Assessment of Interfaith Harmony Between Muslims and Hindus in Socio-Cultural Activities in Swat

This research work investigated the interfaith harmony and social cohesion between two different religious followers of Hinduism and Islam in District Swat of Pakistan. The current world is facing various kinds of issues and challenges regarding interfaith harmony, peace and social cohesion. This is need of the time to establish a peaceful and harmonised day to day life standard for all the segments of society. This research was an effort to analyse the willingness among the Hindus and Muslims for enhancing their tolerance towards each other’s social and cultural activities. It also aimed to highlight the positive approach of the respondents towards the participation in the socio-cultural activities of each other. The results of association of social cohesion showed nonsignificant relationship with an opinion that Hindu and Muslim communities should take part in socio-cultural activities particularly the sports. Similarly, non-significant relationship was found based respondents’ data with an opinion that relations between Hindus and Muslims shall enhanced through participation in cultural and religious ceremonies. The result further concluded that there was peaceful and harmonised environment between Hindus and Muslims being living in the target area. The minorities were fully enjoying freedom and equality in District Swat. Based on the findings of the study, positive social interaction, mutual respect, positivity in thinking and positive role of local media have been recommended as policy guidelines for promoting inter-faith harmony.

Transgenic Expression of Insecticidal Toxins under Different Promoters for the Control of Insect Pests.

Insect pests are the major reasons for low yield in agricultural crops. Crop losses due to insect pests can be as high as 25 %, depends upon the climatic conditions and other factors; several strategies have been adopted for the control of insect pests. Recently developed biotechnological applications, several transgenic plants have been developed for insect resistance. Bacillus thuringiensis is one of the most successful examples of insecticidal toxins being used for insect control (especially bollworms). Sucking pests are also major cause of reduced yield in agricultural crops. Sucking insects suck the cell sap from the phloem tissues of plants and also act as a vector for virus transmission. Recent trends in agriculture towards reducing pesticide use and bringing ecological sustainability have led to increased interest in spiders as potential biological control agents. Spider venoms are complex cocktails of toxins that have evolved specifically to kill insects. Spider toxin (Hvt) gene from the Australian funnel web spider which is a calcium channel antagonist has been expressed in tobacco plants to develop resistance against some major insect pests (Bollworms). In the present PhD research work, the main focus was to develop resistance against major insect pests; American bollworm (Heliothis armigera) and mealybug (Phenococcus solenopsis). Different gene constructs were prepared and transformed in tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) through Agrobacterium mediated plant transformation. Spider toxin (Hvt) gene was cloned under phloem specific RSs1 and RolC promoters and lectin gene from onion Allium cepa L agglutinin (ACA) and kallar grass Leptochloa fusca (LfL) was cloned under 2X35S promoter. PCR, Southern hybridization and real time qPCR analysis showed successful transformation and expression of insecticidal toxin genes in N. tabacum. Insect bioassays of transgenic plants were carried out in the laboratory and glasshouse conditions. Results showed 93.75 and 100 % mortality of H. armigera larvae when fed on detached leaves from transgenic tobacco plants expressing spider toxin (Hvt) gene under RolC and RSs1 promoters within 72 hour respectively. H. armigera larvae released on the detached leaves of transgenic plants expressing lectin gene from kallar grass and onion under 2X35S promoter showed, as 75 and 81.25 % mortality within 72 hours respectively. No mortality of H. armigera larvae was observed on the detached leaves of non-transformed tobacco plants up to 72 hours. Transgenic plants expressing spider toxin under RSs1 and RolC promoters gave good resistance against P. solenopsis on detached leaves; 68.75 and 75 % and on live transgenic tobacco plants 70 and 62.5 %, up to 10 days respectively. Transgenic plants expressing lectin gene from onion and kallar grass under 2X35S promoter showed high level resistance against nymphs of P. solenopsis on detached leaves; 87.5 and 81.25 % and on live transgenic plants; 90 and 87.5 % mortality of P. solenopsis within 10 days respectively. No mortality of P. solenopsis was recorded on non-transformed (control) tobacco plants up to 10 days. This study described expression of Hvt gene under RSs1 and RolC promoters and lectin gene under 2X35S promoter. Both genes are helpful for controlling chewing insects like H. armigera larvae and sap-sucking insect like P. solenopsis. This study has a potential for developing insect resistant transgenic crops. These crops can reduce the use of harmful pesticides, fuel use, input cost and yield losses, while increase profitability and enhance biodiversity and save the environment.