Research Papers

Renewable Energy Programs for Rural Electrification: Experience and Lessons from India

Palit Debajit , Sarangi Gopal K
| 2014

Grid electrification has been the predominant mode for electrification covering almost 94.5% of the inhabited area in India. However, renewable energy based off-grid technologies have also been disseminated extensively in the country. This paper attempts to capture the development of off-grid rural electrification through renewable energy in India and analyses the experiences and lessons, which can contribute for the better program designing and policy making.

Renewable Energy based Mini-grids for Enhancing Electricity Access: Experiences and Lessons from India

Palit Debajit, Sarangi Gopal K
| 2014

Conventional grid extension has been the predominant mode of electrification in India. However, renewable energy based mini-grids have also been used for providing electricity access in remote areas, forested habitations, and islands. This paper, based on extensive literature review, interview with key stakeholders, and field visits to selected sites, captures the nuances of renewable energy based mini-grid developments in India.

Remembering the forest while viewing the trees: Evolutionary thinking in the teaching of molecular biology

Saraswati Sitaraman, Sitaraman Ramakrishnan
| 2014

Given the centrality of evolutionary theory to the study of biology, we present a strategy for reinforcing its importance by appropriately recontextualizing classic and well-known experiments that are not explicitly linked with evolution in conventional texts. This exercise gives students an appreciation of the applicability of the theory of evolution in diverse contexts, including those where it is not explicitly mentioned.

Regulated Marketing in India in the Period of Reforms: Redundant or Useful

Ghosh Nilabja , Vadivelu G Ananda
| 2014

Regulated marketing is only a transitory stage in the evolution of agricultural markets. With economic reforms, the role of government is desired to be curtailed and as a response, several models of marketing are found to be emerging at the all India level. Based on primary data and insights collected from different parts of the country we argue that it is imperative that regulated marketing survives and continue to function as of now but recognizing the importance of technology, freedom of choice and the advantages of shortened channels, some rethinking may be required.?

Reforming LPG and Kerosene Subsidies: Short-term priorities and long-term ambitions

Joshi Madhura, Ramakrishnan Anjali
| 2014

A detailed study on the impact of re-alignment of subsidies on fuels used by the masses revealed that the move did help in eliminating hoarding and black- marketing of the subsidised fuels, but it also brought out the level of dissatisfaction among the beneficiaries with regard to the scheme as a whole.

Rapid, efficient and high-performance protocol for Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris

Khandual Sanghamitra , Reddy Pallavolu Maheswara
| 2014

A rapid, efficient and high-performance transformation protocol employing Agrobacterium rhizogenes was developed for the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris. In this study, we examined competencies of various protocols to induce and explants that respond to hairy root transformation in bean plants. Utilizing young seedlings with severed radicles/hypocotyls, we developed a highly efficient procedure for achieving hairy root transformation frequencies as high as 100% as visualized by GUS reporter gene expression system.

Random forest classification of urban landscape using Landsat archive and ancillary data: Combining seasonal maps with decision level fusion

Ghosh A, Sharma R, Joshi P K
| 2014

Mapping landscapes in a rapidly urbanizing region can contribute significantly to quantifying, monitoring and understanding the complex process of urbanization. However, mapping such urban areas is a challenging task due to issues of spatial heterogeneity and dynamic land use practices. In this study we propose an operational mapping algorithm using multi-season Landsat and ancillary data with minimum image pre-processing and limited training samples. The methodology was applied to produce a detailed land use land cover (LULC) map of National Capital Region of India.

Preliminary feasibility evaluation of solar thermal power generation in India

Sundaray Sudhakar , Kandpal Tara C
| 2014

Results of a preliminary techno-economic appraisal of solar thermal power generation at three locations in India are presented. The study uses System Advisor Model developed by NREL, USA. The results of the study provide useful insight into (a) selecting appropriate reference direct normal irradiance for design of solar thermal power plants, (b) identifying suitable combinations of solar multiple and hours of thermal?energy storage and (c) cost reduction potential. The parabolic trough technology is used for exemplifying?the procedure for this purpose.

PMMA-cellulose acetate phthalate nanocomposites reinforced with silane-treated nanoclay

Manjunath L, Sailaja R R N
| 2014

A blend of cellulose acetate phthalate with 8 poly (methyl methacrylate) has been developed by 9 reinforcing it with silane-treated nanoclay. In order to 10 enhance interactions between the nanoclay and blend 11 components, maleic anhydride was added as the 12 coupling agent. The mechanical properties were 13 enhanced and were further analyzed by theoretical 14 models. The thermal properties and water absorption 15 characteristics were also assessed.

Photochemical roles of rapid economic growth and potential abatement strategies on tropospheric ozone over South and East Asia in 2030

Chatani S, Amann M, Goel Anju, Hao J, Klimont Z, Kumar Atul, Mishra Arabinda, Sharma S, Wang S X, Wang Y X, Zhao B
| 2014

A regional air quality simulation framework including the Weather Research and Forecasting modelling system (WRF), the Community Multi-scale Air Quality modeling system (CMAQ), and precursor emissions to simulate tropospheric ozone over South and 5 East Asia is introduced. Concentrations of tropospheric ozone and related species simulated by the framework are validated by comparing with observation data of surface monitorings, ozone zondes, and satellites obtained in 2010. The simulation demonstrates acceptable performance on tropospheric ozone over South and East Asia at regional scale.