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• Decoupling of GDP from all energy sources under multiple principles are examined. • World economy achieved weak energy decoupling in most years during 2000–2011. • World economy coupled with coal use and tended to couple with cleaner energy use. • None of studied economies achieved long-term GDP-embodied energy decoupling. • Decoupling delusions occurred when only considering direct and total energy use. Decoupling indicators are widely used to understand links between economic growth and energy use. However, traditional decoupling analyses mostly focus on domestic energy consumption (i.e., the production-based principle) and neglect off-site energy use across global supply chains to satisfy an economy's final consumption (i.e., the consumption-based principle). Moreover, analyses for total primary energy conceal an economy's preference for different energy sources. Therefore, this paper evaluates decoupling states of GDP from all types of primary energy use under consumption-based principle, for world economy and eight typical economies during 2000–2011. Regarding total primary energy, world economy witnessed weak decoupling in most years, and most economies studied (e.g., USA, Japan and China) achieved decoupling initially but performed negative decoupling finally. For EU, USA, Japan, Russia and India, production-based decoupling performances were generally better than consumption-based ones. Decoupling phenomena detected under production-based principle even became coupling or negative decoupling under consumption-based principle in some cases. As for each energy source, world economy decoupled from oil use, but still coupled with coal use, and gradually showed a trend to couple with natural gas and renewables use. Different energy sources showed distinct decoupling degrees from GDP, affected by individual embodied energy requirement structure. This paper uncovers potential energy decoupling delusions to deepen the understanding of relationships between energy use and economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prior appropriation rights have played a unique role in expansion of Greater Mumbai since the 1970s. • Institutions play a key role in the evolution of resource geography in large metropolitan regions in Asia. • Contestation around water has intensified given the new emphasis on urbanization and industrialization in India. Animating the contemporary politics of water governance in India is a combination of institutional path dependence and a neo-liberal restructuring that has extended the ability of Indian cities to establish new forms of water entitlement in rural and peri-urban areas. This paper explores the politics of rural–urban water conflicts that are occurring in this changing political context. Building upon Schlager and Ostrom's conceptualization of operational and collective choice rules, it examines the role of agrarian institutions (primarily in the form of land rights) in shaping the politics of rural–urban water transfers in Mumbai and Chennai, two of India's largest and fastest-growing cities. By doing so, it makes the case that Mumbai's ability to secure water entitlement has been facilitated by an institutional legacy of prior appropriation that has been applied in a context of weak and limited tribal authority over land and resources. Chennai by contrast has become far more dependent upon the commodification of water in the form of quasi-market and allocation contracts, reflecting the riparian rights of commercial farmers in the Chennai region. The paper generates theoretical and empirical insights about the ways in which variations in urban and agrarian institutions affect the politics of rural–urban water allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing demand of automotive products and over-consumption of natural resources compel the manufacturers to implement the Extension of Useful Life (EUL) methodology of automotive products through remanufacturing. Remanufacturing is a process in which the original functionality of End-of-Use (EoU) or End-of-Life (EoL) product is restored and the remanufactured product is treated as good as a new product. In spite of these advantages, remanufacturing is still not so popular and organized in developing countries like India. The developing countries encounter several problems in strategic, tactical and operational level of management while implementing the remanufacturing business option. In this paper attempts have been made to identify both the enablers and the barriers in managing business of EUL products through remanufacturing in India. Subsequently the structural relationships among the enablers and barriers have been modelled in this paper. Initially an extensive literature review is carried out to identify the factors depicting the enablers and barriers. Then, Fuzzy Interpretive Structural Modeling (FISM) is applied to develop and evaluate the structural relationships among the identified factors. The application of FISM helps in understanding the effect of major enablers and barriers in extending useful life of automotive products through remanufacturing. The outcome of FISM based analysis shows that low cost, price sensitive market, cheap labour cost, and fast turnaround are the major enablers for OEM in initiating EUL business practice through remanufacturing, whereas the major barriers are lack of proper design of product, stringent foreign trade policy, cannibalization of new product, lack of proper remarketing strategies, lack of reverse network design, lack of proper maintaining the database of the customers, seller reputation and identity. The analysis is further enriched by MICMAC technique, which leads to getting an insight on the significance of the dependence and driving power of both the enablers and barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Permeability and pore structure of the porous concrete mix was checked with over burnt brick aggregate. • A nonlinear relationship was obtained between permeability and porosity of porous mix. • Minimum permeability for single sized and dense graded aggregate was found to be 0.5 cm/s and 1.4 cm/s, respectively. • An increase in aggregate size leads to the increase in permeability. • Kozney-Carman model for permeability is modified for over burnt brick aggregate. The scarcity of regular construction material has always been a challenging concern in some of the North-Eastern states of India like Tripura. To meet this inordinate shortage, brick aggregate has earned an immense attention due to its availability and low cost. The main purpose of this paper is to correlate the pore structure and hydraulic conductivity of the porous concrete matrix using brick aggregate to meet the insufficiency of conventional aggregates. Pervious concrete pavement, due to its eminence as an eco-friendly pavement system, has become an emerging technology in the developed and developing countries. In this paper, a series of pervious concrete mixes are made with over burnt brick aggregate and the porosity and permeability are evaluated. Water-cement ratio, aggregate size and the presence of fine aggregate in the porous mix are chosen as the mix variables and their contributions in controlling the permeability is quantified. A relationship is then drawn between permeability and the pore features considering the relative mean pore size and pore tortuosity. A modified Kozney-Carman model for pervious concrete is also developed using the investigational test results and the predicted equations. The predicted values and the developed relationships provide a very good agreement with experimental test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The state-of-practice in planning, designing, and conducting freight surveys leave much to be desired, even in the era of big data analytics. This paper addresses this issue by providing a comprehensive, yet, inexpensive integrated data collection framework for conducting establishment-based freight survey (EBFS). The paper demonstrates the application of the proposed framework by implementing it in eight cities across two geographically dissimilar states of India. This is the first freight survey of its kind in terms of scale and scope in developing countries, where there is no established practice in freight data collection. Guidelines are suggested for overcoming challenges in EBFS such as: (a) efficient allocation of survey resources within budgetary constraints; (b) effective survey instrument design for reducing the respondent burden; (c) determination of sample size requirements and the expected number of sampling units to be contacted (d) development of sampling strategies using sampling frames with limited auxiliary information; and (e) data collection strategies to improve response rates. The heuristics for allocation of survey resources are mathematically formulated and predicted using the web-based survey responses obtained from planners of past surveys. Trade-off scenarios between different components of survey resources (money, time, and manpower) are presented to enable the planners to arrive at a suitable EBFS design for meeting research requirements within resource constraints. Analysis of results suggest that the response rates for EBFS are largely linked to the physical characteristics of commodities and city demography. The discussions provided on resource allocation, survey instrument design, sampling design, pilot surveys, interviewer training, response rate improvement strategies, and data processing are expected to guide for best practices in future surveys. In sum, the literature synthesis, case-study illustrations, and the proposed framework for EBFS design are expected to strengthen the state-of-practice of EBFS by making the rigorous random sample surveys less expensive, more systematic, and in turn, replacing the need to opt for convenience samples. Highlights • A structured synthesis of establishment freight surveys (EBFS) is presented and insights are drawn. • An integrated comprehensive framework is proposed for planning, designing, and conducting EBFS. • Guidelines and tools provided for resource allocation, survey instrument design, sampling and data collection strategies. • Survey design framework is implemented, and findings are reported for two dissimilar states in India. • Survey response rates found to be influenced by physical characteristics of commodities and city demography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We present evidence on short and long-term impact of the COVID-19 crisis on India's rural youth. • A third of those in salaried job lost their jobs, and half of those who worked out of state returned home after the lockdown. • While many male workers took up informal employment, most female workers dropped out of the labor force. • Using RCT, we find that a government-supported digital platform had no effect on job search intensity or employment. This paper presents evidence on the short and long-term impact of the COVID-19 crisis on India's rural youth. We interviewed about 2,000 vocational trainees from Bihar and Jharkhand three times after the first national lockdown in 2020, between June 2020 and December 2021. We find that a third of respondents who were in salaried jobs pre-lockdown lost their jobs, and half of those