The aim of the current review is to deliberate on arsenic chemistry, its existence in aquatic ecosystem and its effects on the biological systems of fishes which are regarded as potential indicators for any change in water quality. Water is a major storehouse of arsenic which is present in the form of arsenate and arsenite. Anthropogenic activities including unlimited application of arsenic pesticides, industrial activities and mining operations have increased the universal incidence of soluble arsenic above tolerable levels of 0.010 mg/L. Variations in fish behaviour, growth rate, haematological and biological parameters and organ systems have been observed in arsenic contaminated water. Data regarding these parameters indicate that the fish shows aggressive behaviour and its weight increases due to a high arsenic uptake. The production rate of biochemical compounds like carbohydrates, proteins and lipids is reduced due to arsenic bonding with their precursors. Among organ systems, skin is a highly affected organ, while muscles are the least affected due to high arsenic concentration. Low concentration of arsenic results in bioaccumulation, conspicuously in liver and kidney, upon incessant exposure to freshwater fish. This bioaccumulation turns into biomagnification and becomes the cause of lethal diseases in human beings, such as hyperglycaemia, diminution of enzymatic activities and immune system abnormalities. Keeping in view all of these above mentioned facts, it is imperative to take action against excessive arsenic usage and to develop its eco-friendly management ways.

The purpose of this article is to review the genetic basis of mulberry silkworm to understand the mystery of silk production and the silkworm’s role as a model organism. Data regarding mulberry silkworm’s genetic diversity, genetic bases of silk production, gene mapping and chromosomal properties was reviewed. Findings illustrated that genetic variability exists among mulberry silkworms of different geographical regions. Hence, it acts as an indicator of the genetic bases of silk production since it is higher in males, although sex is primarily determined by females. Studies have revealed that chromosomes in mulberry silkworm are holocentric and gene mapping provides an insight into the accurate location of silk genes on chromosomes. It is concluded that the genetic study of silkworm is useful due to its commercial and economic significance and it is the crucial need of sericulture industry to enhance its output by collecting information about superior silkworm breeds. Hence, further research should be carried out to explore the hidden facts about mulberry silkworm.

The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region of Pakistan was free from plant diseases and pests. However, plant diseases and pests intensities are increasing and threatening the food security of GB. These plant diseases and pests seem to be exacerbated by climate change and transmitted to GB from other regions with food supplies and spillover. In addition, the evolution of new pathogen and pest strains causes catastrophes to GB's cereal and horticultural Crops. Moreover, Traditional plant varieties that resist disease and pests have been supplanted with fragile but high-yielding cultivars. As a result, diseases like rust, smut, black scurf, early blight, late blight, potato leaf roll virus, potato virus Y, grey mold, mildew, crown gall disease, gummosis disease, and nematodes and pests such as insect pests, i.e., fruit fly, armyworms, apple wooly aphids, aphids, mealy bug, scales and whiteflies, and parasitic weeds are considerably affecting GB crops. These diseases and pests can jeopardize GB's food supply if not monitored regularly. The consequences of these biotic agents range from minor symptoms to catastrophic events that destroy whole fields. Plant protection units are needed to tackle these challenges to prevent future outbreaks. Herein, we describe significant diseases and pests that are catastrophic to GB's crops in the future. In addition, this review shows how diseases and pests impact the yields of GB's crops.