eChapters

Abstract
This chapter presents a comprehensive exploration of global agricultural exports, focusing on their pivotal role in economic development, food security, and sustainability. It highlights the growing importance of emerging markets, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences such as the rising demand for organic, sustainable and value-added products. An in-depth analysis reveals that agricultural exports contribute significantly to job creation, income generation, and international trade relations, particularly for developing nations. The chapter evaluates India’s performance as both an exporter and importer, emphasizing key products like marine goods, rice, spices, and buffalo meat. It further discusses India’s engagement with international trade agreements, quality and safety standards, and the challenges and opportunities in maintaining compliance. The future Outlook identifies high-potential sectors including functional, organic, and plant based foods especially in Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America. Drawing on data-driven insights, the chapter offers strategic directions for policy makers, agribusiness, and exporters to enhance market access and competitiveness. Overall, it underscores the transformative potential of agricultural trade in shaping a resilient and inclusive global economy.
Keywords: Global Trade Dynamics, Emerging Markets, Export Opportunities and Trade Agreements

INTRODUCTION

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005(NREGA) was brought into force by the Union Government in February 2006 which was renamed on 2^nd October 2009 as MGNREGA i.e. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. It is the first nation-wide employment scheme that guarantees employment legally to India’s rural population. According to the Union Rural Development Ministry’s figures, more than 1.36 crore people of the country’s total population have been given jobs under the Act. It guarantees 100 days of unskilled jobs per rural household. This is meant to regenerate the rural natural resource base, which in turn, will result in sustainable livelihoods for residents. It is with this background the present article has been planned with the specific objectives to explore the extent of awareness about NREGA among the target group of the Act. Ray (2008) told that, director, Development, Allahabad University included NREGA in the curriculum of rural sociology and has suggested that seminar; workshops and university publications can be used for awareness generation. UNIFEM Workshop (2009) concluded that, in case of Kerala, Kudumbashree and Panchayat have been very vigilant in spreading awareness about NREGA through radio, poster, television, notice board on gram Sabhas, etc.

Abstract

The forest cover has declined at an estimated rate of 3-3.5% per annum due to huge deforestation in many countries during last decades. Being the prime necessity for forest regeneration, importance of quality seed management and its handling procedures have been genuinely recognized for greater interest of the environmental stability throughout the world. Growing of new trees and forests would play a major role to save the future world particularly under the present scenario of climatic change and this implies an increased demand of quality forest reproductive materials.

ABSTRACT

Agrotechnology of banana has been introduced for the first time by CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu for commercial cultivation of banana in Himalayan Shivalik range. The aim of the present investigation is to study the potential of Tissue Culture (TC) banana production in a diverse environment of Shivalik range, to make the state self-sufficient in banana production, employment generation and generate revenue for the farmers and to studies on the post harvest handling and marketing of TC banana. Initially, the sapling of this high quality tissue culture variety {BHIM Grand naine (G-9)} Banana was brought from Agro-division of Cadilla Pharmaceuticals Limited Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The field experimental trial was conducted during 20016- 2017 at CSIR-IIIM Research Station, Chatha Farm, Jammu in which four treatment combination arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Significant differences were observed among the treatments for all the parameters studied. Among the date of planting, banana planted at 10th August reported significantly highest pseudostem height, pseudostem girth, more average number of leaves/plant, first flower emergence (days), first finger ripening (days), more number of finger per hand, more number of hand/ branch, higher weight of finger/hand (kg), higher weight of single finger (g), more finger diameter (cm), higher length of finger (cm), more weight of finger/ bunch (kg), more percentage of plant harvested at a time, higher yield (64.22 tonnes/ha), gross return (Rs. 12,84,400/ha), net return (Rs. 9,58,730.5/ha) and B:C ratio (3.94) as compared to other treatments. On an average the yield of per plant was 20-30 kg and 50- 64 tonnes per hectare. In terms of economy as per market analysis, price of banana in Jammu is approximately Rs. 20 per kg. Thus, on an average it gave Rs. 250-300 per banana plant. On the basis of market demand, approximately Rs 6.17- 9.50 lakh net return can be obtained by cultivation of one hectare of land which is alternative business for the farmers of the Jammu and Kashmir. This may leads to revolution of banana cultivation in Shivalik range of Himalaya.

Data Collection: An Academic Perspective

Data collection constitutes the systematic gathering and measurement of information pertinent to variables of interest. This process facilitates the answering of research inquiries, hypothesis testing, and outcome evaluation. It is a fundamental component across all academic disciplines, encompassing physical and social sciences, humanities, business studies, and more. While methodologies may diverge among fields, the fundamental objective remains constant: ensuring the precise and ethical acquisition of data. The overarching aim of data collection is to acquire high-quality evidence that underpins robust data analysis, thereby enabling the construction of compelling and credible research outcomes.

