eChapters

Introduction 
The creation of molecular-scale machinery and gadgets at a few nanometers (10^-9 m), known as nanotechnology, has a substantial impact on this topic and dramatically reduces the size of a cell. To assess how nanoparticles affect the synthesis and production of biofuels, particularly biodiesels, a variety of nanomaterials, including nanofibers, nanotubes, and nanometals, are being used (1). Research on biodiesel has shown that utilizing nanotechnology and nanomaterials can be a useful approach to implementing low-cost techniques that improve manufacturing quality. Because of their tiny size and special qualities, such as a high surface area-to-volume ratio, catalytic activity, considerable crystallinity, adsorption capacity, and stability, nanoparticles (NPs) are useful in the generation of biodiesel (2). Because of their high potential recovery properties, metal oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes are frequently used as nanocatalysts in the synthesis of biofuel and biodiesel (3, 4).This chapter critically evaluates the application of nanotechnology in the manufacturing and enhancement of biodiesel, addressing key challenges and potential advancements. Microalgae have been identified as a potentially useful feedstock for biodiesel production. The process of harvesting microalgae can be made much more efficient by employing a range of nanoparticles. Additionally, cost-cutting is facilitated by the recycling of nanomaterials and their incorporation into procedures including cell disruption, extraction, and harvesting. Furthermore, an array of nanocatalysts holds promise for enhancing the efficiency of biodiesel conversion (5). Classification of nanoparticles based on physical attributes as shown in (Fig.1). However, there is a growing emphasis on improving combustion efficiency and reducing harmful emissions in the engine industry and its associated fields. Several studies indicate that the introduction of nanoadditives into blends of diesel and biodiesel fuels has yielded significant results.

Nanotechnology has been successfully applied in various fields such as agriculture, biochemistry and medicine. However, its application in food systems has been new and is yet to be scrutinised. It offers a range of physical and chemical benefits that can be employed in production, development, fabrication, packaging, storage and food distribution systems. These novel nanomaterials such as nanocapsules, nanocomposites, nanoemulsions, nanoencapsulation, nano packaging, nanotubes and nanosensors have been used to improve food quality with better shelf life. However, there is concern about the safety of these nanomaterials, especially because of partial knowledge about the effects of these materials on human health.

Despite substantial advances in the diagnostics and treatment of diseases, parasitic infections are a major global health issue causing significant mortality and morbidity. Currently, chemotherapeutic antiprotozoal drugs, anthelmintic and anti-ectoparasitic agents are used to treat, but resistance to these drugs has developed due to overuse. In this scenario, nanoparticles are proving a major breakthrough in the treatment and control of parasitic diseases. In the last decade, there has been enormous development in the field of nano medicine for parasitic control. Gold and silver nanoparticles have shown promising results in the treatments of various types ofparasitic infections. These nanoparticles are synthesized through the use of various conventional and molecular technologies and have shown great efficacy. 

Agriculture serve as a backbone in improving economic growth of a country as well as it provides a base in meeting various needs of people in direct and indirect ways. The recent advancement in nanotechnology has shown a path to develop traditional agriculture into a sustainable practice. Several nanochemicals emerged as promising agents for better plant growth, used as fertilizer, pesticides, control weeds and also used as antimicrobial agents in food packaging. Nanotechnology may act as sensor for checking soil health of agriculture fields.

Nanotechnology epitomizes one of the most dynamic and transformative fields in modern science and technology. This multidisciplinary domain bridges chemistry, physics, biology, along with engineering, enabling the creation of materials and devices with extraordinary properties and applications. The book chapter reflects the research and patenting trends in nanotechnology. USA leading the global share for most patents granted followed by South Korea, Japan, China and Germany for the top five spots contributing more than 76% of all the granted patents by EPO & USPTO related to nanotechnology. Nanotechnological products in relation to sub-industrial areas of medicine, food, agriculture, cosmetics, environment, and renewable energies are also highlighted in chapter. 

