Projects
Isolation of phloem-specific promoter for tissue-specific expression of lectin genes in plants for insect resistance
May 1, 2000 to April 30, 2003
| Completed Project
@ Isolate and characterize phloem-specific promoters such as sucrose synthase promoter from B. juncea and Arabidopsis @ Carry out deletion analysis of the cloned promoter sequence to identify the core-promoter sequence @ Perform genetic transformation of B. juncea with snow drop lectin gene under the control of CaMV35S and phloem-specific promoters
Coal in India's future energy scene
May 1, 2000 to December 31, 2002
| Completed Project
Estimate short- and long-term (till 2020) demands for coal based on a combination of econometric techniques and process models along with a consumer perception survey covering such sectors as power, iron and steel, cement, fertilizer, aluminum, and brick.
Regulatory framework for water services in the state of Gujarat
April 17, 2000 to February 28, 2001
| Completed Project
@ Identify and suggest changes in the existing legislations to facilitate private investment @ Develop an enabling regulatory framework to facilitate private sector involvement @ Suggest measures to promote competition @ Develop a policy framework for tariff-regulation @ Develop a framework to protect consumer interests
Development of biomass gasifier-based crematorium
April 1, 2000 to January 31, 2003
| Completed Project
@ Carry out literature survey and collect secondary data @ Design laboratory prototype for proof of concept @ Finalize field prototype unit through laboratory trial testing @ Fabricate and field-install the system @ Field-test and demonstrate the system @ Finalize design of gasifier-based crematorium system
Introduction of AMF (arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi) as biofertilizers and soil-structure stabilizers for sustainable agriculture
March 1, 2000 to May 26, 2005
| Completed Project
The main objectives of this project are to: to initiate and establish an Indo-Swiss collaboration in a network of institutions, with a focus on beneficial plant-microbe interactions at the root-soil interface, a topic relevant for the development of sustainable agriculture;
Design, development, and testing of low temperature solar desalination system
March 1, 2000 to December 24, 2003
| Completed Project
@ Develop a prototype of low-temperature multi-stage stack desalination system for rural and industrial application @ Fabricate and test the prototype unit after carrying out computer simulation
Population, water, and quality of life
March 1, 2000 to February 28, 2002
| Completed Project
Study the pressures of demographic trends on water availability and the impacts of water stress on the quality of life @ Conduct at the national level a macro assessment of the impacts of population growth on water resources to identify critical states/districts
Assessment of hydrogen fuel supply option in India
March 1, 2000 to September 30, 2000
| Completed Project
Assess the cost and potential magnitutde of hydrogen available in India from various sources such as chloralkali facilities and conversion of fossil fuels and biomass for operating fuel-cell buses.
Environmental and social performance indicators and sustainability markers in minerals development: reporting progress towards improved health and human well-being
February 1, 2000 to February 1, 2002
| Completed Project
The specific objectives of this project were: Joint refinement of the conceptual framework of health and well-being in order to enable the construction of intercultural tools in minerals development;