strong, credible, and transparent relationships with the public. Unlike corporate PR, where goals center on branding and market influence, government PR focuses on informing citizens, fostering trust, promoting policy understanding, and maintaining transparency. As government bodies make decisions that directly impact public welfare, maintaining effective public relations becomes essential to ensuring public cooperation, mitigating crises, and building a stable, informed society. This chapter explores how government institutions leverage PR, the strategies and mechanisms they use, and how effective PR can impact the relationship between government and citizens.

The global aquaculture and fisheries industries are essential for maintaining environmental sustainability, economic growth, and food security. With these sectors confronting historically unseen obstacles, such as excessive fishing, habitat destruction, and climate change, government policy will play a bigger role in shaping their futures. A summary of the key concepts and elements influencing how government regulations impact the long-term sustainability of fishing and aquaculture industries. The union administration is committed to providing a favorable climate in collaboration with the States and UTs so that the fishing industry can realize its full potential, achieve excellence, and fulfill its obligations to farmers and customers. To achieve the policy objectives, the government will enlist the support and involvement of all relevant parties. The National Fisheries Policy 2020 provides a planned path ahead for responsible and sustainable development, exploitation, management, and regulation of capture and culture fisheries. In order to achieve the objectives of the "Blue Economy," the Policy will guarantee fruitful integration with other economic sectors, including agriculture, coastal area development, and eco-tourism. Universities are also involved in accessing resources and knowledge.

Introduction
Integrated pest management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on longterm prevention [italicsadded] of pests or their damagethrough acombination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment
“Pest control is the process of meaning and preventing pests, such as insects, rodents and other animals, from causing damage to crops and other area.” Organic farming is a method of agricultural production that excludes the use of synthetic substances, such as pesticides, synthetic medicines or fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms.
As on 31st March 2023 total area under organic certification process (registered under National Programme for Organic Production) is 10.17 mha (2022-23).
This includes5391792.97hacultivableareaandanother4780130.56 haforwildharvest collection. Among all the states, Madhya Pradesh has covered largest area under organic certification followed by, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. India is bestowed with lot of potential to produce all varieties of organic products due to its various agro climatic conditions.
Pest controls are the many different types like this Cultural control, Biological control, Physical and Mechanical control, Botanical control, Insecticides and other Control etc.

Introduction

A large number of institutions in the field of agriculture and allied sectors are contributing to research in development of high yielding varieties of crops, technological innovations and other initiatives to boost production and human resource development. The technology available has to be permeated depending upon the necessities of the region – its soil, climate, culture and needs and means of the farmers, available human resources, feasibility and viability of different parts of the country. It has been observed that there are variations in knowledge and technological percolation. The National Commission of Farmers (founded in 2004) raised the issue of knowledge deficit, which directly impinges on agriculture productivity. There are significant gaps in backward and forward linkages between the agricultural laboratories and the farmers, in so far as transfer of technology is concerned. The 10th and 11th plans have emphasized the need for effective extension services. The 11th Plan Approach Paper also states that “in the longer run, growth in agriculture productivity can be sustained only through a continuous technological progress”. The 11th Plan shows a concern towards the problem of transfer of technology and knowledge at grass-root level and puts forth challenges before the extension agencies. The 11th Plan points out that extension services are to be treated as a service delivery mechanism. The 12th Plan also emphasizes the need for mechanisation of agriculture with robust extension services.

Introduction

There are a growing number of academics and publishers who believe quite firmly that once the transition from print to electronic journals has been made — particularly within the scientific, medical and technical (STM) sector of the journals market — there will be no role for libraries in the scholarly communication chain. Electronic journals can be delivered directly from the publisher  to the user’s desktop. Such a scenario is certainly possible, but it is unlikely for a number of reasons.