Introduction
Education and Its Evolution
Education is a process of learning, which involves both formal and informal modes of learning, which transforms the behaviour, skills, knowledge attitudes, and beliefs of the learner. For this reason, it is more deliberate than other education activities since it is a deliberate effort to create learning in a bid to achieve set goals and objectives. Ordinarily, education is characterized by a systematic learning system that is complemented by curricula and instructional materials in different disciplines. This includes talking and explaining, discussing and questioning, performing and observing so as to reach individual students. Communication is also considered as necessary as education is a process of interconnecting people, exchanging information, and learning how to deal with society members. It also develops critical skills such as analysis and developing insights, due to its capacity to offer information to be analyzed, find solutions and then make sound decisions. Education implies character building and it shapes people into responsible members of society. Education also fosters a construct of perpetuity learning which in this case is strengths toward self and career. There is the principle of non-selectiveness as one of the basic principles of education, as education must be provided to all so that all students should be given an equal opportunity. Learners’ understanding and progress can be measured therefore, assessment and evaluation were part of the program to ensure that teaching strategies can be improved. In addition, it has a 96 | Sustainable Development Goals, Health & Education sociocultural function of passing on a culture from one generation to another, and thus preserving social and cultural development and growth. In its strictest sense education is learning as it is getting acquainted with information as well as has the added dimension of moulding positive character in the learners so that they and society can be the better for it. From antiquity to the present, education has undergone tremendous change, having a huge impact on the advancement of society. When education was first developed in ancient communities, it took the form of apprenticeships, oral traditions, and storytelling to impart cultural values, religious convictions, and useful survival skills. For the elite, it was frequently reserved, preventing access for the general public and preserving social hierarchies. A teacher-centered approach limited student interaction and critical thinking, and the curriculum prioritized memorization and rote learning with a focus on mythology and societal responsibilities. In comparison, the goal of contemporary education is to develop students’ ability to think critically, be creative, and solve problems in a formal, structured manner. Regardless of one’s background, access to it is considered a fundamental right that fosters inclusivity and social fairness. The curriculum’s diversity promotes inquiry and discovery by including technology, the arts, and the sciences. A variety of student-centered, modern teaching techniques are used to improve critical thinking and participation. Education is now a key factor in social and economic development as a result of this change, encouraging creativity and producing knowledgeable citizens who take an active role in solving global issues. After all, if education in the past served to uphold hierarchical institutions, education today aims to dismantle obstacles and promote equality in society.

It is a well known fact that natural disasters strikes countries, both developed and developing, causing enormous destruction and creating human sufferings and producing negative impacts on national economies. Due to diverse geo-climatic conditions prevalent in different parts of the globe, different types of natural disasters like floods, droughts, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, volcanoes, etc. strikes according to the vulnerability of the area. India is considered as the world’s most disaster prone country. It has witnessed devastating natural disasters in recent past like droughts, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, etc. 

Introduction

The natural hazards like floods, cyclones, droughts, landslides and earthquakes are not rare or unusual phenomenon. India is among the world’s most disaster prone areas and a large part of the country is exposed to such natural hazards, which often turn into disasters causing significant disruption of socio-economic life of communities leading to loss of life and property. It would not be considered as a disaster unless it resulted in actual damage to human life or property. According to data accumulated over past 25 years, natural disasters in Asia accounts for about 40% of the world’s total disasters while the death toll ratio is about 50% and the number of people affected is about 90%. The latter figure is about 2.2 times the ratio of number of occurrences in Asia. The figures vary widely over the decades, a result that can be attributed to a few particularly terrible disasters. Such as the 1976 Tangshan Earthquake in China, which killed about 250,000, and a series of severe cyclones that hit Bangladesh in 1970 with a death toll of about 500,000. The death toll resulting from wind and flood disasters jumped by an order of magnitude in the 1990s. But this sudden increase affected Asia’s ratio to the world total by about 15 percentage points because there was a worldwide surge in this type of disaster. Clearly, there is an extreme concentration of victims of such disasters in Asia, Another substantial increase is clear in the value of damage caused by typhoons and cyclones; it is now running at 10 times the level of the 1980s. Again, however, the ratio has remained almost unchanged, at about 40%, because hurricanes in Central and North America account for more than 50% of the world total (51.2%, 58.5%, and 54.4% in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s,respectively). It is sadly worth noting that there has been conspicuous growth in the absolute value of damage in both Asia and the Americas.

Introduction
A natural disaster refers to a significant and harmful occurrence caused by the Earth’s natural processes. Examples of natural disasters include floods, storms, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other geologic phenomena. A natural calamity can result in fatalities or destruction of property, and usually leads to economic harm, the extent of which is determined by the afflicted population’sability to bounce back and the availability of infrastructure.
Categories of Natural Disasters/ Catastrophes
Floods
A flood is the result of water overflowing and covering land. According to the EU Floods Directive, a flood is defined as the temporary  inundation of territory that istypically not submerged in water. Flooding can occur when the amount of water in ariver or lake exceeds its  capacity, causing the water to overflow and breach its normal borders. The size of a lake or other body of water may alter due to seasonal variations in precipitation and snow melt. However, it is not considered a substantial flood unlessthe water submerges land that is utilized by humans, such as villages, cities, populated areas, highways, and farms.

Natural-fibre-reinforced green composites represent an important alternative to conventional synthetic-fibre composites. This chapter examines renewable fibres such as hemp, jute, flax, and sisal and their integration with bio-based polymer matrices. The discussion covers material composition, processing methods, environmental considerations, sustainability, applications, advantages, limitations, and current research developments. Natural fibres offer low density, renewability, biodegradability, and cost advantages, although hydrophilicity, variability, and processing limitations can affect composite performance. Surface treatments and appropriate fabrication methods are therefore important for improving mechanical, thermal, and durability characteristics. Applications in automotive, construction, packaging, and biomedical sectors demonstrate the growing potential of these sustainable composite materials.

