One of the world’s biggest challenges today is providing enough food for a growing population, especially in areas like Africa where resources are few. The need for food is predicted to increase by 75% by 2050, while the global population is estimated to increase by 35%. Parasitic nematodes substantially threaten crop yields and quality, although they are often overlooked. Tiny, unsegmented roundworms known as parasitic nematodes cause significant harm to plants; they parasitize. The specialized features of certain nematodes, such as root-knot, cyst, lesion, and foliar nematodes, enable them to enter plant cells and take up nutrients, resulting in stunted development, lower yields, and, in extreme situations, plant death. Because the damage they do is typically hidden by other factors that hinder progress, their significance is frequently undervalued. A comprehensive strategy focusing on population control instead of eradication is necessary for effective nematode management. To lessen their effects on crop productivity and guarantee global food security, this chapter emphasizes the serious agricultural risks these nematodes represent and stresses the significance of integrated control strategies.

The amount and distribution of fat and overweight in the human body are critical when determining the risk for different illnesses. Different disorders have a close connection to abnormal fat distribution and overweight. Obesity develops when a person's weight is out of proportion to their body fat. As a result, obesity rates have lately risen in both West Bengal and India. Overeating, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of physical exercise are the most evident causes of obesity and overweight. Excess fat and overweight are produced as a consequence, putting people of West Bengal at greater risk for health problems. The study's goals are to understand better and record the prevalence of obesity and overweight in the West Bengal's population

Bio-indicators help keep track of how healthy our natural ecosystems are. Every living thing in a biological system gives clues about its environment. Plankton, which includes both phytoplankton and zooplankton, respond rapidly to environmental changes such as shifts in nutrient levels, temperature fluctuations, and pollution. It reacts quickly to changes in the environment. It is an important marker for checking water quality and indicates when water is polluted. Their sensitivity and central role in the aquatic food web make them invaluable for monitoring water quality and detecting ecological shifts. Researchers found a clear link between the ecosystem’s living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) parts. They also noted how helpful phytoplankton zooplankton are as bio-indicators for spotting how well aquatic areas are doing. Researchers gain insight into ecosystem conditions, potential stresses, and overall biodiversity by analyzing plankton diversity, abundance, and composition. Some plankton species can handle harsh conditions and even thrive in dirty water, showing a high tolerance. On the other hand, if sensitive species are missing, that area has low tolerance. So, using these organisms can improve our monitoring studies on water quality. This review highlights recent studies on plankton dynamics, explores their applications in environmental assessment, and discusses the implications for ecosystem management.

Background: Snakebite envenoming is a critical medical emergency and significant global public health issue, with India experiencing the highest annual snakebite deaths. Sea snakes in the Indian Ocean pose a severe threat to rural fishermen due to their potent neurotoxins. Methods: From December 2020 to December 2021, we conducted surveys at 15 fishing ports in East Medinipur, West Bengal, and Balasore, Odisha, India (between 21.805651 N 87.874188 E and 21.574851 N 87.374059 E). We interviewed 2301 fishermen in 421 group sessions to document sea snake bite incidents, outcomes and perceptions from 2012 onwards. Historical data were also retrieved from various databases and social media platforms. Results: We recorded 166 sea snake bite cases, with 55.4% fatalities, 2.4% permanent disabilities and 41% survivors. Gill net fishermen were the most affected, with most bites occurring while handling snakes caught in nets, particularly at dawn and dusk. Fishermen reported a significant decline in sea snake populations over the past decade due to by-catch and killing practices. Conclusions: Sea snake bites are a major occupational hazard for Indian fishermen, with high fatality rates due to limited medical access. Increased awareness, safer handling practices and improved medical infrastructure are essential to reduce mortality and conserve sea snake populations. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions in affected communities.

Root Causes of Biodiversity Loss with Special Reference to India Sourav BarCoastal Environmental Studies Research Centre, Egra SSB College, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9690-6893 Soumik DharaCoastal Environmental Studies Research Centre, Egra SSB College, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7957-2970 Nithar Ranjan MadhuDepartment of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, West Bengal, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4198-5048 […]