Introduction 
Education stands as a fundamental pillar in societal progress and individual development, serving as the cornerstone for a nation’s growth and prosperity. Within the realm of education, the nature of allocation and utilization of public expenditure represent a critical aspect that profoundly influences the quality, accessibility and inclusivity of educational opportunities. As nations navigate through economic, social and technological transformations, the strategic allocation of financial resources towards education emerges as a key determinant in shaping the educational landscape. Today, schools and students are dividing into a world where computers, tablets and the internet play a big role in how we learn. This is a new way of learning called digital education, a cornerstone of the modernization in today’s world. The imperative for digital education arises from the necessity to equip learners with the skills and competencies required to navigate an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.Digital tools and technologies offer interactive and engaging learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles and enable personalized learning systems dedicated to individual’s needs and preferences. Historically, the Northeastern regions had limited access to formal educationdue to its remote and geographically challenging terrain. Colonial rule in India introduced some educational institutions. After India gained independence in 1947, efforts were made to expand education in the region. Various government initiatives, policies and programs like the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) were implemented to enhance education in Northeast India, aimed to provide universal elementary education and improve secondary infrastructure. In recent years, there have been endeavors by both the central and state governments to bridge the educational gap The dawn of the internet era in the 1990s marked a pivotal moment, fostering an environment conducive to the integration of technology into education. Fast forward to the 21st century, the government initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, SWAYAM and National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) have proved to be crucial evidence in the significance of digitalization in education.

The Cerebellum is referred to as the little brain and plays an important role in coordinating voluntary movements, balance and posture. Athenian is manifested by weakness and fatigue. Patients with cerebellar dysfunction frequently experience difficulties with movement coordination, resulting in an enhanced effort and energy expenditure especially during physical activities. Regarding physical therapy, rehabilitation programs focus on enhancing coordination. balance and strength through targeted exercises as well as activities. Generally no particular drugs target asthenia in s direct manner and medications nay help manage related symptoms and improve overall function. Drugs namely levo dopa or carbi dopa, Generally used in parkinsons disease, may enhance motor symptoms and decrease asthenia especially on some patients. GABAnergic modulators namely benzodiazepines and gabapentin may help alleviate symptoms of ataxia and tremors linked to cerebellar dysfunction and reduce asthenia in an indirect manner. Side effects of cerebellar disorders include dizziness, sedation and cognitive impairment which may exacerbate asthenia. Finally it is concluded that Asthenia, a common symptom of cerebellar disorders, poses a specific challenges especially on clinical management.

Abstract

Ever growing population and associated food scarcity are the major issues of concern globally. Microorganisms are the ultimate solution for addressing this severe problem in association with recent advances made in genomics and molecular biology. Many bacterial and fungal species which are in association with plant rhizosphere soil can immensely contribute in better growth and developments, ultimately leading to better yield. Exploring these novel organisms happens to be the need of an hour. Metagenomics and next generation sequencing technologies can contribute in identifying those microbes which are otherwise impossible to cultivate traditionally.

Introduction Extension programmes are strategically planned and implemented by an organization, typically a government department, with the majority of their funding originating from public sources. In the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of developmental initiatives, extension programmes play a pivotal role in fostering progress and transforming societies. These initiatives, designed to extend knowledge, skills, and resources to target communities, are instrumental in addressing pressing challenges and promoting positive change across various sectors. In order to justify the allocation of public funds and to measure effectiveness and sustainability of the programmes, it is imperative to conduct thorough and comprehensive monitoring and evaluations of their administration and impact at regular intervals.

