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Maritime domain awareness (MDA) is a vital enabler of maritime security operations. For India it is a particularly important, yet challenging task, considering the complexity of the maritime neighbourhood in which it seeks to attain its strategic objectives. India's doctrinal articulations rightly identify MDA as a key operational enabler across the spectrum of maritime operations. Accordingly, the country and its maritime security agencies have invested significant effort in bolstering MDA capabilities, especially in the period after the Mumbai terror attacks of 2008. These efforts have resulted in substantial augmentation of platforms at the front-end of MDA operations, shore-based infrastructure, and in establishing international linkages for information-sharing. However, there are notable gaps in national MDA capabilities that may adversely impact the higher end of maritime operations. Mitigation of these shortcomings will require sustained focus in the immediate future, and a smart approach to capability accretion that ensures maximum returns on investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the performance of Isobutane/Isopentane (zeotropic mixture) is studied in the new proposed Organic Rankine Cycle (NORC). Operating parameters included temperatures of two series evaporators and regenerative, degree of superheating, and pinch point temperature difference in the first evaporator are optimized with multi-objective functions i.e., exergy as thermodynamic, Specific Investment Cost (SIC) as economic and exergoeconomic as the third objective function that considered exergy and SIC simultaneously. Optimization results for Isobutane/Isopentane indicate that the value of exergy has a sharp decrease when the mole fraction of Isobutane increases to 0.5, and after that, the exergy amount rises significantly and reaches a peak at 54.584% for pure Isobutane. Also, return on investment (ROI) is employed as an economic indicator to get the center of attention in economic proficiency by utilizing Isobutane/Isopentane in NORC configuration according to the exergoeconomic results for fifteen countries as two groups of developed and developing in order to compare profitability all around the world. The results represent that, by the growing of Isobutane mole fraction in Isobutane- Isopentane mixture, ROI indicator is reduced. The maximum and the minimum value of ROI are related to Germany (57.64%) and India (4.09%), respectively. • A new cycle was designed to improve basic organic Rankine cycle performance. • Peng Robinson equation of state was used to obtain properties of organic fluids. • Operating parameters were optimized with two objective functions simultaneously. • The new cycle performance was investigated using zeotropic mixture. • Return on investment of 15 countries was estimated as economic viewpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the connectedness among the series of four exchange rates with respect to the Indian Rupee. The results of Diebold and Yilmaz method which measures time-domain connectedness, show that the overall connectedness of the system is 30.15%. The results of Baruník and Křehlík approach which measures frequency-domain connectedness, exhibit that in the total connectedness the maximum contribution is from highest frequency (14.27%) and the lowest contribution is made by the second-lowest frequency (2.03%). Finally, the dynamic connectedness is also examined with rolling window methods. These results are very critical in understanding the connectedness among various exchange rate markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study the growth and productivity of pigeonpea + radish intercropping system under different nutrient management practices for two consecutive years during kharif seasons of 2013 and 2014 at Instructional Farm, RRTTS, Gumusur Udayagiri, OUAT, Kandhamal, Odisha, India. The treatments were Pigeonpea (100% RDF)+Radish (100% RDF), Pigeonpea (100% RDF)+Radish (75% RDF), Pigeonpea (100% RDF)+Radish (50% RDF), Pigeonpea (100% RDF)+Radish (25% RDF), Pigeonpea (100% RDF)+Radish (0% RDF ), Pigeonpea (75% RDF)+Radish (100% RDF), Pigeonpea (50% RDF)+Radish (100% RDF ), Pigeonpea (25% RDF)+Radish (100% RDF), Pigeonpea (0% RDF)+Radish (100% RDF), Pigeonpea (0% RDF)+Radish (0% RDF) as control, sole Pigeonpea (100% RDF) and Sole Radish (100% RDF). The twelve treatments were replicated thrice in a randomized block design. Among the intercropping systems, the treatment 100% RDF was applied to the base crop (pigeonpea) and 100% RDF to the intercrop (radish) almost all the growth parameters as well as yield components showed highest values. Sole crop of pigeonpea with 100% RDF produced the highest seed yield (1.20 t ha-1) and stover yield (4.56 t ha-1). Sole radish crop with 100% RDF achieved the highest root yield (17.70 t ha-1) and leaf yield (4.02 t ha-1) over other treatments followed by pigeonpea + radish with 100% RDF to base crop+100% RDF to intercrop. Sole radish exhibited the highest net return (Rs.73773 ha-1) and return rupee-1 investment (3.28) with 100% RDF though the highest gross return (Rs.125890 ha-1) was obtained from pigeonpea +radish intercropping system with 100% RDF to both the crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is based on the secondary data