who worked out of state returned home shortly after the lockdown. We report a stark difference between men and women: while many male workers took up informal employment, most female workers dropped out of the labour force. In the second part of the paper, we use a randomised experiment to document the effects of a government-supported digital platform designed to provide jobs to low-skilled workers. The platform turned out to be difficult to use and publicised only few job ads. We find no effect on job search intensity or employment. Our findings suggest that bridging the gap between rural young workers and urban formal labour markets requires more active and targeted policy interventions, especially for female workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, some misuses of Kappa statistic in the original paper [Chemosphere, 307, 135831] are discussed. By using DRASTIC and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) models, the authors have assessed the groundwater vulnerability of Totko, India. High nitrate concentrations in groundwater have been found in highly vulnerable areas, and the accuracy of the models has been assessed through Pearson's correlation coefficient and Kappa coefficient. However, using Cohen's Kappa to estimate the intra-rater reliabilities (IRRs) of the two models is not appropriate on the condition of ordinal categorical variables in five categories in the original paper. We briefly introduce the Kappa statistic and propose to use weighted Kappa to compute IRRs under such conditions. To conclude, we recognize that this does not significantly alter the conclusions of the original paper, but it is necessary to ensure that the appropriate statistical tools are used. [Display omitted] • Cohen's Kappa assesses IRR for 2 or ≥3 unordered categorical variables categories. • Weighted Kappa measures IRR for ordered categorical variables with ≥3 categories. • Fleiss' Kappa evaluates IRR for three or more raters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes and applies a novel interdisciplinary framework to study peri-urban land use dynamics in India, which is theoretically embedded in the concepts of land use transition, land change science and neoliberlisation of nature. The framework is operationalised by a mixed methods approach cutting across scale and time to provide a comprehensive understanding of land use transitions. The paper proves the applicability of land use transition theory in India by establishing that the core state Delhi is in the "urbanised/industrialised" stage of land use transition, whereas the peripheral states are in a transition from "frontier" to "agricultural" stage of land use transition. The paper also provides evidence for different political economy-derived logics of nature's neoliberalisation. Field visits as well as expert and household interviews uncover a nexus between the state, civil society and economy in exploitation and degradation of natural resources for their vested interests. The use of local and global open access data in the framework makes it transferable to similar regions of the Global South facing data constrains. • Interdisciplinary framework is applied to India's land use transition analysis. • Theoretical approach is embedded in land change science and political economy. • Mixed methods approach cutting across scale and time is applied. • Stages of land use transition trajectory are detected for peri-urban areas in India. • Urban expansion is faster than population growth and depleted arable land and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the present scenario of automation activities of university libraries in Kerala. The survey findings mainly cover various aspects of library automation such as information technology infrastructure, in-house activities, information services and their usage, manpower development, and budget. The paper briefly describes the role of INFLIBNET Centre in accelerating the automation activities of university libraries, especially in the context of the recently introduced UGC-lnfonet programme. The problems encountered in this process are identified and possible suggestions are stated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inactivated viral vaccines have long been used in humans for diseases of global health threat (e.g., poliomyelitis and pandemic and seasonal influenza) and the technology of inactivation has more recently been used for emerging diseases such as West Nile, Chikungunya, Ross River, SARS and especially for COVID-19. The Brighton Collaboration Benefit-Risk Assessment of VAccines by TechnolOgy (BRAVATO) Working Group has prepared standardized templates to describe the key considerations for the benefit and risk of several vaccine platform technologies, including inactivated viral vaccines. This paper uses the BRAVATO inactivated virus vaccine template to review the features of an inactivated whole chikungunya virus (CHIKV) vaccine that has been evaluated in several preclinical studies and clinical trials. The inactivated whole CHIKV vaccine was cultured on Vero cells and inactivated by ß-propiolactone. This provides an effective, flexible system for high-yield manufacturing. The inactivated whole CHIKV vaccine has favorable thermostability profiles, compatible with vaccine supply chains. Safety data are compiled in the current inactivated whole CHIKV vaccine safety database with unblinded data from the ongoing studies: 850 participants from phase II study (parts A and B) outside of India, and 600 participants from ongoing phase II study in India, and completed phase I clinical studies for 60 subjects. Overall, the inactivated whole CHIKV vaccine has been well tolerated, with no significant safety issues identified. Evaluation of the inactivated whole CHIKV vaccine is continuing, with 1410 participants vaccinated as of 20 April 2022. Extensive evaluation of immunogenicity in humans shows strong, durable humoral immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term performance monitoring and characterization of field-exposed solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are essential for efficient power generation. This paper is an attempt at performance evaluation of the amorphous silicon (a-si), Heterojunction Intrinsic Thin layer (HIT), and Multi-Crystalline (mc-si) technologies after twelve years of outdoor exposure in the composite climate of India. Characterization techniques such as Visual Inspection, Infra-Red (IR) Thermography, Electroluminescence (EL) Imagining, and Electrical characterization have been carried out. I–V measurements, power losses, current degradation, and voltage degradation calculations are carried out. The percentage of electrical decline is 8.61%, 2.73%, and 29.08%, for Isc, Voc, and P MP respectively in a-si solar modules. For HIT modules 1.97%, 0.68%, and 0.48% for Isc, Voc, and V MP respectively. Finally, for the mc-si PV modules, these are 3.76%, 0.5%, and 1.44% for Isc, Voc, and P MP respectively over 12 years. The average degradation rates are found to be 1.24%/year, 0.14%/year, and 1.50%/year for a-si, HIT, and mc-si modules respectively. The EL imagining of the a-si modules shows the localized shunt over the surface of the modules as well as disconnected cell interconnects whereas no such defects are over the m-ci and HIT modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-response is unavoidable in any disaggregate-level survey efforts where information is sought from individuals. There is a strong need to understand the contributing factors of non-response behavior in freight surveys as there is very little information on what sort of establishments respond positively to survey inquiries. To meet this research gap, this paper analyzes the non-response behavior in an establishment-based freight survey (EBFS) conducted in Kerala, India. The analysis involves usage of five prominent classifiers: classification trees, random forests, Naïve Bayes classifier, logistic regression and K nearest neighbors. A closer look at the results revealed that the industrial classes handling commodities with high value density (machinery, electronics and electrical equipment, other manufacturing products, textiles) exhibit high non-response probability for freight surveys. This may be explained in terms of the limited logistic information shared by establishments handling high valued products due to less attention given to logistics strategies. Another reason could be that the amount of capital and opportunity costs tied up with these commodities are high, and therefore, their information tend to be more proprietary in nature. The analysis also reveals that the location of establishment plays a modest, yet, noticeable effect on non-response behavior. The establishments from cities located closer to Ports with high per-capita income are less likely to respond to survey requests, possibly due to the higher opportunity cost for time and increased concerns of intrusion into privacy. Finally, the comparison of ROC curves suggests that KNN algorithm is most suitable for modelling non-response behavior. These models are expected to be useful for developing sample weighting schemes and targeted incentive strategies that can improve the state of practice of freight data collection in middle-income countries like India. The study findings are expected to be useful for developing more elaborate and dynamically responsive survey designs for EBFS, in which sample recruitment strategies can be adapted real time during data collection. This study also informs policymakers that the apparent trends in non-response, if not arrested, are likely to weaken the validity of inferences drawn from estimates based on EBFS and undermine, perhaps fatally, the potential of EBFS to guide facility planning and policy interventions. • Study findings demonstrate a critical sampling problem that is often overlooked in freight surveys. • First research to investigate the underlying patterns in EBFS non-response. • Establishments handling high valued commodities are likely to be underrepresented in EBFS samples. • Establishments in cities closer to Ports with high per-capita income show reduced response propensity. • ROC curves suggest that KNN algorithm is most suitable for modelling non-response behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rooftop building-applied photovoltaics (BAPV) systems for educational institutes. • Experimental verification of weather parameters influenced BAPV soiling rates. • Seasonal variation of dust deposition rates on rooftop BAPV in composite climates. • The energy lost due to soling on BAPV system and associated costs. • Logical test based optimum cleaning frequencies for rooftop BAPV system in India. As one of the pioneers in solar photovoltaic (SPV) installations, India has witnessed several challenges related to performance; dust accumulation is one among them which needs attention. On the other side, most installers and SPV system owners do not have informed knowledge of dust accumulation rates (DAR) and optimum cleaning frequencies (OCF). It is also a well-known fact that DAR varies based on the SPV system (e.g., ground-mount, roof-mount, building applied/attached, building integrated and many other types). Hence, this paper analyses the effect of soiling specific to rooftop building-applied photovoltaics (BAPV) systems, and the main objective is to estimate the OCF driven by DAR. A rooftop BAPV system installed in India's composite climate zone is chosen as a case study, and its daily performance is monitored. Also, the on-site DAR is measured with micro slides help each day. It is observed that the system has different DAR for different seasons, clearly showing the relationship between energy outputs and DAR. The annual average daily deposition rate of dust was measured as 0.122 gm/m2/day. The maximum soiling loss of 0.39%/day was recorded in spring, followed by 0.34%/day in winter. The minimum soiling loss of 0.24%/day was measured in monsoon owing to heavy rainfall. The rooftop BAPV optimum cleaning frequency has been determined based on the energy lost due to soiling and cleaning cost. Overall, this study reveals that the rooftop BAPV system needs cleaning twice a year, first in spring and second in winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the share of weather-dependent renewables in the electricity grid is essential to deeply decarbonize the electricity system. Wind and solar "droughts" or low generation days can severely impact grid stability in a renewable-rich grid. This paper analyzes for the first time wind, solar, and hybrid energy-droughts in India using a stochastic weather generator. Available literature analyze the observational data that is of limited duration (30–40 years). Therefore, discussion of low-probability high-impact renewable energy-droughts that have long return periods (in the range of 30 years) is limited in the literature. The present study seeks to address this research gap by exploring the risk of wind, solar, and wind-solar powered energy-droughts based on simulated long time series (5000 years). It is found that the weather generator captures mean, seasonality, and correlation between wind speed and solar irradiance and is therefore used to estimate return periods of extreme wind and solar-droughts. Our analysis shows that wind-droughts are more intense than solar-droughts in India. We examine the role that wind-solar hybridization can play in offsetting low wind energy episodes. The benefits of hybridization are regionally dependent. In South India, hybrid plants have advantages over either wind or solar plants alone. In comparison, for Rajasthan, the benefits of hybridization are limited. When one of the regions (South India or Rajasthan) has a renewable drought, the other region has only a 10% probability of having a similar drought. Our findings highlight the need for having robust inter-regional grid connections to mitigate regional level renewable droughts. • Stochastic weather generator (long timeseries) is used for drought analysis. • Wind-droughts are more intense than solar-droughts over India. • Wind-solar hybridization reduces drought intensity more effectively in South India. • Incentives for hybrid plants should be region specific. • Hybrid energy droughts are complementary between regions (south and west India). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the possibilities of a small-scale floating solar PV integrated Pumped Storage Hydroelectric (PSH) system in India, where a subsidized Time-of-Day tariff is employed. Finding and utilizing new reservoirs and water bodies in hilly areas for electrical energy storage and renewable energy integration is vital for more extensive renewable energy exploration. Prior studies in India have not explored the possibility of integrating floating solar PV systems with small-scale PSH systems. PSH systems and floating solar PV systems are modeled from fundamental relations. Objective function and constraints are formulated based on the operating conditions of the system and the grid energy tariff in India. The levelized cost of solar energy and the levelized cost of stored energy is estimated to analyze the economic aspects of the proposed system. For optimal scheduling, developed a linear programming solver-based optimization algorithm. In addition, this study utilized particle swarm optimization for optimal sizing of the system. The results of this study validate the feasibility of the proposed method. Economic savings of floating solar PV resulted in a levelized cost of 0.8518₹/kWh, and the availability of existing cascaded reservoirs brought on a levelized cost of 4.2713₹/kWh for stored energy. Compared to the grid-alone system, the proposed system reduced the daily operating cost and loss of load probability. The proposed system performs economically in a subsidized static tariff environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrid is a promising way to integrate renewable distributed generation into the electric power sector, which has received widespread attention. In this paper, a uniform capacity-constrained optimization model under different power purchase and sale price contracts is developed to explore the optimal green investment strategy for grid-connected microgrid (GCM) with three configuration types. The impact of renewable energy source endowment and incentive policy is focused when macrogrid's generators emit more pollution than GCM's non-renewable generators, such as in China and India. The results show that: (1) GCM with renewable generation can only be invested in a site with relatively abundant renewable endowment; (2) carbon tax effectively promotes the deployment of GCM with renewable generation and achieves carbon emission abatement, but excessive carbon tax cannot incentive investment in the most desired GCM type; (3) a subsidy trap is found under feed-in tariff (FIT) subsidy, which implies that the fade-out or exit of FIT subsidy is beneficial for microgrid's healthy development; (4) and the comparisons under different price contracts emphasize the importance of macrogrid providing non-discriminatory access to feed-in and feed-out services to microgrid. • Investment strategy is explored for grid-connected microgrid (GCM) with three types. • Renewable source endowment and incentive policy determine the investment for GCM. • Excessive carbon tax cannot incentive investment in the most desired renewable GCM. • The fade-out or exit of FIT subsidy is beneficial for healthy GCM deployment due to the subsidy trap. • Emphasizing the importance of macrogrid providing non-discriminatory services to GCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to the livelihoods of rural households, especially in developing countries. The reverse migrated workers faced the most economic crisis. They have created additional pressure on local resources and opportunities to maintain their livelihood. In this connection the agriculture-livestock-forestry nexus plays a significant role by providing them livelihood opportunities. This paper attempts to understand the resource use patterns during the post-COVID period, and analyse the impact of agriculture-livestock-forest nexus on household income diversification and poverty reduction. The present study uses a novel approach to fulfil the objectives of the study. A well-designed survey was conducted to collect the necessary primary data from sixteen sample villages of West Bengal, India. The scientific design of the survey and data collection procedure is maintained. Moreover, geospatial techniques are used to examine the land use and land cover patterns of the study areas. The econometric models are estimated to inspect the role of agriculture-livestock-forest nexus and household characteristics on household level income diversification and the reduction of poverty. Our analysis reveals that a significant number of the sample households depend on agriculture, livestock and forestry to maintain their livelihoods. The reverse migration of workforce has created additional pressure on these activities. This is mainly due to non-availability of other non-farm employment opportunities locally. The analysis of econometric models shows that while engagement in different activities of the primary sector makes income diversified, it is more so when the households possess necessary technologies, skills and financial supports. All of these are crucial given that income diversification helps households to overcome of poverty. The intricate web of the agriculture-livestock-forestry nexus serves as a critical source of livelihood for a substantial number of households, yet the challenges and opportunities it presents necessitate targeted policy interventions. Enabling technology transfer, fostering skill development, and extending financial support emerge as key measures to diversify rural livelihoods, thereby fostering sustainable rural development and poverty reduction in the post-pandemic landscape. The integration of socioeconomic data and geospatial satellite information offers an invaluable basis for formulating effective policy strategies in this evolving era. [Display omitted] • Examines the agriculture-livestock-forest nexus and its impact on income diversification during the post-COVID period. • Analysing resource use and livelihoods with primary data, geospatial and econometric methods. • Technology transfer, skill development, and financial aid boost rural income diversification. • Socio-economic and satellite data integration aids in crafting impactful policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in environmental awareness and personal well-being has led to a shift in menstrual product preferences. This research, focusing on women from India, utilizes a mixed-methods approach underpinned by the Push-Pull-Mooring (PPM) framework to investigate the transition from sanitary napkins to menstrual cups. Data from 894 menstrual product users from India were analyzed utilizing PLS-SEM. The study found that health concerns and perceived costs were significant push factors, while minimalism and environmental considerations acted as pull factors. However, social stigma and perceived complexity served as mooring factors. This study extends its practicality to product manufacturers, marketers, and health educators, providing actionable strategies to promote menstrual cups with the aim of surmounting prevailing hindrances. The outcomes underscore the importance of this transition in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) — thereby underlining its contribution to the environmental sustainability narrative and cleaner production ethos. • This pioneering study utilizes the Push-Pull-Mooring (PPM) theory and a mixed-method approach to investigate the switch from traditional sanitary napkins to menstrual cups. • Pull factors, including health concerns and perceived cost-effectiveness, are found to be influential in attracting users to menstrual cups. • Users are driven away from traditional sanitary products by push factors such as environmental considerations and a desire for minimalism. • The switch, however, is impeded by mooring factors like social stigma and perceived complexity in using menstrual cups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, there are 2 billion 'informal' workers, who lack access to social protection while facing profound health risks and socioeconomic exclusions. The informal economy has generated most jobs in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), but few studies have explored informal workers' complex health vulnerabilities, including in the face of climate change. This paper will discuss