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rapidly emerging as one of the most critical global health challenges of the 21st century. Antimicrobial resistance can be defined as a condition in which microbes develop resistance against the spectrum of conventional antibiotics, also known as multidrug resistance and these microbes are typically known as drug-resistant pathogens. The infections associated with antibiotic resistant pathogens are usually accompanied by substantial morbidity and mortality along with the massive economic burden on global healthcare, which causing approximately 4.95 million deaths globally each year. The prevalent issue is largely attributed to the repercussions of antimicrobial overuse or irresponsible utilization across diverse contexts, predominantly in clinical treatment, agricultural practices, animal healthcare, war crisis and the food system and a lack of regulation in their supply. Nature has long been a rich reservoir of biologically active compounds with diverse chemical structures and pharmacological properties, offering valuable resources for treating a wide array of diseases. In recent years, the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance has renewed global interest in natural products as promising sources for novel antimicrobial agents. Among these, plant-derived phytochemicals, microbial metabolites, marine bioactive compounds, and animal-based substances have shown significant potential in combating drug-resistant pathogens. These natural compounds exhibit unique mechanisms of action that can overcome existing resistance pathways, making them important candidates in the development of nextgeneration antibiotics. From alkaloids and flavonoids in medicinal plants to secondary metabolites produced by actinomycetes, antimicrobial peptides from animals, and complex molecules derived from marine organisms, nature offers a vast and largely untapped arsenal of antimicrobial agents. Exploring and harnessing these natural resources presents a sustainable and innovative strategy to address the growing global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. The enormous potential of natural products in the fight against antibiotic resistance is examined in this chapter. The different kinds of bioactive chemicals, their modes of action, and the creative approaches being used to maximize their medicinal potential are highlighted.
Challenges in Addressing AMR with Conventional Methods
1. Weak Implementation of National Action Plans: Only a small percentage of the more than 170 nations that have created AMR action plans have operationalized them with specialized financing and monitoring mechanisms. This leads to a gap between policy and practice, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
2. Restrictions in the Management of Antimicrobials: Lack of qualified staff, insufficient microbiological assistance, and shoddy governance frameworks are some of the common obstacles that antimicrobial stewardship initiatives must overcome. Due to the lack of quick diagnosis, broad-spectrum antibiotics are still empirically used in many hospitals.
3. Diagnostic Barriers: Rapid diagnostic methods are still few, and traditional culture-based susceptibility testing is sluggish. Resistance selection is accelerated by this diagnostic latency, which frequently forces physicians to use broad-spectrum empirical treatment.
4. Surveillance Gaps: Despite the growth of programs like the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), data quality and surveillance coverage are still uneven. The inability of many nations to track resistance in important diseases compromises prompt policy responses.
5. Limited Innovation in Drug Development: Only a few new types of antibiotics are now in advanced clinical development, making the pipeline still rather thin. Under the present traditional paradigm, pharmaceutical innovation is discouraged by market failure due to low return on investment.

Abstract

Endophytes are microorganisms  that live inside the living plant tissues for at least part of their life without causing any apparent disease symptoms in the host. In general  they  can be divided into two main types namely, obligate and facultative endophytes. Facultative endophytes are capable to survive in the soil, on the plant surface, inside the plants as well as on artificial nutrients and can be cultured away from their host. Endophytes which inhabit inside plant tissues throughout their lifespan are called as obligate endophytes. Natural products produced by endophytic microbes are found to be antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidants, antidiabetic and immunosuppressant. Therefore, endophytes form an untapped source of novel natural compounds for application in agriculture, medicine and industry.

Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups within a society based on various factors such as wealth, power, education, and social status. It involves categorizing people into different layers or strata, each with its own level of privilege, opportunities, and restrictions.

Social stratification, as defined by Lundberg (1968), pertains to the categorization of a population into distinct layers, each characterized by relative homogeneity and marked differences in privileges, restrictions, rewards, and obligations. Cuber (1954) further elucidates this concept, describing social stratification as a pattern of superimposed categories of differential privilege. The movement of individuals or groups across different strata within society is termed social mobility. Social stratification manifests in various forms, with the caste system and class system being two major types. Societies exhibit stratification based on factors such as sex, age, and occupation.

Microorganisms are diverse group of organisms differing in many ways and range from saprophytic to virulent one. Virulent are pathogenic and harmful to human and animals and can cause latent to per acute disease. Nowadays although treatment is available for most of the diseases, it is better to prevent the disease rather than going for treatment. Development of immunity is the aim of immunization and hence through knowledge of the host parasite interaction, epitope of the microorganisms responsible for the inducing protective immune responses is of pivotal importance.

1. Background
The growing global population, industrialization, and urbanization have driven rising energy demand, with primary energy use increasing by 5.8% in 2024 (BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2024). The need for secure, affordable, and low-carbon energy is critical due to fossil fuel depletion, global warming, and geopolitical tensions. Clean energy sources like solar, wind, and biofuels are being explored, with biodiesel standing out as the only biofuel capable of fully replacing fossil fuels (Aizouq et al., 2020). Many countries, including India and China, are advancing biofuel production, with the latter viewing it as a key to energy security. Biofuels, derived from various sources like algae, crops, and waste, include biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas. They are categorized into four generations based on feedstock. First-generation biofuels, made from edible materials, face food vs. fuel competition. Second-generation biofuels from non-edible sources are more sustainable but still face resource limitations (Lv et al., 2019). Thirdand fourth-generation biofuels from microalgae offer higher yields and better land use, with species like Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oceanica showing promise for biodiesel production. Microalgae’s fast growth and efficiency have led to advances in biodiesel production, although challenges remain, such as species selection and production scale-up (Arora et al., 2021). But there is a constraint for commercial availability of these biofuel which are the economic and environmental obstacles that are creating problematic condition for approval and use of genetically engineered microalgae for their potential to enhance lipid yields. This chapter delves into the current opportunities and challenges in microalgae biofuel production, focusing the need for regular research and innovation (Maliha and Abu-Hijleh 2022).
2. Choosing the Different Classes Of Microalgal Strains
The achievement of huge-scale microalgal culture relies on picking appropriate species. The production of various lipids greatly affects the selection of strains and biofuel properties. For the biodiesel, Triacylglycerol (TAG) is the preferred lipid but compared to green algae its content is typically low in cyanobacteria. with the average lipid content of 25.5%, green algae (Chlorophyceae) stand as the largest class of oleaginous microalgae, which can rise under nutrient stress (Saini et al., 2021). Also, the biomass productivity is equally important for high lipid productivity as high lipid content is beneficial. For biodiesel production, strain selection should focus on both lipid content and biomass. Chromochloris zofingiensis shows the highest lipid productivity among all classes of green algae. The saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) fatty acid (FA) being dominant, their composition also plays a vital role in biodiesel quality. It has seen those high levels of C16:0 and C18:1 in microalgae is ideal for biodiesel production (Bharti et al., 2021). Therefore, for improved biodiesel performance, strain selection should consider both lipid productivity and FA composition (Bagchi and Mallick, 2016).

