This article highlights the importance of systems approaches in addressing agricultural biosecurity threats. On the basis of documentary analysis and stakeholder interaction, a brief survey of agricultural biosecurity threats and vulnerabilities from global and Indian perspectives is provided, followed by an exploration of technological and institutional capabilities. Finally, a perspective on the agricultural disease diagnostic networks is provided, drawing instances from global developments. Technical barriers to agroterrorism are lower than those to human-targeted bioterrorism, and the sector is unique as even a very small disease outbreak could prompt international export restrictions. Key vulnerabilities in the agriculture sector stem from, among others, the structure of agricultural production; insufficient monitoring, surveillance, and controls systems at the borders and in the food chain; inefficient systems for reporting unusual occurrences and outbreaks of disease; and lack of sufficiently trained human resources capable of recognizing or treating transboundary pathogens and diseases. An assessment of technology and institutions pertaining to crop and animal protection management suggests certain gaps. Investment in developing new technologies for civilian application in agriculture, as well as for legitimate actions pertaining to defense, detection, protection, and prophylaxis, and in upgrading laboratory facilities can increase the agricultural sector's level of preparedness for outbreaks. To address potential threats and vulnerabilities of agroterrorism effectively requires the development of a comprehensive strategy and a combined, interagency approach, ideally on an international level. It is proposed that a systems-oriented approach for developing knowledge and innovation networks and strengthening skills and capacities would enable a more resilient agricultural biosecurity system.

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The paper makes a first systematic study of the media coverage about nanotechnology in India. It investigates the key research question: How is nanotechnology presented in the news media? The number and content of nanotechnology-related articles in the news media indicates the general trend of limited science communication-related activities and a techno-centric focus.

The past decade has witnessed rapid advancement in telecommunication and computer technologies. The smart phone is one result of that technological development and has been adopted by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Innovators in the medical device industry quickly recognized the potential to use smartphones to expand the capabilities of healthcare professionals via mobile medical applications (apps) resident on these devices. These apps raise unique challenges for regulation by the drug regulatory authorities worldwide including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medical Association (EMA) etc. The focus of this article is to shed light on the current trends and future aspects of the regulatory framework implied on the Mobile Health (mHealth).