recent action-research in Indore (India), Harare, and Masvingo (Zimbabwe) with informal workers like vendors, waste-pickers, and urban farmers. We conducted qualitative interviews (N = 110 in India), focus group discussions (N = 207 in Zimbabwe), and a quantitative survey (N = 418 in Zimbabwe). Many informal workers live in informal settlements ('slums'), and we highlight the interrelated health risks at their homes and workplaces. We explore how climate-related threats—including heatwaves, drought, and floods—negatively affect informal workers' health and livelihoods. These challenges often have gender-inequitable impacts. We also analyse workers' individual and collective responses. We propose a comprehensive framework to reveal the drivers of health in the informal economy, and we complement this holistic approach with a new research agenda. Our framework highlights the socioeconomic, environmental, and political determinants of informal workers' health. We argue that informal workers may face difficult trade-offs, due to competing priorities in the face of climate change and other risks. Future interventions will need to recognise informal workers' array of risks and co-develop multifaceted solutions, thereby helping to avoid such impossible choices. We recommend holistic initiatives to foster health and climate resilience, as well as participatory action-research partnerships and qualitative, intersectional data-collection with informal workers. • Climate change is exacerbating many risks to informal workers' health and livelihoods. • WASH access may foster gender equality and decent work, while tackling heat stress. • Policymakers can partner with informal workers to create inclusive, multi-pronged interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the growing significance of solar energy, the paper presents the findings of the maiden study on the long-term seasonal performance assessment of three PV module technologies—monocrystalline (m-Si), polycrystalline (p-Si), and amorphous silicon (a-Si) housed in a 1 MW solar plant installed at a local steppe climate in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India using the key performance indicators (KPIs), daily power generation, final yield (Y f), reference yield (Y r), total energy loss (T EL) and performance ratio (PR). Notably, the am-Si PV modules were found to be the best performing technology, with an average PR of 71.26% and the lowest average total energy loss of 631 h during the monitored period. Moreover, PV systems have become more popular as a source of green, clean energy; yet, they have low base-load energy sustainability. Explainable AI (XAI) aids in understanding predictions made by the machine learning models. The importance of XAI lies in the comprehension and trust which is embedded into the results of machine learning algorithms. Therefore, the present work builds a comprehensive XAI model for predicting KPIs and assesses the performance of several learning algorithms using R-value, MAE, the number of iterations, and execution time. The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm predicts the KPIs for p-Si, am-Si, and m-Si with prediction accuracies of 98.63%, 98.58%, and 90.09%, respectively. In summary, this study not only advances our understanding of PV module performance in a steppe climate context but also contributes to the broader field by integrating an XAI model for transparent and reliable predictions of the KPIs. [Display omitted] • Comparison of m-Si, p-Si, and a-Si PV modules in a 1 MW solar plant, Gandhinagar, India, showed long-term performance. • a-Si PV modules outperformed with a 71.26% PR and the lowest 631 hours energy loss, surpassing m-Si and p-Si technologies. • Study underscores XAI's role in ML predictions, developing a robust model to predict KPIs and evaluate learning algorithms. • Levenberg-Marquardt showed high accuracy: 98.63% for p-Si, 98.58% for a-Si, and 90.09% for m-Si PV modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper argues that sustainable Smart Cities cannot be delivered by profit-driven visions, but through a process that integrates the diverse aptitudes and needs of the city stakeholders. The study uses mixed methods to examine democratic participation in governance and the emerging notion of Smart City Citizenship in the context of India. Benchmarking and assessment of 21 smart cities reveals the existing participatory processes being "tokenistic" and a substantial deficit in democratic stakeholder participation mechanisms. A deeper assessment in Kochi and Nagpur exposes the existing barriers to citizen participation and reveals that the capacities of capable stakeholders and citizen groups can be channelised more effectively. This study promotes advancing the notion of 'citizenship' beyond the market to the commons. It suggests transforming urban governance into a more accountable and collaborative governance model with a stronger role and power to local government, residents, and democratic stakeholders. • Benchmarking and assessment of 21 smart cities and case studies of Kochi and Nagpur reveal that the existing participatory processes being "tokenistic" and a substantial deficit in democratic stakeholder participation mechanisms • The cities need to break the barriers of bureaucracy, corruption, marketisation, and capacity limitations. • This study promotes advancing the notion of 'citizenship' beyond the market to the commons. • The study suggests transforming urban governance into a more accountable and collaborative governance model with a stronger role and power to local government, residents, and democratic stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the world has witnessed a sudden rise in population and rapid urbanization. This has led to an increase in the water demand and consequently an upsurge in wastewater. Water scarcity, coupled with untreated wastewater, has become a major concern throughout the world. Municipalities are challenged with the task of treating wastewater and meeting domestic, agricultural, and industrial demands. Mismanagement of wastewater results in economic, social and environmental loss. The high concentration of population, lack of sanitation and water security, reduced awareness, and evident pollution have made India a home full of opportunity and innovation in the wastewater management (WWM) business. The paper gives a comprehensive review to understand the wastewater management and business approach. The research uses Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) to identify, acknowledge, and interpret the major factors for the stakeholders and for future companies who wish to venture into the wastewater management business. The study provides insight into developing a circular economy solution and gives a vivid framework highlighting the relevant factors for a successful WWM business. The study also provides direction to the practitioners who are involved in the WWM industry and helps evaluate their options, prioritizing resource-efficient solutions. [Display omitted] • Develop a strategy for an efficient wastewater management business framework. • Identifying the factors crucial for the success of a wastewater management business. • An integrated multi-attribute interpretive structural decision approach is proposed. • Provides a pragmatic business framework with dependent and driving factors. • Managerial implication & policy insights for implementing the model are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite several research evaluating the connection between sustainability and the bottom line of firms, the existing research is inconclusive. In addition, most studies focus on multinational firms based in the United States or Europe, while research in the context of emerging economies is scant. This paper endeavours to investigate the strength of the association between Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure scores and the financial performance of 272 Indian firms listed on National Stock Exchange for the period 2015 to 2021 by employing panel data regression techniques. The results indicate that organisations having better ESG performance outperform their industry peers financially and are valued more by the market. Moreover, the data indicates that financial markets for lenders consider ESG disclosure when determining creditworthiness. In accordance with this, businesses can examine their operations and become more aligned with eco-friendly methods. Even though ESG disclosure appears to be associated with improved financial success, this is not the case across all industries and during COVID-19 pandemic. This study is relevant due to the growing significance of sustainability and the role of emerging nations in international commerce. It helps managers prioritize resource allocations to ESG-related activities that may affect financial performance differently across industry sectors, thus adding to the literature on the financial effects of ESG disclosures, particularly industry-specific aspects. This research represents a pioneering effort by assessing the impact of ESG disclosure on the profitability, market value, and cost of financing of Indian firms using both aggregation and disaggregation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the emerging landscape of Industry 5.0, the integration of innovative technologies such as Cognitive Digital Twins (CDTs) is pivotal for steering industrial processes towards sustainability and inclusivity, particularly in developing nations striving to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study explores the transformative capabilities of CDTs in Industry 5.0, concentrating on India's quest for inclusive and sustainable industrialization in alignment with SDGs. The inclusion of the TOE-HOT framework enriches the research's analytical foundation, providing a nuanced perspective to investigate the multifaceted dynamics of technology, organization, environment, and human aspects within the sphere of industrial evolution. By employing the Best-Worst Method (BWM), Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM), and MICMAC analysis, the study delves deep into the synergies between industrial strategies, technology, and sustainable development. The findings reveal the paramountcy of the Technological Dimension, emphasizing CDTs strategies like real-time optimization and data analytics, which are instrumental in dynamically adjusting manufacturing processes and fostering alignment with market demands. The research also stresses the roles of various CDTs strategies like strategic alignment, change management, job security, skill augmentation, and environmental compliance in industrial sustainability and inclusivity. The paper concludes with invaluable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, emphasizing the necessity for a holistic, interconnected approach to fully harness the potential of CDTs in realizing the aspirations of Industry 5.0 and contributing to India's sustainable industrial advancement by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of soybean cultivation in the world augurs well for achieving SDG2 of promoting sustainable agriculture, ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving nutrition. India started promoting soybean cultivation in the 1970s to combat dietary protein deficiencies and augment smallholders' incomes. However, soybean yield remains low and plateaued at one ton per hectare for the past three decades. This paper leverages a large primary dataset and explores the speed of soybean varietal change by applying survival functions and analyzing determinants of varietal turnover time employing a dynamic framework and harnessing duration analysis. The results show that adopting leading soybean varieties has reached saturation and that policy intervention can have an immediate impact. The weighted average age of soybean varieties in farmers' fields is relatively high at 15.6 years, implying a slower varietal change rate. The lack of improved varieties with desirable traits, poor information flow, and growers' preference for traits beyond yield-hamper faster varietal substitution. Further, analysis indicates regional variations in driving the speed of varietal replacement. The findings have significant implications for spurring soybean yields through investments in varietal development, leveraging modern molecular methods for long juvenility and photo-insensitivity, disseminating information, and institutional changes enabling the private sector participation in crop breeding. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding depositional history through evaluation of lithostratigraphic units, e.g., a Formation, is often incomplete, as identification of a lithostratigraphic unit solely includes rocks with identical lithological attributes within the basin-fill succession. Re-assessment of sedimentary successions in a sequence stratigraphic framework, irrespective of established lithostratigraphy, portrays more complete depositional history by correlation of genetically-linked deposits across the basin. In this backdrop, the present paper re-examines the nature of transition between two lithostratigraphic units from the Permian Lower Gondwana succession, viz., the coal-bearing Barakar Formation and the overlying non-coaliferous Barren Measures Formation, from the West Bokaro Basin in peninsular India. The transition is conformable, but conjectural in terms of its proper demarcation on outcrops. In-depth facies analysis of the uppermost part of the Barakar Formation and the lowermost part of the Barren Measures Formation demarcates continuous deposition under a fluvio-marine interactive estuarine condition with significant tide and wave influences. A high resolution sequence stratigraphic model signifies part of a 3rd order transgression (a transgressive systems tract, TST), implied by overall continuous fining-up succession with more marine influences towards the top. Within the 3rd order TST, demarcation of 4th order systems tracts, viz., a lowstand systems tract (LST), multiple transgressive systems tracts (TSTs) and a highstand systems tract (HST), defined by hemicycles with distinct stratal stacking patterns and bounding surfaces, signify fluctuations in the net accommodation due to short-term changes in base level and sediment supply. Such fluctuations point to the prevalent autogenic and allogenic forcings in the Permian Gondwana basins in peninsular India. • · Evaluation of lithostratigraphy in a sequence stratigraphic framework improves the understanding of basin-fill successions. • · Formation-scale cyclicities formed by autogenic and allogenic factors, base level changes and net accommodation. • High-resolution sequence stratigraphy of Permian Gondwana lithounits signify conformable, 3rd order transgressive estuary. • Kungurian-Guadulupian sea level rise, opening of Neo-Tethys along India-Australia margin modified Gondwana paleogeography [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wall-Frames are appropriate structural system for hospital buildings. • Yield strain limit state of rebar monitored for evaluating Occupiability performance. • Atleast overall 3% SPD should be provided in Wall – Special Moment Resisting Frame. • Minimum column-to-beam strength ratio of 2 is recommended for hospital buildings. In the aftermath of earthquakes, hospital buildings are expected to remain occupiable to treat the injured. For the purpose, firstly, an appropriate structural system that ensures no or limited structural damage should be provided in such buildings; wall-frames are the recommended structural systems in hospital buildings. Secondly, it is also essential to adequately design wall-frames to help meet the preferred Occupiability seismic performance. The work presented in this paper examines the contributing factors for failure of structural elements in hospital buildings and explores structural configuration and design strategies for mitigating these failures. Nonlinear analyses studies of a typical hospital building in high seismic region in India are carried out to help provide quantitative guidelines for: (a) Structural Plan Density (SPD) of structural walls, and (b) design parameters, for achieving the preferred performance. Displacement-based limit state of structural damage adopted from traditional displacement demand estimation rules is proposed. Lateral stiffness, strength, and ductility are evaluated of study buildings, and efficacy of results obtained from nonlinear static analyses confirmed by performing nonlinear time history analyses in commercial software PERFORM 3D. Results demonstrate inadequacy of moment frame structural system in hospital buildings under strong earthquake shaking, identifies optimum overall SPD of structural walls and relative column-to-beam strength ratio of frame members, required to achieve Occupiability. A minimum 3% SPD of structural walls in Wall – Special Moment Resisting Frame (WSMRF), 4% SPD in Wall – Ordinary moment resisting frame (WOMRF) hospital buildings, and a minimum column-to-beam strength ratio (CBSR) of 2 is required in hospital buildings to attain Occupiability performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nettle (Urtica spp.) is a well-known plant species regarded as a weed in an agricultural system. The fibers extracted from nettle possess excellent thermal and mechanical properties. In order to advance crop variety selection and the creation of natural fiber composites, this review paper describes the phytochemical composition, botanical description, cultivation and retting strategies, medicinal significance, and composite properties of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). A thorough summary of morphology, anatomy, and taxonomy of stinging nettle is given in the botanical description section. The phytochemical composition of stinging nettle is addressed which contributes to the plant's extensive therapeutic benefits. Nettle's cultural and medicinal significance in India is also discussed, with examples of its traditional applications in Ayurvedic medicine and local cultural practices. The growth techniques, harvesting methods, and fiber extraction procedures are discussed which are crucial in improving crop yields and getting high-quality fibers for composite manufacturing. The application of this information to crop variety selection and the creation of composite materials made of natural fibers have enormous promise for the development of sustainable products across a range of sectors. In order to maximize the advantages provided by stinging nettle as a valuable plant resource, future research should keep exploring the various potential usage. [Display omitted] • Detailed review of Nettle (Urtica spp) phytotomy and its applications for product development. • Description of the phytochemical composition, cultivation, and retting strategies. • Description of medicinal significance and therapeutic benefits. • Detailed information about crop variety selection and composite materials made of natural fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature has highlighted the existence of a gap in clean fuel usage between the social groups in most emerging nations across the world, which is detrimental to global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 (access to clean energy) and SDG 10 (reducing inequalities) and just energy transition with recognition justice. This paper, assesses the clean fuel gap across social groups in India using three rounds of representative data (2004, 2014, and 2018) by applying the logit model, exogenous switching treatment effect regression (ESTER), and the Blinder–Oaxaca Decomposition Model. Such an analysis is instrumental in identifying the clean energy usage gap and its causes, thereby providing insight to policymakers to design policies to achieve just energy transition and carbon neutrality by 2060. The results show a substantive clean fuel gap between social groups in India, which is a cause of concern for just energy transition. Clean energy utilization gaps among social groups are alarming across geographical locations and consumption quartiles, highlighting the importance of recognition justice for just energy transition. The results show that in rural areas, only 19.6 % of the General Caste households and 14.5 % of the disadvantaged social groups (Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Other Backward Class) in quartile one use clean energy, while in urban areas, the shares are 60.4 % and 46.3 %, respectively. To achieve a just distribution of the benefits of energy transition, energy policies should focus on disadvantaged social groups and simultaneously target General Caste households from a lower economic status and those residing in rural areas, indicating the need for targeting the neglected regions. [Display omitted] • Clean energy use has steadily increased among all social groups in India, indicating some improvement in energy justice. • Clean energy access gap among social groups has declined, but this gap still persists. • Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are the most disadvantaged social groups in terms of clean energy. • All social groups from low-income families have limited access to clean energy. • All social groups from households with low education have limited access to clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between social diversity and state-provided public goods is a central political economy problem. This paper highlights how status inequality is a distinct political channel when diverse groups are spatially segregated. Social status impacts citizens' ability to petition the state successfully and modulates state favoritism or discrimination. We use data from nearly 600,000 Indian villages to show that caste-based status inequality modifies the effect of diversity on local public goods politics. Diversity only negatively impacts local public goods in units where lower-caste groups are numerically preponderant. Such diversity deficit is further amplified when higher-caste groups numerically dominate larger administrative units and lower-caste groups are segregated. • We revisit the theoretical and empirical relationship between status-inequality and development, at a local scale. • We show that when local units are dominated by lower-status groups, public goods are negatively associated with diversity. • The association reverses when higher-status groups are numerically preponderant. • We also show that spatial segregation modulates diversity-development association much to the detriment of low-status groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present