1. Introduction
One of the foremost environmental challenges the world faces today is airpollution. As industrialisation, urbanisation, and transportation continueunabated, harmful substance levels in the atmosphere have becomealarmingly high (Thanvisitthpon et al., 2024). This general contamination inthe air is not just a serious risk to humanity but also harms ecosystems whilcontributing to global climate change. Controlling airpollution has becomea critical necessity at this stage, with the need for innovative solutions inthis respect. Bioremediation is one of the innovative solutions, where certainmicroorganisms break down or neutralise pollutants in the air.

Abstract
The aquafeed industry is a cornerstone of modern aquaculture, providing essential nutrients to support the growth, health, and productivity of farmed aquatic species. This chapter provides a thorough overview of the industry, focusing on its evolution, current trends, challenges, and future directions. The formulation of aquafeeds has progressed from simple raw ingredients to sophisticated, nutritionally balanced diets tailored to meet the specific requirements of diverse species at different life stages. Critical components, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, are discussed in the context of their roles in promoting optimal growth and physiological functions. The importance of optimum ratio of the digestible protein: digestible energy (DP:DE) is also explained in the section along with the nutritional requirement of commercially important Indian major carps (IMC), Chinese major carp (CMC), trout, catfishes and crustaceans.
Keywords: Aquafeed, Plant-based protein, Feed formulation, Precision feeding, and Protein utilization

1. Introduction

Education is undergoing a digital transformation. The incorporation of digital technologies into the educational scene over the last two decades has radically changed the way we teach and learn. This transition has started a revolution with far-reaching repercussions, both positive and negative, for students, educators, and institutions alike.

The growing adoption of digital technologies in educational settings has created a world of possibilities. Online platforms, learning management systems, educational apps, virtual reality, and augmented reality are just a handful of the innovations that have transformed the educational experience. This comprehensive investigation tries to investigate the intricate and multifaceted impact of various digital technologies on schooling.

Chapter Overview

This chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of gender and animal husbandry, emphasizing the influence of culture, society, and history on our perceptions of gender and sex. It explores the interconnectedness of these concepts and their significance in shaping roles and expectations of the members of a society in livestock production. This chapter delves into the complex concepts of gender and sex, shedding light on their intricate nature and exploring their implications for animal husbandry.

Abstract

Cyanobacteria have gained a lot of attention in recent years because of their novel applications in biotechnology, besides their well recognized role as inoculants for rice crop. They represent favourite model organisms for a deeper understanding of several plant and microbial metabolic processes and efficient systems for the production of recombinant compounds of pharmaceutical and commercial value. They have been identified as a rich source of biologically active compounds with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities, which illustrate their potential as biocontrol agents. The genus Anabaena assumes significance not only as a diazotroph, but also as a rich source of pharmacologically active and structurally interesting secondary metabolites with diverse applications in agriculture and industry. The present compilation aims to present an overview of the literature available globally, and studies undertaken in India illustrating the diversity and potential of Anabaena strains, besides their significance in biology and evolution.

Society

Human societies are intricate networks of individuals engaged in continuous social interaction within a shared geographical or social space, typically under the governance of the same political authority and cultural norms. These societies are characterized by complex patterns of social relations, cultural practices, and institutional structures, collectively shaping the fabric of human existence. Social sciences often reveal underlying stratification and dominance patterns within these societies. Collaborative in nature, societies offer collective benefits that transcend individual gains, facilitating opportunities that would otherwise remain inaccessible. Within a society, subcultures may emerge, governed by their distinct norms and values, coexisting within the broader societal framework. Structurally, societies encompass economic social, industrial, and cultural infrastructures, comprising diverse individuals yet forming a cohesive entity. The term “society” traces its origins to the Latin word “societas,” signifying friendly or civil interaction among parties. It encompasses the entirety of humanity, acknowledging the interdependence and interactions among individuals.