compiled by the Ministry of Human Resource & Development, Govt., of India for the period 2012-13, 2013-14 & 2014-15 and was released as the ranking list of Institutes of Engineering and Technology in India for the year 2016. The study aims to assess the Returns on Investment (ROI) of the twenty leading libraries of the Institutes of Engineering and Technology in India in the form of institutional research output. An attempted has also been made to rank the each individual library on the basis of seven different parameters chosen for the study and worked out the difference between their ascribed rank as per the MHRD list and the achieved ranks worked out on the basis of chosen. The rankings have been calculated on the basis of scores earned by each individual library against each individual parameter. The results showed that the Institutes of Engineering and Technology in India concentrate more on procurement of electronic resources in their libraries, spending nearly three-fourth of their budget on the procurement of electronic documents mostly in the form of online journals and eBooks. While evaluating the ascribed and achieved ranking, 95% libraries under study faced shuffle, as 55% libraries slipped in their rank, while as 45 % improved and 5% showed no change. The study gives a clear idea about the importance of libraries and the part these sub-institutions' play in the overall ranking of their institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the various sectors of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for a period of eight years from January 2006-March 2014. Using the data of the daily returns of a period of eight years we investigate the financial cross-correlation co-efficients among the sectors of BSE and Price by Earning (PE) ratio of BSE Sensex. We show that the behavior of these quantities during normal periods and during crisis is very different. We show that the PE ratio shows a particular distinctive trend in the approach to a crash of the financial market and can therefore be used as an indicator of an impending catastrophe. We propose that a model of analysis of crashes in a financial market can be built using two parameters: (i) the PE ratio and (ii) the largest eigenvalue of the cross-correlation matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Self-Help Groups (SHGs) create a platform that allows women to meet on a weekly basis to save and to take loans if needed. Strict records of all saving and lending are important, both to avoid conflicts in the group and to obtain access to bank loans. Accounting is either done by a group member (internal accountant), or by another villager (external accountant). Using first-hand data on SHGs in Northern India, this paper studies whether economic and non-financial returns differ depending on whether SHGs meet as independent entities or with external involvement. Economic theory suggests that repeated interaction between individuals can help build social capital. The presence of an external accountant hampers this process. Indeed, repeated interaction is more likely to create non-financial benefits in the form of mutual assistance and collective action when the accountant is a group member. However, these benefits come at a cost, as SHGs with internal accountants distribute financial benefits more unequally and the accountants themselves receive larger shares than the other members of the groups. The analysis shows that the larger shares cannot be explained as a compensation for a better financial performance, but that some form of elite capture occurs. However, other group members implicitly agree on the unequal distribution. Indeed, members are not more likely to leave groups, possibly because the loss in financial benefits is outweighed by the gain in non-financial benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the stock price effects of bulk trade in India over the period 2004–2012. Using an event study model we note significant impact of bulk trades on the share prices with cumulative returns being very high around the trades for both BSE and NSE. Buy trade has significant positive cumulative abnormal returns, indicating that buy trades on average increases firm value. Next, we regress cumulative average abnormal returns of different windows on different independent variables. The effect of all the variables considered is found to be higher in the case of buy trades than that of the sell trades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the macroeconomic factors underlying FDI flows to India using cointegrating VAR with I(1) exogenous variables. The results indicate that conventional determinants such as a depreciating exchange rate, higher domestic returns, higher domestic output and better infrastructure are conducive to FDI flows to India. The results also indicate that macroeconomic instability has adverse effects while credit worthiness is conducive to FDI flows. A negative relation between trade openness and FDI is observed suggesting that FDI flows to India may be tariff jumping in nature. Empirical estimates also indicate that an increase in global FDI flows to other emerging economies reduces FDI flows to India indicating that India competes with other emerging economies in receiving FDI. Further, the results show that higher foreign output is conducive to FDI flows indicating