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Groundwater models often require transmissivity (T) fields as an input. These T fields are commonly generated by performing univariate interpolation of the T data. This T data is derived from pumping tests and is generally limited due to the large costs and logistical requirements. Hence T fields generated using this limited data may not be representative for a whole study region. Groundwater models often require transmissivity (T) fields as an input. These T fields are commonly generated by performing univariate interpolation (using kriging, IDW etc.) of the T data. This T data is derived from pumping tests and is generally limited due to the large costs and logistical requirements. Hence, the T fields generated using this limited data may not be representative for the whole study region. This study presents a novel cokriging based methodology to generate credible T fields. Cokriging - a multivariate geostatistical interpolation method permits incorporation of additional correlated auxiliary variables for the generation of enhanced fields. Here abundantly available litholog derived saturated thickness data has been used as secondary (auxiliary) data given its correlation with the primary T data. Additionally, the proposed methodology addresses two operational problems of traditional cokriging procedure. The first operational problem is the poor estimation of variogram and cross-variogram parameters due to sparse T data. The second problem is the determination of relative contributions of primary and secondary variable in the estimation process. These two problems have been resolved by proposing a set of novel non-bias conditions, and linking the interpolator with a head based inverse problem solution for credible estimation of these parameters. The proposed methodology has been applied to Bist doab region in Punjab (India). Additionally, base line studies have been performed to elucidate the superiority of the proposed cokriging based methodology over kriging in terms of head reproducibility.

There is rarely any study that deals with the application of vermicompost in combination with chemical fertiliser to study the growth and yield variables of wheat crop in the typical agro-climatic conditions of saline sandy agricultural land of tropical semi-arid climatic condition with vast fluctuations of temperature between summer and winter seasons. Hence, the current study has been planned with a broader objective of utilising the organic resources by preparing vermicompost and applying it as the partial substitute of chemical fertiliser to cultivate wheat in an eco-friendly manner in saline sandy agricultural land of the tropical semi-arid zone. For achieving the intended goal, an experiment was conducted in the field of ‘Soil-Water-Plant Laboratory’, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Ropar, Punjab, India during the winter season (rabi) of 2018-19. In this experiment, Randomised Block Design (RBD) was followed, and four treatments were used, including T1: 100% RD using chemical fertilisers, T2: 50% RD using chemical fertilisers + 50% of nitrogen through vermicompost, T3:75% RD using chemical fertilisers + 25% of nitrogen through vermicompost and T4: control (without any additional nutrients). Each treatment was replicated nine times. Plot size was 4m × 6m, and row to row spacing was 0.2 m. Following statistical analysis, it was found that treatment T2 (50% RD using chemical fertilisers + 50% of nitrogen through vermicompost) showed the best results, which were reflected in different parameters such as number of effective tillers per plant, ear length, number of grains per ear, and test weight, grain yield and straw yield of the wheat crop in comparison to other treatments. In this case, an almost equal amount of nitrogen supply from both organic and inorganic sources is responsible for getting the best results.

Pilot point methodology (PPM) permits estimation of transmissivity at unsampled pilot points by solving the hydraulic head based inverse problem. Especially relevant to areas with sparse transmissivity data, the methodology supplements the limited field data. Presented herein is an approach for estimating parameters of PPM honoring the objectives of refinement of the transmissivity (T) interpolation and the model calibration. The parameters are the locations and number of pilot transmissivity points. The location parameter is estimated by defining a qualifying matrix Q comprising weighted sum of the hydraulic head-sensitivity and the kriging variance fields. Whereas the former component of Q promotes the model calibration, the latter one leads to improved T interpolation by locating pilot points in un-sampled tracts. Further, a three-stage methodology is proposed for an objective determination of the number of pilot points. It is based upon sequential upgradation of the Variogram as the pilot points are added to the data base, ensuring its convergence with the head-based optimal Variogram. The model has been illustrated by applying it to Satluj-Beas interbasin wherein the pumping test data is not only sparse, but also unevenly distributed.

The main focus of this article is on the war-stricken ecology of World War II and the notable role played by Indian women as Air Raid Precaution Wardens. They gave their unmatched services in the air raid–prone areas and earned a name. However, until the close of the war, they were reduced to not more than 'comfort women' for British officers and soldiers. Simultaneously, the article explains how the women's influential roles are sidelined by giving too much preference to the topic such as rape, abduction and war crimes against women. The critics and historians remain busy in criticising other armies on the atrocities inflicted upon women by them. The conclusion exposes the double standard of the academic world: first, they criticise Japan over the issue of 'comfort women', but they close their eyes towards Indian women. The article explains how the British too exploited Indian women, but they remain hidden from the eyes of critics due to their gentlemen status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]