In simple words natural resources can be defined as any part of our environment such as land, air, minerals, forest, rangeland, wild life, fish and human beings.

The sum total of all physical, chemical, biological and social factors which compose the surroundings of man is referred to as environment and each component of these surroundings constitute a “resource”.  The natural resources are land, water, air, minerals, forests, rangeland, wild life or even human beings known as natural resource.

The five basic natural resources are energy, matter, space, time and diversity.

Conservation has always been one of the most important applications of ecology.Unfortunately, the term “conservation” suggest “hoarding”, as if the idea were simply to ration static supplies so that there would be some left for the future. In the eye of the general public the “conservationist” is too often presumed to be an antisocial person who is against any kind of “development”. What the real conservationist is  against  is unplanned  development  that breaks  ecological  as  well as human laws. The true aim of conservation, is two fold–
    
(1)     To ensure the  preservation of a  quality  environment that considers esthetic and recreational as well as product needs; and  
    
(2)     To ensure as continuous yield of useful plants, animals and materials by establishing a balanced cycle of harvest and renewal.

Forests are valuable renewable resources for humanity on Earth. The country’s forest cover has been estimated to comprise 19.39% of its entire geographical area. Forests consist primarily of trees that offer wood that can be transformed into solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s temperature by serving as carbon dioxide filters. They provide habitats and shelters for numerous species and also contribute to the visual beauty of the environment. Forests supply the necessary resources for a range of wood related industries, including pulp and paper, composite wood, rayon and other synthetic fibers, sporting goods, furniture, boat
construction, and matches. Timber plays a crucial role in the construction of buildings.Various products, such as bamboos, resins, gums, oils, fibers, medicines, katha, lac, shellac, etc., are derived from forests.
The country’s forest cover has been calculated to be 637,293 square kilometers, accounting for 19.39% of the country’s total geographic area. This falls short of the stipulated requirement, which is 30% of the entire land area. The geographic region is comprised of 11.48% dense forest, 7.76% open forest, and 0.15% mangrove. World Forest Day is observed on March 21st, while National Forest Day is celebrated on September 11th.

“Natural” means an ecosystem not influenced by man and resources means that reserve stock of supply which living things can take from nature for sustenance of life. In reference to man, natural resources can be defined as those natural reserve stocks of supply which man utilizes for his sustenance and welfare. The reservoirs of natural resources are the sun,  the  atmosphere,  the  lithosphere  and the  hydrosphere.  Natural resources include energy, air, water, soil, minerals, plants and animals. The nature of resource depends upon many factors such as scientific and technological development of the society, profession of that particular society, and culture.

Natural resources are the resources present naturally in the environment. These resources are used by human being for their survival. Minerals, building stones, forests, and various energy resources are known as natural resources. Natural resources have been extracted and utilized since ancient times but as the population increased, the demand of natural resources are increasing day by day.

Introduction 
NEP was announced by Sri Narendra Modi, the PM of India on July 29,2020. The system was introduced after the debates by experts from various fields. The earlier education system was 10+2+3 which changed to 5+3+3+4.The NEP 2020 have less curriculum contents and increases learning, reasoning and logical skills. After the completion of UG courses in the higher education they may opt for the Research Methodology. The 5+3+3+4 design is equivalent to the age groups 3-8 years, the foundational stage which is mainly based on play or activity based learning, 8-11 years, the preparatory stage which is based on play, discovery, activity based and interactive classroom learning, 11-14 years, the middle stage is based on experiential learning in Science, Mathematics, Arts, Social Science and Humanities and 15-18 years, the secondary stage emphasized on multidisciplinary study, greater critical thinking, flexibility, student choice of subjects. Government will constitute a Gender Composition plan to provide equal and standard education to all girls and third gender learners. 10th and 12th standard students are no longer to sit for board exams which will be accessible to test core competencies rather than memorised facts with all students allowed to take the exam twice. Internships will be started from 6th standard. The teaching upto 5th standard will be in regional languages and mother tongue. The assessment covers reforms with 360 degrees overall progress report tracking the progress for achieving learning outcomes. Within 2030, the B.Ed degree duration will be 4 years. The holistic U.G education will be having several exit options and certification will be provided.

Abstract

Nitrogen is an important nutrient for growth and development of plants. Presence or absence of nitrogen often affects the amino acid composition of proteins, which may in turn change its nutritional quality. Increase in the elevated CO₂ concentration and temperature associated with future climates are expected to affect the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), growth and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Atmospheric CO₂ is steadily rising from the current level of approx 384 µLL^-1 and is expected to rises upto 550 µLL^-1 by 2050. It is predicted that the global temperature would increase by 1.5- 4.5^oC. The main future challenge is to feed nine billion people under an altered climate, as this increase in global temperature would affect, negatively or positively the future crop productivity including wheat depending upon the geographical location. The present book chapter summarizes the potential impact of elevated CO₂ and temperature on NUE of Triticum aestivum L.