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New efficient surface enhanced raman scattering (SERS) nanocomposite material namely silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated Cerium Oxide (AgNPs@CeO2) was synthesized by adopting simple citrate reduced, precipitation and deposition methods. The synthesized AgNPs@CeO2 material was characterized with UV-DRS, FTIR, Raman, FESEM, EDX and HRTEM analyses. The obtained results reveal the formation of AgNPs@CeO2 nanocomposite material with high purity. The FESEM image result confirms that the Ag NPs are decorated on the surface of CeO2. This AgNPs@CeO2 nanocomposite was used for fabrication of SERS substrate by drop casted on glass slide. Similarly, for comparative purpose, the pure AgNPs and CeO2NPs were also fabricated individually on glass slide. The SERS properties for newly fabricated AgNPS@CeO2, AgNPs and CeO2 NPs substrate were examined by employed in to detection of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) as a model Raman reporter molecule/analyte. The newly designed AgNPs@CeO2 material showed excellent SERS properties and sensitivity than that of AgNPs and CeO2NPs substrates. The enhanced SERS properties noticed in AgNPs@CeO2 are due to the charge transfer, electromagnetic effect and more hot spots present in metal on metal oxide surfaces. Therefore, it is suggested that the AgNPs@CeO2 composite material with excellent SERS properties will have an intensive scope for detection of medically significant single analyte/molecule and hence study in that direction are continuing.

In this chapter the authors have tried to identify the feasibility of setting up a community radio station in agriculture hubs in India to create awareness about various agriculture credit schemes, government sponsored schemes, best farming practices and weather information amongst farmers. The authors are of the opinion that a more informed farmer will lead to better planning and stave off farmer suicides. While the community radio program could be an effective medium for disseminating information, its penetration and acceptance in a rural community depends upon some key factors such as proximity of the place to an urban location where visual media enjoys a wider audience. The chapter attempts to bring forth the challenges faced in establishing a CR program in Raghunathpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh and sheds light on why the initiative may not be viable. Finally the authors conclude the study by suggesting other alternatives of empowering the Indian farmer in such locations.