contribution analyses the Smart City Mission launched in the year 2015 in India from an institutional perspective and examines how it is mobilized for coordinated action. Relying on theoretical guidance provided by Ostrom's (2005) 'Institutional Analysis and Development' (IAD) framework and González-Arellano's (2022) and Scott's (2008) formulation of 'Institutional Construction of Futures of Cities', we analyse a corpus of empirical data to suggest that SC has historical precedents in the way it is institutionalized. Further, to substantiate our findings, a structured literature review of empirical contributions (34 nos.) within the SCOPUS database is undertaken. In conceptual terms, the anticipatory praxis of Smart City Mission leverages the institutional structure of doing flagship programmes and a cultural-cognitive affirmation of neutrality in data-driven governance. The initiative blurs the political city as the action arenas of structuring SC initiatives at the local levels lack operational rules to construct desired outcomes. The paper argues for a need to make the action-to-outcome linkage legible and endow agency to participants to act and control the outcomes by framing collective choice rules. Strengthening action arenas at the city level emboldens the capacity to envision collaborative futures and bridge the gap between anticipation and experience. • The flagship architecture inscribes longstanding socio-spatial inequalities and constrains the collective agency • Smart City Mission blurs the political city at the local levels due to lack of action-outcome linkages • Disproportionate power is vested with the process holders (bureaucrats/consultants) to delineate Smart City outcomes • Smart City Mission valorizes neoliberal ethos and a strong centralized state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a developing country like India, large fungating breast cancers are not uncommon. This causes much deterioration in the quality of life attributed to the pain, growth of maggots, bleeding and discharge from the tumor. Surgery is often not feasible, and chemotherapy hardly brings any response in such aggressive lesions. Our initial results were presented in the last two consecutive ASTRO conferences. Our first paper showed the feasibility and safety of extreme hypo-fractionated radiotherapy (8 Gy weekly x 5 fractions) while the second one compared the toxicity and response outcomes of 40 Gy (8 Gy weekly x 5 fractions) versus 24 Gy (8 Gy x 3). This paper presents the long-term local control and survival rates between the two groups. A total of 54 patients were enrolled in the study. 24 patients received 5 fractions of weekly 8 Gy to the involved breast, while 30 patients received 3 fractions of the same dose. Early and late toxicities were assessed using RTOG toxicity criteria and Harvard 4-point cosmesis respectively. All patients were planned with tangential photon beams, ensuring that the lungs and the heart are outside our treatment field. Out of the fifty-four patients, 45 (83%) patients were upfront metastatic, while the remaining were unresectable post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Thirty-eight (70%) of the patients were hormone receptor-negative, 23 (42%) patients were Her 2 Neu positive which were almost equally distributed between both arms. Overall, 44 patients (81%) had extensive skin involvement including ulcerations, fungating mass, extensive peud' orange and satellite nodules. All these patients were treated with bolus over the skin. The median largest size was 8cm (3.3cm-16cm). 25 patients (46%) succumbed to their disease, within a year of treatment, as expected in such an aggressive cohort. As reported earlier, 52% of the patients had greater than grade 2 dermatitis in the 40 Gy arm versus none of the patients who had dermatitis grade 2 or above in the 24 Gy arm (p=0.051). Again, as reported earlier, the cosmesis was significantly worse in the 40 Gy arm with 25 % of patients reporting fair or poor cosmesis as compared to none in the 24 Gy arm (p=0.052). Nine (37%) progressed in the 40 Gy arm, versus 16 (53%) in the 24 Gy arm with a median progression-free survival of 11.3months versus 13.6 months, favoring the arm with 40 Gy (p=0.04). There was a trend to increased overall survival in the 40 Gy arm (25 months versus 18 months), although this was not statistically significant (p=0.5). This unique study compares two novel high doses of palliative radiotherapy for fungating, unresectable and chemo-resistant malignancies of the breast. The 24 Gy regimen can be safely used, with minimal concerns of toxicity and cosmesis. Although the toxicities and deterioration of cosmesis were higher for the 40 Gy arm, the statistically significant local disease control may warrant the use of this higher dose which may be individualized based on the size and nature of the lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farm debt waivers which are meant to be a one-time settlement of loans have become common in India. This paper finds, after controlling for variables related to farming distress, that the timing of waiver announcements by state governments between 2001-02 and 2018–19 is associated with the timing of elections. This points toward a pattern of policy manipulation that suggests election-year targeting of the largest special interest group in India, namely farming households. The debt waivers, either announced as policies by incumbent governments prior to upcoming elections or as election pledges by political parties which are fulfilled after winning elections, are unanticipated shocks to government revenue expenditure. We find that the waivers are associated with an increased revenue deficit, which is accommodated by a nearly 1/3rd cut in capital outlay to control the fiscal deficit, given the presence of a fiscal rule. Given its path dependence, lower capital expenditure also reduces the quality of government spending in subsequent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the strategies for achieving sustainable development goals is to close the gap between environmental vulnerability and economic progress (SDGs). The significance of renewable energy in harmonizing environmental and economic conditions is becoming a touchy subject in current debates. Against this backdrop, the major objective of this paper is to assess whether economic growth and environmental sustainability can promote renewable energy consumption in the Indian economy by using ARDL and Novel Dynamic ARDL estimation techniques. The results obtained from both the methodology shows that rising efficiency in the economic growth coupled with environmental sustainability leads to an increase in renewable energy consumption. We also find, from the frequency domain causality test, that there is a unidirectional causality between renewable energy consumption and economic growth & renewable energy consumption and environmental sustainability in both the short- and long run. The former causation validating the conservation hypothesis for the Indian economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes an alternative measure of accessibility in the rural setting. The proposed measure has two major components: proximity and the 'magnitude of supply' of the distributed varied opportunities within a particular range from the rural inhabitations. Accessibility to major development parameters, health, education, and communication infrastructures being measured and validated with the cross-sectional data. The principal component of 'accessibility,' proximity to opportunities, and availability of mobility are manipulated to obtain the accessibility measure of all the inhabited rural settlements and being aggregated at subsequent hierarchy levels sub-districts and districts, the basic planning and policymaking unit in the Indian context. District-level indicators of education and health validate the measure by multivariate stepwise regression analysis. The distribution pattern being analyzed spatially to rationalize the measure would capture and identify the gaps in the infrastructure. The measure is census-based, simple in terms of communicability, cost-effective, undemanding of data, and an effort towards addressing the magnitude of supply of opportunities based on physical planning criteria. • Short-distance walk rural accessibility. • Spatial and dimensional analysis of rural accessibility. • A supply-based cumulative accessibility measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper takes a closer look at two significant mass-based feminist movements in India – Slutwalks and Nirbhaya agitation. Key questions guiding this paper are – why did Slut Walk Delhi, characterized as a 'movement' against victim blaming and sexual harassment fail to build momentum despite attempts at mobilization? What changed a year later that made Nirbhaya agitation a 'successful mobilization'? In exploring these questions, the paper interrogates the tactics, discursive politics, and impact of these mobilizations on contemporary Indian women's movement; and argues that they mark an important moment of foregrounding debates on affirmative sexuality. • This paper critically studies Slutwalks & Nirbhaya Agitation within the contemporary Indian women's movement. • These two movements address the issue of sexual harassment and gender discrimination, albeit in different ways. • Together, these movements are laying claims to urban public spaces & hold the potential to surpass discourses of protection/safety. • However, as the paper finds they are simultaneously marked by a distancing from a vocabulary of politics of sexuality. • The paper also explores their repertoire of tactics & their role in reinvigorating the feminist discourse in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Rock characterization methods suggested for blast pull optimization and overbreak reduction. • Allowable peak particle velocities during blasting were suggested for minimizing overbreak in different rock classes. • Optimum round lengths of excavation for top heading in different rock classes are proposed. • Blast pull and sequence of excavation in varied rock classes should be optimized from time cycle and overbreak viewpoints. • Method of charging of perimeter holes is also suggested for different round lengths for reduced overbreak. Abstract Tunnelling is the sole means of providing access for transportation, water conveyance in hydropower, mining of minerals, etc. Hydropower alone contributes to about 19% of the commercial energy needs of India and construction of hydroelectric power projects to meet these needs involves huge amounts of tunnelling through varied rock mass conditions. This necessitates identifying methods of tunnelling that are cost-effective, suited to varied geology and yet rapid to commission the projects in place of continuous excavation systems like TBM and Roadheader which are geology sensitive, costly and completely imported thus constraining their smooth adaptation. Mechanized drilling and advanced blasting techniques are the most often used methods of excavation of tunnels in India and in other countries for rapid and cost effective tunnelling, which depends, to a large extent, on the blast performance. Among the outcomes of any blasting operation, pull or advance achieved per blast and blast-induced excavation