procyclicality of FDI with economic performance of foreign countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost of equity capital is a key input used by regulators to fix permissible rates of return and determine regulated tariffs. Investors also need an appropriate hurdle rate to make investment decisions. Regulators worldwide often use a single-factor model to estimate the cost of equity. The empirical literature shows that such a model has limited efficacy in explaining stock returns, while other factors also capture the risk involved in the market. This study is perhaps the first to apply three asset pricing models—the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the Fama-French three- and five-factor models—to estimate the cost of equity for the Indian energy and infrastructure sectors. We find that the reasonable rate of return fixed by the respective regulator based on the CAPM is often higher than this study's estimated cost of equity (using CAPM). The spread between the regulated return across the identified energy and infrastructure sectors is estimated using a single-factor model, and our estimation using the three-factor model is relatively lower. The spread increases when we apply the recent five-factor model for regulated utilities. The study can guide policymakers and regulators in estimating and fixing reasonable rates of return for the infrastructure sectors. • Estimation of cost of equity using the three asset pricing models for publicly listed Indian energy and infrastructure firms. • Applications of three asset pricing models: the capital asset pricing model, Fama-French three-and five-factor models. • A review of framework regulated return across key energy and infrastructure sectors. • The regulated rate of return set by the respective regulator is found to be higher, in general, than those estimated in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever increasing demand for minerals in India has compelled the mineral industry to expand their production base. This has resulted in exploration and exploitation of new projects. With fast depleting near surface/shallow depth mineral deposits being mined by open cut mining method, the Indian mining sector is poised to undergo a spurt in underground mining activities. The rate of progress in development openings in underground mines depend mainly on the method and efficiency of drilling and blasting technique employed. Drill and blast being the very first unit operation taking place in the mining cycle plays very important role in defining the other downstream costs of a mine. Even throughput of a crusher and beneficiation plant is highly dependent on blasting efficiency and balance sheet of a project can be adversely impacted by the improper blasting practices. The rate of drivage has a direct impact on gestation period and early return on capital investment. The present case study presents the role played by underground bulk system in fulfilling the critical requirements of one such project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has studied electricity pricing under a regulated structure during post power sector reform in Odisha, India. It is found that Odisha has adopted the average cost pricing principle for determining electricity price with the rate of return regulation. This process of tariff determination not only takes a long time but also involves huge cost. Further, actual tariffs levied by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) are at variance with the broad principles of rational pricing policy. This uneconomic pricing policy has adverse impact on the financial health of the distribution companies. However, the Electricity Act of 2003 has brought about a radical change in the power scenario across the country, including the state of Odisha, by introducing open access and trading of power. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This paper estimates the distribution of educational returns by gender for India. While previous studies focus on mean returns, the variance of educational returns has important implications for policy-making and micro-level decision making with respect to education. If the variance of educational returns is large, it can leave large sections of the population with negative returns; if the variance of educational returns is gender specific, it can influence households’ decisions to educate girls versus boys. Our econometric results provide evidence that India''s labor markets are characterized by significant uncertainty and that the uncertainty is systematically larger for women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We study returns to academic specialisation for Indian corporate sector workers by analysing cross-sectional data on male employees randomly selected from six large firms. Our analysis shows that going to college pays off, as it brings significant incremental returns over and above school education. However, the increase in returns is more pronounced in the specialisations of management and engineering, and less so in the specialisations of science, arts and commerce. Some of the less attractive specialisations, such as commerce and science, tend to make up by rewarding progression from Bachelors to Masters. Short-course diplomas are also rewarding. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The role of probiotic bacteria in small culture is studied but commercial level is not that much reported especially in giant tiger shrimp, P. monodon. Hence the beneficial effect of probiotics on the commercial culture of Indian major candidate shrimp, P. monodon is studied in a grow out pond. The farm is located on the Northern bank of Uppanar estuary in Maravakadu. An effort was made to evaluate the differences between regular and irregular application of soil probiotics in the P. monodon shrimp farming. Subsequently the performance of using probiotics frequently and the total average yield attained was 1900 Kg /0.5ha. With maximum growth increment of 34.70g, survival of 90.31%, achieved at the DOC 130. Level of ammonia found nil for the entire culture period in the regularly probiotics used ponds. Contrarily, in irregular treated ponds the total yield achieved only 1150 Kg /0.5 ha. With the maximum growth of 27.29 g, survival of 70.68% at the DOC 130 respectively. The level of ammonia found 0.3 mg /L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between yield spread and stock market returns. It also explores a dynamic trading strategy of timing the Indian stock market using the yield spread as an indicator variable. The study concludes with the important result that the yield spread is successful in identifying points of entry and exit for the Indian stock market, thereby delivering superior returns compared to a conventional buy and hold strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of irrigation levels based on IW:CPE ratios ( 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) and six levels of time of nitrogen applications (100% basal, 50% N as basal + 50% N at branching, 50% N as basal + 25% N at branching + 25% N at flowering, 50% N as basal + 25% N at branching + 25% N at podding, 50% N as basal + 25% N at flowering + 25% N at podding, 25% N as basal + 25% N at branching + 25% N at flowering + 25% at podding stage) on seed yield, straw yield and economy of frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications during winter season of 2002-03 and 2003-04. Scheduling of irrigation at an IW:CPE ratio of 1.0 recorded significantly higher seed and straw yield, net return and benefit : cost ratio during both the years of study and also in the pooled results. Among the time of nitrogen applications, application of half nitrogen as basal and remaining half nitrogen at branching stage was proved to be the most effective mode of nitrogen application by recording the highest seed yield, straw yield, net return and benefit: cost ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimates the returns to education for adult male workers in regular and casual wage employment using Indian national survey data at three points in time spanning almost two decades. Both standard and augmented Mincerian wage equations are estimated using a set of human capital measures and other controls after addressing the issue of potential selection bias. This paper finds that the returns to education are significantly different for the two types of workers—while casual workers face at best flat returns to education, the returns to education for regular workers are positive and U‐shaped with respect to education levels. There is also some evidence of a widening wage gap between regular workers with graduate and primary education that could possibly be a consequence of trade liberalization and other reforms pursued during the 1990s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantifies the tangible, economic benefits of a nongovernmental organization's social forestry project to local people and analyzes the potential return from this investment in natural capital. The analysis was conducted in the Kumaun hill region of Uttaranchal, India, using participatory rapid appraisal, household survey, avoided cost method, and present value investment analysis. The annual value (based on the ecosystem service of goods provision) of the forest resource to local people was estimated at 903,337 rupees, and the total return on 8 years of investment through 2021 was projected to be 883%. Quantitative and qualitative results show that social forestry is a solid investment in natural and human capital. Overall, this study serves as one example of how ecosystem service valuation can be employed to achieve conservation and development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of solar energy for power generation using the innovative solar chimney concept has been explored by many researchers mostly with the help of analytical models as well as CFD simulations while experimental studies for a pilot and bench scale facilities have been carried out. The efficiencies of these chimneys, however, are less than 1% (~0.07% for 50 kW pilot plant similar to Manzanares plant in Spain). In the present study, an effort has been made to make modifications in the chimney design to improve the efficiency of the chimney in terms of power generation. CFD simulations have been carried out for this modified design and the efficiency is seen to improve to 0.12% for a 50 kW chimney. Furthermore, a techno-economic feasibility analysis has been carried out for a conventional 5 MW solar power plant which can be installed on the western part of India, which receives good solar irradiation throughout the year. Two cases with and