Molecular Genetic Characterization of Endemic Yellow Catfish, Horab rus brachysoma (Gunther)

The present study Molecular genetic characterization of endemic yellow catfish ,generated an important information on the genetic variation and stock structure of the endangered yellow catfish(Horabagrus brachysoma) endemic to the western Ghats. Three genetically discrete stocks of the species have been identified for the first time using allozymes, RAPD(Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and microsatelite markers and it is a significant step towards realizing the goal of management of fishery and conservation of the yellow catfish populations in the rivers of the Western Ghats region. In conclusion genetic markers were found to be powerful tools to analyze the population genetic structure of the yellow catfish. Geographic isolation by land distance,inbreading as a result of over-exploitation etc are some reasons for the genetic differenciation between the pairs and deficiency of hetrozygosity revealed by the two co dominant markers, allozyme, and microsatelites.the study emphasizes the need for stock-wise, propagation assisted-rehabilitation of the natural populations yellow catfish

Molecular genetic characterization of endemic red -tailed barb,Gonoproktoptems curmuca (Hamilton - Buchanan, 1807)

The family Cyprinidae is the largest of freshwater fishes and, with the possible exception of Gobiidae, the largest family of vertebrates.Various members of this family are important as food fish, as aquarium fish, and in biological research. In this study, a fish species from this family exclusively found in the west flowing rivers originating from the Western Ghat region — Gonoproktopterus curmuca — was taken for population genetic analysis.There was an urgent need for restoration ecology by the development of apt management strategies to exploit resources judiciously. One of the strategies thus developed for the scientific management of these resources was to identify the natural units of the fishery resources under exploitation (Altukov, 1981). These natural units of a species can otherwise be called as stocks. A stock can be defined as a panmictic population of related individuals within a single species that is genetically distinct from other such populations.It is believed that a species may undergo micro evolutionary process and differentiate into genetically distinct sub-populations or stocks in course of time, if reproductively and geographically isolated.In recent times, there has been a wide spread degradation of natural aquatic environment due to anthropogenic activities and this has resulted in the decline and even extinction of some fish species. In such situations, evaluation of the genetic diversity of fish resources assumes important to conservation.The species selected for the study, was short-listed as one of the candidates for stock-specific, propagation assisted rehabilitation and management programme in rivers where it is naturally distributed. In connection with this, captive breeding and milt cryopreservation techniques of the species have been developed by the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. However, for a scientific stock-specific rehabilitation programme, information on the stock structure and basic genetic profile of the species are essential and that is not available in case of G. curmuca. So the present work was taken up to identify molecular genetic markers like allozymes, microsatellites and RAPDs and, to use these markers to discriminate the distinct populations of the species, if any, in areas of its natural distribution. The genetic markers were found to be powerful tools to analyze the population genetic structure of the red-tailed barb and demonstrated clear cut genetic differentiation between pairs of populations examined. Geographic isolation by land distance is likely to be the factor that contributed to the restricted gene flow between the river systems. So the present study emphasizes the need for stock-wise, propagation assisted-rehabilitation of the natural populations of red-tailed barb, Gonoprokfopterus curmuca.

Rights of the Prisoner: An Evolving Jurisprudence

Imprisonment is the most common method of punishment resorted to by almost all legal systems.The new theories of crime causation propounded in the latter half of the nineteenth century gave rise to the feeling that the prisons could be used as appropriate institutions for reforming the offenders. It called for individualisation of punishment.As a result of international movements for humanisation of prisons the judiciary' in tine common law countries started taking active interest in prisoner's treatment.Various studies reveal that much has been done in America to improve the lot of prisoners and to treat them as human beings.The courts there have gone to the extent of saying that there is no iron curtain between a prisoner and the constitution. Most of the rights available to citizens except those which they cannot enjoy due to the conditions of incarceration have also been granted to prisoner.In India also the judiciary has come forward to protect the rights of the prisoners.Maneka Gandhi is a turning point in prisoner's rights.The repeated intervention of courts in prison administration project the view that prisoners have been denied the basic human rights.The High Courts and the Supreme Court of India have been gradually exercising jurisdiction ixl assuming prison justice, including improving the quality of food and amenities, payment of wages and appropriate standards of medical care. Access to courts must be made easier to the aggrieved prisoners.The government should come forward along with some public spirited citizens and voluntary organisations to form a "discharged prisoner“ aid society. The society should exploit opportunities for rehabilitation of prisoners after their release.Most of the prison buildings in the State of Kerala are ill-equipped, ill furnished and without proper ventilation or sanitation and with insufficient water supply arrangements.In India prisoners and prisons today are governed by the old central legislations like Prisons Act l894 Prisoners Act 1900 and the Transfer of Prisoners Act 1950.