Calcium (Ca 2+ ) is a universal signalling molecule of life. The Ca 2+ signalling is an evolutionarily conserved process from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. Ca 2+ at high concentration is deleterious to the cell; therefore, cell maintains a low resting level of intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] c ). The resting [Ca 2+ ] c is tightly regulated, and a transient increase of the [Ca 2+ ] c initiates a signalling cascade in the cell. Ca 2+ signalling plays an essential role in various processes, including growth, development, reproduction, tolerance to stress conditions, and virulence in fungi. In this review, we describe the evolutionary aspects of Ca 2+ signalling and cell functions of major Ca 2+ signalling proteins in different fungi.

Darshana Baruah, an emerging Indian maritime security analyst, examines India’s heightened focus on improving maritime domain awareness in the coastal domain, EEZ and far seas. This is increasingly being driven by growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean. Of particular concern is India’s ability to monitor the passage of PLA Navy submarine passages to Pakistan and elsewhere in the Indian Ocean. Despite improved maritime situational awareness in coastal waters, India still has difficulty in tracking surface and subsurface vessels transiting its EEZ or neighbouring waters. This will likely require coordination and collaboration with friendly states. Baruah concludes that despite India’s traditional attachment to strategic autonomy, the difficulties in any one country developing maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean will be a key driver in greater defence cooperation with the United States and its allies.

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The South China Sea is seeing increasing tension amongst the claimants. The Second Thomas Shoal is the latest addition to Beijing's 'Salami Slicing' strategy of slowly acquiring small reefs and islands to consolidate its contested claim. CommentaryTHE MOST recent tension in the South China Sea over the Second Thomas Shoal indicates a rising Chinese assertiveness in its maritime claims as well as inviting Washington's criticism of Beijing's behaviour in the disputed waters.On 9 March 2014, China's coast guard vessels stopped two Philippine boats carrying supplies to their troops stationed in the shoal since 1999, claiming that Manila was trying to build structures on the reef in an attempt to fortify its claim.