without government subsidies have been considered. It is observed that a high rate of return (~20.4%) is obtained for a selling price of electricity of Rs 5 per kWh with government subsidy, while a rate of return of ~19% is obtained for Rs 10 per kWh without government subsidy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amount raised: In last decade INR 169,708,369 mobilized through sponsored cancer awareness programs. Background and context: With an eagle's eye our vision of eighties resulted in the incorporation of Cancer Aid Society on 8th of December 1987 at Lucknow. Founders of the Cancer Aid Society perceived the threats early and initiated the fight against cancer by developing a self-sustainable model without external financial assistance unfurling series of events internationally. As of now ours is a holistic model on cancer prevention integrated with NCDs, tobacco and palliative care demonstrating replicability within different communities and scalability across the worlds largest democracy having its own network of branches. Aim: Self-sustainable model prevention and control of tobacco, cancer integrated with other NCDs, palliative care and advocacy. Strategy/Tactics: Sponsored cancer awareness programs are organized free of cost in schools and colleges however we accept voluntary donations from the community if any. As schools have contact with the child and their family from kindergarten to senior secondary, they inculcate the spirit of humanitarianism and work for social amelioration improving the overall health of the citizens strengthening the fight against cancer. It covers the need of the current and future generations on cancer control. Program process: Keeping with the ages old adage "Prevention Is Better Than Cure" thousands of community awareness campaigns are organized in educational Institutions every year by mobilizing a million volunteers who generate awareness among twenty million people all over India on health, hygiene, tobacco abuse including passive smoking, carcinogens, balanced diet, regular exercise, obesity, clean drinking water, pollution of air, water and land etc. This plays an integral part in inculcating healthy lifestyle and keeping children away from tobacco at an age when they are vulnerable and tempted the most further grooming our future generation when they are most receptive and in the process of developing habits. They multiply awareness manifold improving the overall health of the community. Costs and returns: As the program follows an integrated and holistic approach on prevention and control of cancer and other NCDs virtually it lacks any administrative costs and offers 100% returns on investments. In last decade INR 144,968,969 spent in sponsored cancer awareness programs. What was learned: With our 30 years of experience of working at grass root community level all across India in spite of regional complexities in terms of multiple languages, cultures, castes, religions etc. ISO 9001 NGO accreditation has given us teeth since 2004 streamlining our functioning through documentation and continuous improvement program through reporting monitoring and feedback. As of now we are ready to share our experiences at international level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A qualitative study of key informant semi-structured interviews were conducted between March and July 2016 in Mexico and India to achieve the following aims: to explore corporations' and stakeholders' views, attitudes and expectations in relation to health, wellness and cancer prevention in two middle-income countries, and to determine options for health professions to advance their approach to workplace wellness programming globally, including identifying return-on-investment incentives for corporations to implement wellness programming.Results: There is an unmet demand for workplace wellness resources that can be used by corporations in an international context. Corporations in India and Mexico are already implementing a range of health-related wellness programs, most often focused on disease prevention and management. A number of companies indicated interest is collecting return on investment data but lacked the knowledge and tools to carry out return-on-investment analyses. There was widespread interest in partnership with international non-governmental organizations (public health organizations) and a strong desire for follow-up among corporations interviewed, particularly in Mexico.Conclusions: As low-and middle-income countries continue to undergo economic transitions, the workforce and disease burden continue to evolve as well. Evidence suggests a there is a growing need for workplace wellness initiatives in low-and middle-income countries. Results from this study suggest that while corporations in India and Mexico are implementing wellness programming in some capacity, there are three areas where corporations could greatly benefit from assistance in improving wellness programming in the workplace: 1) innovative toolkits for workplace wellness initiatives and technical support for adaptation, 2) assistance with building partnerships to help implement wellness initiatives and build capacity, and 3) tools and training to collect data for surveillance as well as monitoring and evaluation of wellness programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]