1. INTRODUCTION

The key global challenges facing the mankind in the 21st century are food, water, energy security, environment, combating cancer, and infectious diseases. Solving these challenges requires concerted efforts using modern scientific and technological advances in multiple disciplines. One such technology that has revolutionized life science research is “next-generation sequencing”. The NGS technology has brought an enormous technological shift in DNA sequencing through dramatic high-throughput and a precipitously dropping cost of raw sequence data. NGS technologies changed the dynamics and pace of genomic research in humans, animals, plants and microbes largely due to their rapid, inexpensive and highly accurate sequencing capabilities. The capillary electrophoresis based sequencing technology pioneered by Sanger and Coulson.

1. Introduction
Omega-3 fatty acids are a vital group of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) recognized for their complex chemical structure, which is characterized by multiple double bonds within their hydrocarbon chains. This unique arrangement not only influences their physical and biochemical properties but also underpins their essential roles in various biological processes across a wide range of organisms. Omega-3 fatty acids are categorized into three primary types: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While ALA is predominantly found in plant sources, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, EPA and DHA are primarily sourced from marine organisms, particularly fish and algae.
1.1 Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
1.1.1 Nutritional Significance in Aquatic Organisms
In fish nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids are indispensable for promoting optimal growth, development, and overall health. These essential nutrients contribute to a multitude of physiological processes, including:
1. Cellular Structure and Function: Omega-3 fatty acids are integral components of cell membranes, influencing their fluidity and permeability. This is crucial for maintaining cellular integrity and facilitating the transport of nutrients and signaling molecules across membranes.

Introduction
The eco-friendly and commercially sustainable production has been a crucial aspect of modern commercial development. The ecologically sustainable microbial production of value-added products has seen rapid growth across multiple sectors, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and energy, resulting in notable economic benefits and social advancements on a global scale (Shi et al., 2022). The development of “omics” technologies has aided the improvement of microbial production processes through diverse omics procedures, such as genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and systems biology (Amer and Baidoo, 2021). These omics approaches give important understandings into the widespread metabolic variations, thereby identifying the factors that affect microbial production efficiency and improving the understanding of targeted optimization strategies. The integration of omics approaches is considered essential for any strategies that aim to be industrially sustainable. Industrial activities depend on the cultivation and accessibility of significantly competent microbial species to optimize bioproduct yields (Keasling, 2012). Recent progress in the industrial generation of value-added products heavily depends on strategies rooted in omics. Typically, the industry can achieve cost-effective production of limited quantities of biopharmaceuticals (Harris et al., 2015). Nevertheless, to sustainably scale up production capacities, economically feasible alternatives must be planned, standardised, and developed. Over the past few decades, microbes with enhanced abilities for superior product generation have been identified (Babar et al., 2018; Kim et al., 2015). Latest improvements in metabolic engineering have aided the manipulation of various genetic components, including coding and regulatory regions, to maximize commercial benefits (Babar et al., 2018). Genomic methodologies aim to investigate the variations among individuals at both the germline and somatic levels by sequencing specific genomes. The transition from DNA microarray technology to DNA sequencing has enabled the thorough sequencing of entire genomes, providing a detailed characterization of an organism’s genomic landscape (Dai and Shen, 2022) whereas, transcriptomics involves the analysis of mRNA, microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs. The methods used in transcriptomics are designed to identify and enumerate RNA molecules transcribed from a specific genome at a particular time. Proteomics on the other hand focuses on understanding the functional significance of all proteins expressed within a cell, tissue, or organism by examining the flow of information via protein signalling and metabolomics contributed a vital part in the development of bioprocesses by providing a comprehensive overview of metabolic activities (Horgan and Kenny, 2011; Petricoin et al., 2002). Synthetic biology contributes a vital part in the production of high-performance strains for microbial manufacturing. A variety of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and microalgae can be employed in microbial production. However, synthetic biology methods primarily emphasis on the balanced blueprint of biosynthetic metabolisms for target outcome, as well as the creation and standardisation of these pathways and the heterologous production of the biosynthetic components (Wan et al., 2023). These approaches include the optimisation of fermentation process, optimisation of medium composition, scale up of fermentation, optimization of cell growth for manufacture of desired product, and strategies to decrease feedback inhibition and product toxicity (Figure 3.1) (Wan et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2022).