damage are of major concerns. It is essential to limit the blast-induced damage so as to control time and cost overruns in an underground project more so in varied geology. This paper discusses determination of optimum round lengths of excavation in varied rock classes as well as controlling overbreak in tunnelling. The sequence of excavation, requirements for both top heading and bench are also addressed. It has been observed from the past experiences that round lengths up to 5 m are practiced in rock class I and as the class improves to VII, the pull attempted reduces to about 1 m. Since charging of perimeter holes contributes to overbreak in underground excavations, a thorough analysis of the design of blasting pattern and scheme of charging for minimizing overbreak has been suggested. Characterization of ground through seismic imaging coupled with ground vibration monitoring has been suggested to control blast – induced rock damage and also arrive at optimum charges. As evident in this paper, characterization of the ground is the most important step towards rapid tunnelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Our paper explores the link between women's self-help groups and public entitlements. • It further examines the effect of SHG membership on social networks and mobility. • Empirical strategy employs matching methods to correct endogeneity of SHG membership. • Using data from rural India, we find that SHG members are more politically engaged. • SHG members are more likely to know of certain public entitlements than non-members. • SHG members are also more likely to avail of these public entitlement schemes. • SHG members also have wider social networks and greater mobility than non-members. Abstract Women's self-help groups (SHGs) have increasingly been used as a vehicle for social, political, and economic empowerment as well as a platform for service delivery. Although a growing body of literature shows evidence of positive impacts of SHGs on various measures of empowerment, our understanding of ways in which SHGs improve awareness and use of public services is limited. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper first examines how SHG membership is associated with political participation, awareness, and use of government entitlement schemes. It further examines the effect of SHG membership on various measures of social networks and mobility. Using data collected in 2015 across five Indian states and matching methods to correct for endogeneity of SHG membership, we find that SHG members are more politically engaged. We also find that SHG members are not only more likely to know of certain public entitlements than non-members, they are significantly more likely to avail of a greater number of public entitlement schemes. Additionally, SHG members have wider social networks and greater mobility as compared to non-members. Our results suggest that SHGs have the potential to increase their members' ability to hold public entities accountable and demand what is rightfully theirs. An important insight, however, is that the SHGs themselves cannot be expected to increase knowledge of public entitlement schemes in absence of a deliberate effort to do so by an external agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Precession-forced change in insolation has driven de-intensification of the Asian Monsoon systems during the Holocene. Set against this backdrop of a weakening monsoon, Indus Civilisation populations occupied a number of urban settlements on the Ghaggar-Hakra plains during the mid-Holocene from 4.5 ka until they were abandoned by around 3.9 ka. Regional climatic variability has long been cited as a potential factor in the transformation of Indus society, however there remain substantial gaps in the chronological framework for regional climatic and environmental change at the northern margin of the Thar Desert. This makes establishing a link between climate, environment and society challenging. This paper presents 24 optically stimulated luminescence ages from a mixture of 11 fluvial and aeolian sedimentological sites on the Ghaggar-Hakra floodplain/interfluve, an area which was apparently densely populated during the Indus urban phase and subsequently. These ages identify fluvial deposition which mostly pre-dates 5 ka, although fluvial deposits are detected in the Ghaggar palaeochannel at 3.8 ka and 3.0 ka, post-dating the decline of urbanism. Aeolian accumulation phases occur around 9 ka, 6.5 ka, 2.8 ka and 1.7 ka. There is no clear link to a 4.2 ka abrupt climate event, nor is there a simple switch between dominant fluvial deposition and aeolian accumulation, and instead the OSL ages reported present a view of a highly dynamic geomorphic system during the Holocene. The decline of Indus urbanism was not spatially or temporally instantaneous, and this paper suggests that the same can be said for the geomorphic response of the northern Thar to regional climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Addressing environmental concerns alongside economic development and energy transitions is a challenge for all countries and effective policy making requires approaches that can balance all these concerns. In this paper, combining a range of modeling methodologies is proposed as a way of addressing these questions in an integrated manner. The choice of models to be used would depend on the specific characteristics of the system and region being studied. One possible combination of models is discusses in this paper for the specific case of India. The Integrated Modeling Framework (IMF) proposed combines three modeling approaches – i) index decomposition to estimate impacts of structural changes in the economy, ii) constrained optimization to estimate least cost fuel options for the power sector, iii) input-output analysis to estimate economic impacts. The model results indicate that the mode of investment for climate change mitigation is a significant determinant of the impact on economic growth, incomes, and income distribution in India. In some scenarios, higher investments in green energy negatively affects low income households significantly more as compared to other households. The paper also demonstrates how the IMF can be used to determine the reasons for and therefore alleviate the negative impacts. Highlights • An Integrated Modeling Framework (IMF) combining three modeling methods is presented. • IMF built for India, but applicable for other developing countries also. • IMF useful to study balance between energy, environment, economy, and equity. • Negative trade-off between equity and renewable energy transition in some scenarios. • IMF useful for identifying ways to alleviate the negative trade-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Physical, Regulatory and Brand value risks due to climate change challenges are foreseen by businesses globally. This paper is oriented towards these challenges and prepared a comprehensive Greenhouse gases (GHG) footprint plan and identification of mitigation opportunities for ONGC, a fortune 500 and national oil company of India. Internationally recognized standards and guidelines like Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO-14064, and American Petroleum Institute compendium have been referred for quantifying carbon emissions in nearly real 400 + operation control facilities. The GHG inventory is based on Operational Control approach to identify the boundary for which emissions are to be quantified and two significant scopes of emissions viz Direct Emissions and Indirect Emissions are identified and quantified. The quantification concluded that GHG emission footprint for the year 2016–17 is in the range of 9 million tons of CO 2 equivalent. GHG emissions mainly account due to stationary combustion, fugitive emissions and wastewater treatment, which share the around 56% of total emissions. Another 24–26% of emissions are contributed due to flaring, processes by glycol dehydrator, acid gas removal units, and by electricity purchased from the grid. As a result, it has been found that ONGC emits 187 kg CO 2 e emissions per tonne throughput and also compared with its global peer organizations. At the organization level, "Key Industrial Sites" have been identified as contributing higher GHG emissions and accordingly key "hot-spots," a list of 15 GHG mitigation opportunities have been proposed in the paper. Two GHG mitigation initiatives based on solar energy and bioenergy application undertaken at ONGC has also been briefed on case studies. Highlights • Comprehensive carbon footprint plan and identification of mitigation opportunities for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a fortune 500 and national oil company of India. • Guidelines like Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO-4064 and American Petroleum Institute compendium are referred for quantifying carbon emissions from direct and indirect sources. • Green policy, incentives and mandatory compliance. • CO2e emissions per tonne throughput and also compared with its peer global organisations. • Key hot-spots, with a list of 15 GHG mitigation opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has embarked on an ambitious highway development program to significantly improve interstate road transport connectivity. Between 2000 and 2015, total length of India's national highway network has nearly doubled and 4 + lane share of the national highways has increased from 2 to 20%, along with associated improvements in safety and surface quality. National highway development is considered as a tool to promote employment growth by stimulating economic activities and attracting foreign investments. As India's central government continues to increase budget allocations for national highway projects in anticipation of generating more jobs, this study empirically investigates whether past investments can be linked to employment growth. I analyze changes in non-agricultural private sector employment over a 10-year period (2003–2012) across 25 states in response to changes in the density (lane-km per unit area) of national highways, controlling for other factors affecting employment. Using a series of static (pooled ordinary least squares, random-effects and fixed-effects) and dynamic (random- and fixed-effects with first-order autoregressive or AR(1) disturbances, and system GMM or generalized method of moments) panel regressions, I find that 10% increase in national highway density in India is associated with 1–6% (depending on model specification and estimation approach) increase in private sector employment, all else equal. This paper provides first empirical evidence suggesting that India's national highway development efforts have produced positive employment benefits in the past. In addition to contributing to transportation planning scholarship, the findings are expected to inform policy-makers in India as they develop future highway investment plans aimed, in part, at economic development. This paper will also be useful to decision-makers in other developing countries with comparable policy environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary urbanization, as experienced in India, is accompanied by increasing motorization and commuting lengths. A spatially unequal distribution of employment opportunities leads to important