Publications

A new scenario framework for Climate Change Research: scenario matrix architecture

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

This paper describes the scenario matrix architecture that underlies a framework for developing new scenarios for climate change research. The matrix architecture facilitates addressing key questions related to current climate research and policy-making: identifying the effectiveness of different adaptation and mitigation strategies (in terms of their costs, risks and other consequences) and the possible trade-offs and synergies.

A new scenario framework for climate change research: the concept of shared socioeconomic pathways

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

The new scenario framework for climate change research envisions combining pathways of future radiative forcing and their associated climate changes with alternative pathways of socioeconomic development in order to carry out research on climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation. Here we propose a conceptual framework for how to define and develop a set of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) for use within the scenario framework.

A novel in vitro whole plant system for analysis of polyphenolics and their antioxidant potential in cultivars of Ocimum basilicum

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Plants are an important source for medicinal compounds. Chemical screening and selection is critical for identification of compounds of interest. Ocimum basilicum (Basil) is a rich source of polyphenolics and exhibits high diversity, therefore bioprospecting of a suitable cultivar is a necessity. This study reports on the development of a true to type novel "in vitro system" and its comparison with a conventional system for screening and selection of cultivars for high total phenolics, individual polyphenolics, and antioxidant content.

Accelerated Deployment of Smart Grid Technologies in India - Present Scenario, Challenges and Way Forward

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

The idea behind 'Smart Grid Vision for India' is to transform the Indian power sector into a secure, adaptive,sustainable, and digitally enabled ecosystem that provides reliable and quality energy for all with active participation of stakeholders. Realizing the growing importance of Smart Grid technologies in the Indian power sector, very recently Ministry of Power, Government of India on the recommendation of India Smart Grid Task Force (ISGTF) has shortlisted fourteen (14 Nos.) Smart Grid pilot projects that are planned to be executed in power distribution sector in India.

Adoption of cleaner cookstoves: Barriers and way forward

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Globally 2.6 billion people, representing around 38% of the total population, depend on solid biomass fuels to meet their basic energy needs for cooking. While rural communities are shifting to modern fuels such as LPG and electrical energy for cooking, the International Energy Agency estimates that, in the absence of new policies, the number of people relying on solid biomass will increase to over 2.7 billion by the year 2030 because of population growth, calling for a higher adoption rate of improved biomass cookstoves.

AFLP markers for analysis of genetic diversity and structure of teak (Tectona grandis) in India

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Five AFLP primer combinations (E-AAC x M-CAT, E-AAC x M-CTG, E-ACA x M-CTC, E-ACA x M-CTA, E-ACC x M-CTA) were employed for analysis of genetic diversity, differentiation and structure of 96 genotypes of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) from ten natural locations of India. The analysis of the AFLP marker data by both versions, i.e. Gst and ? of F statistics showed almost a similar trend due to the outcrossing nature of teak. The primer combination E-AAC X M-CAT detected maximum polymorphism in teak genome.

Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated hairy root induction in Daucus carota

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Hairy root culture is a product of genetic transformation of plants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Hairy root cultures are capable of growing unlimited in hormone free culture media and have several other properties- fast growth, genetic and biochemical stability so, it can be used as model root system for Phytoremediation. Some bioactive compound are also extracted from hairy root culture and used for removal of pollutants from environment. The objective of this work was to develop hairy root culture of Dacaus carota.

An Analysis of the Structure and the Determinants of Intra-industry Trade in Agri-food Products: Case of India and Selected FTAs

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

The growing evidence of intra-industry trade (IIT) in integrated markets has provided sufficient justification for trade in countries with similar endowments. While several studies have been undertaken looking at manufacturing and industrial goods, this article analyzes the structure and determinants of trade in agri-food products between India and members from its selected Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)—the South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Analyzing the Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Framework for Implementation of REDD-Plus In India

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Forests are a vital national resource, with global concern, having local importance related to livelihood of people living in and around the forests. Conservation of forests is a traditional practice among the people, depending on forest for their sustenance and livelihood needs. In this context, the paper reviews the policy, regulatory and institutional framework of forest governance in India. The gaps in the policy, regulatory and institutional framework are identified. The paper suggests directions for policy interventions to overcome the gaps identified.

Applicability of Energy Saving Obligations to Indian electricity efficiency efforts

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

This paper investigates end-use electricity efficiency policies and DSM related aspects within the Indian electricity sector. This work also identifies lessons for India from White Certificate schemes and Energy Saving Obligations in the UK, France and Italy. These two analyses aim to identify lessons which are applicable for a utility based energy saving obligation scheme within India. Most relevant results and recommendations are that an obligation is suggested, that no elements should be simply copied and that standardization could offer benefits to the Indian context.