Current Issue - Nirwan Journal of Advanced Research (NJAR)

During the Rabi season of 2024–2025, a field experiment was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm, Nirwan University Jaipur, to assess the impact of zinc and sulfur levels on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) growth and yield. Ten treatments, including RDF (Control) and combinations of sulfur (10, 15, and 20 kg/ha) and zinc levels (0, 2.5, and 5.0 kg/ha), were used in the randomized blocked design experiment, which was repeated three times. The findings showed that using zinc and sulfur together greatly enhanced chickpea yield, yield characteristics, and growth factors. Treatment T10 (RDF + 20 kg Sulphur ha-1 + 5.0 kg Zinc ha-1) produced the highest plant height, dry matter per plant, nodules per plant, and their dry weight per plant. Similarly, the combined application of 20 kg sulfur + 5.0 kg zinc/ha together with RDF produced the highest seed yield (2181 kg/ha), haulm yield (3210 kg/ha), and biological output (5391 kg/ha), which was statistically comparable to T7, T8, and T9 and significantly greater than the remainder of the treatment. Treatment T10 (RDF + 20 kg Sulfur ha-1 + 5.0 kg Zinc ha-1) also reported the highest gross returns, net returns, and B-C ratio. Keywords: Chickpea, Growth parameters, Root nodules, Seed Yield, Sulphur, Zinc

Plant polyphenols act as major defense compounds and are known to interfere with Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated genetic transformation, particularly in recalcitrant plant species. The present study investigated the effect of leaf polyphenols and autoclaved L-glutamine on the growth of A. tumefaciens and evaluated their combined influence on bacterial proliferation. Leaf polyphenols extracted from different high-polyphenol plant species and tea cultivars significantly suppressed bacterial growth in a concentration-dependent manner. Un-autoclaved L-glutamine showed no stimulatory effect on A. tumefaciens growth. However, L-glutamine autoclaved for 40 minutes markedly enhanced bacterial growth compared to 20-minute autoclaving. When combined with leaf polyphenols, autoclaved L-glutamine significantly alleviated polyphenol-induced growth inhibition, resulting in a substantial fold increase in bacterial growth after 18 hours of incubation. Maximum stimulation was observed at intermediate phenol concentrations, beyond which no further enhancement occurred. The findings demonstrate that autoclaved L-glutamine effectively counteracts the inhibitory effects of leaf polyphenols and may serve as a useful additive to improve Agrobacterium performance during genetic transformation of recalcitrant, high-polyphenol plant species.

The gig economy's rapid expansion in recent years has significantly altered India's labor sector. Due to the creation of new job opportunities, digital platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, and Urban Company have significantly contributed to this change. Instead of permanent employment, gig work usually consists of short-term, task-based contracts that provide flexible working hours. This approach has grown to be a significant source of revenue and a means of subsistence for many individuals. The number of gig workers in India has increased significantly over the last ten years, and estimates indicate that by 2030, there may be about 23.5 million of them. This new type of work offers access to technology-driven work systems, flexibility, and more earning potential, but it also poses serious difficulties. Many gig workers are apprehensive about their steady income and job security. Furthermore, they frequently do not have access to clear regulatory protections and social security benefits, which raises significant concerns for worker rights and welfare in the changing labor market. This study examines the growth, structural characteristics, and socio-economic implications of gig employment in India, with particular reference to platform-based food delivery services. It analyzes trends in gig worker participation, sectoral distribution, gender dimensions, and formalization patterns. The research further highlights the encounters faced by gig workers, including absence of labor rights, health risks, and financial vulnerability. By adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study provides both quantitative and qualitative insights into the evolving nature of platform work. The findings emphasize the imperative need for policy reforms that balance technological innovation with worker protection to ensure inclusive and sustainable labor market development.

In Rajasthan, soybean is a pivotal crop, contributing approximately 50% of the region's oilseed production and serving as a vital protein source (36–56%). To optimize its cultivation, field trials were conducted during the 2024 Kharif season at the Nirwan University Agronomy Research Farm in Jaipur. This study evaluated the impact of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on the growth and yield of the PK 472 soybean variety. The research utilized a Randomized Block Design featuring eight treatment combinations across three replications. These ranged from an absolute control (T1) and 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers to integrated approaches combining RDF with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or Vermicompost, augmented by Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). The results identified T8 (100% RDF + 5 t Vermicompost ℎ𝑎 −1+ Rhizobium + PSB) as the most effective treatment. It achieved superior growth metrics, including a plant height of 75.25 cm and 57.65 effective nodules. Furthermore, T8 recorded the highest yield attributes, such as a seed yield of 2,471 kg ha-1 and a harvest index of 37.03%. Conversely, the control group (T1) consistently yielded the poorest results, highlighting the significance of integrated nutrient management.

In Rajasthan, soybean is a pivotal crop, contributing approximately 50% of the region's oilseed production and serving as a vital protein source (36–56%). To optimize its cultivation, field trials were conducted during the 2024 Kharif season at the Nirwan University Agronomy Research Farm in Jaipur. This study evaluated the impact of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on the growth and yield of the PK 472 soybean variety. The research utilized a Randomized Block Design featuring eight treatment combinations across three replications. These ranged from an absolute control (T1) and 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers to integrated approaches combining RDF with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or Vermicompost, augmented by Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). The results identified T8 (100% RDF + 5 t Vermicompost ℎ𝑎 −1+ Rhizobium + PSB) as the most effective treatment. It achieved superior growth metrics, including a plant height of 75.25 cm and 57.65 effective nodules. Furthermore, T8 recorded the highest yield attributes, such as a seed yield of 2,471 kg ha-1 and a harvest index of 37.03%. Conversely, the control group (T1) consistently yielded the poorest results, highlighting the significance of integrated nutrient management.