differences between urban and rural areas. Making use of newly released data at the district level on home-to-work commuting, this article examines the determinants of commuting patterns in the largest rural-urban megaregion of India. This paper finds that short trips and non-motorized travel are still predominant in the region. The residents of higher-income districts more often choose to commute by private motorized modes, including cars, whereas residents of poorer areas are tied to non-motorized modes and public transport, and they often must commute longer distances. One problem seems to be the low provision of rail service in the region compared to roads, which is more pronounced in rural areas. Overall, the socio-demographic, economic, infrastructure and area-based variables help explain the variation in the commuting patterns. This paper emphasizes that policy aiming at sustainable future transport in the National Capital Region requires (i) a shift in government policies from promoting road-based transportation to promoting transit, (ii) the regional integration of rural and urban areas by public transport, and (iii) investment in the provision of rural transport (roads and rail network) for regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper analyses relationships between private supplementary tutoring and mainstream schooling in urban Maharashtra, India. The role of private tutoring progressively expands from the lower to the higher grades, and is especially visible in Classes 11 and 12 when it seems to supplant rather than supplement mainstream schooling. The paper notes the complex interplay of social, economic and educational factors in the shifting relationships, and has relevance not only for other parts of India but also other countries. The dynamics of private tutoring should be considered when conceptualising educational processes and devising policies for schooling, especially in relation to social inequalities and the efficiency of school systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of non-imaging collectors has a wide scope in process heat applications based on its performance and economics. An experimental investigation of trapezoidal/concave cavity surface receiver (TSR) for non-imaging solar concentrating collector is carried out in this paper. The implementation of surface/coil receiver instead of tubular receiver for non-imaging collector is presented in this paper. A TSR with helical coil is developed for non – imaging concentrating collector, Elliptical Hyperbolic Collector (EHC). Experiments are carried to estimate the thermal performance of the system under various operating conditions such as two operating modes: series and parallel modes of operation of the collector, two circulation modes: passive and active modes. The stagnation temperature of the trapezoidal/concave cavity surface receiver is measured to be 118 °C on a clear sunny day in October and 102 °C on a cloudy day in February. The daily performance tests are performed under different operating conditions. Based on the experimental study, for the flow rate of 0.03 kg/min and 0.5 kg/min, the fluid outlet temperature is estimated to be 87 °C at 768 W/m 2 and 49 °C at 908 W/m 2 respectively. The corresponding instantaneous efficiency was calculated to be 9% and 40% respectively. The numerical model is developed to predict the temperature of the fluid along the receiver. The pressure drop across a receiver is estimated to be 9.3 kPa for a flow rate of 0.5 kg/min. Exergy analysis of the system is carried out and it ranges between 10 and 20%. The costs involved in fabricating the EHC system are compared to that of a non-imaging concentrating collector (CPC) of same aperture area. An economic analysis of the system is also carried out to study the feasibility of the system based on the life cycle savings method by estimating the annual solar savings from the EHC system. The present system can be a suitable option for low and medium temperature process heat applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the countries of the Global South such as India, rapid urbanization and the increase in individual motorization may lead to a predominance of unsustainable commuting patterns. However, urbanization also has important positive effects, including the empowerment of women. This paper examines newly released, spatially disaggregated data on home-to-work commuting by non-agricultural workers in the National Capital Region of India. It aims to understand and compare commuting patterns in urban and rural areas, including choice of travel modes, commuting distances, and gender differentials. The results reveal a tendency observable in urban residents to use individual motorized transport more often both for short and for long trips, although the proportion of individual motorization is far from what it is in the industrial world. Rural areas are characterized by the predominance of non-motorized travel modes and a large share of long trips. The mobility gap between men and women does not appear to increase with literacy. In urban areas, women often choose to commute by car rather than using green modes of transportation (especially in higher-income districts). The paper stresses the importance of the area and gender differentials that need to be taken into account when formulating regional transport policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food regulation in a country is established with the core objective to protect consumer health. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has proposed the guideline on "Strengthening national food control systems (NFCS)" and developing capacity in the country to achieve food safety. The components suggested by FAO guideline is analyzed by obtaining opinion of stakeholders having significant role in NFCS such as government bodies, laboratories for official control and food business operator to determine their applicability in Indian context. The questionnaire based survey is conducted. The aim of this paper is threefold i) to identify the factors in Indian context which significantly impact NFCS using principal component analysis, ii) to analyze the expert opinion based on role of organization in food control system using hierarchical cluster analysis and iii) to identify the weak areas by proposing a knowledge deficit model. A total of six factors identified from this study which include Official Food Laboratories, Food Safety Inspection and Communication, Food Control System, Food Safety Database Management, Food Safety Legislation and Resource management. The comparative analysis of clusters provides diverse perception of experts based on their role and function in food control system at items of interest. This study provides the critical factors for NFCS and proposes deficit model with recommendations for future capacity building initiatives harmonized with the international requirements. A knowledge deficit model proposed in this paper identifies area of risk based approach, legislations for complete food chain, and information sharing and competent resources as essential. The research study provides a comprehensive recommendations for designing the future course of action for strengthening Indian food safety system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and communication technologies applied to education through e-learning innovative solutions emerge as a relevant driver of change in the publishing industry, involving not only the supply of new educational resources, but also a reduction of paper consumption used in the traditional book edition. The dual goal of this paper is, firstly, to identify sustainable business model archetypes that illustrate the behavior and potential growth of firms in the e-learning industry and, secondly, to provide evidence of the existence of these archetypes through the study of strategic actions and managerial perceptions in a case study of rapid internationalization in this industry. The analysis follows a two-stage method. First, the main behaviors of e-learning firms are identified and grouped in sustainable business archetypes and the research proposals defined. Then these proposals are applied to a case study of the e-learning industry. This analysis furnishes evidence to conclude that the alliance of software firms with publishers becomes a driver that allows e-learning firms to overcome some of the limits of their growth model and maintain sustainable business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues for the need to understand dowry-related abuse through a lens that focuses not only on micro-and meso-level gendered socio-cultural milieus and economic norms, but also on macro-level formal-legal structures and global power asymmetries. Based on life-history narratives of 57 women in India and 21 practitioner interviews, this paper documents a growing phenomenon whereby men who are resident in another country abuse their Indian-origin wives, appropriate their dowry and abandon them. While dowry-related abuse in such marriages is part of a continuum of domestic violence prevalent in South Asia and the South Asian diaspora, we explore how gender and migration intersect to exacerbate existing forms of violence against women and foster new forms of violence such as transnational abandonment. Gender-blind transnational formal-legal frameworks and gendered and transnational structural inequalities come together to construct transnational brides as “disposable women” who can be abused, exploited and cast aside with impunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we suggest how India can become atmanirbhar (i.e. self-reliant) in development of green energy technologies- solar, battery storage and green hydrogen, given its stated commitments in clean energy. First, we introduce a generalized policy design – a set of ten policy measures: seven necessary and three sufficient- with the former being on the supply side and the latter on the demand side. The paper argues that while the ideal policy mix would be technology dependent, based on technology maturity and the strategic positioning of the country, it should draw both from supply side (i.e., for domestic development) and demand side (i.e., for scale deployment). Then, we suggest the required individual strategies for each of the three technologies- such as a manufacturing focused policy for solar solely to develop competence in manufacturing; a bottom-up, manufacturing-led policy for battery storage with focus on deployment in parallel with technology development; and traditional top-down, research-led strategy for green hydrogen by entering via development through supply side and complementing via deployment through demand side. Finally, we compare these with the existing domestic energy industrial policies as well as those prevalent in other jurisdictions such as the US and China. • Create self-reliance for India in green energy technologies. • Develop generalized policy design with supply and demand side measures. • For solar, manufacturing focused policy for competence solely in manufacturing. • For battery storage, bottom-up manufacturing-led policy with deployment alongside development. • For green hydrogen, top-down research-led strategy where deployment follows development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]