Publications
Exploring the nature of rural energy transition in India :Insights from case studies of eight villages in Bihar
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of rural energy transition in cooking options in India. Although India is aiming to achieve a double-digit economic growth, a large share of rural households still rely on firewood for cooking which not only has serious repercussions of increasing indoor pollution but also has a concomitant adverse effect on women and child morbidity and mortality. However, transition to clean energy options like improved cookstoves for these households may not be necessarily linear.
Import Dependence and Food and Nutrition Security Implications: The Case of Pulses in India
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Pulses are the staple sources of protein for Indians and contribute significantly to their nutritional security. However, limited growth in domestic production, has led to India's increased import dependence. India's import of pulses almost doubled in the last ten years and is currently estimated to be more than 3 million tonnes. Imports account for 15 to 20 per cent of total domestic production. The article presents the factors behind stagnating pulses production, India's vulnerability to pulses import shortage and thereby food security implications.
Measuring Satisfaction of TERI Research Fraternity towards Competitive Advantage: An analytical survey of News-based Information Service.
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
TERI has been providing News-based Information Services for a very long time. Various types of NEWS items are selected for the research fraternity. Some of the NEWS items are required to sensitize the current issues in the field of Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development. TERI LIC has been aggregating Business Opportunities also, based on which TERI researchers can develop proposals and seek business from the market.
Respiratory signs and symptoms of a rural subpopulation in India: What do they tell us?
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The study estimated the prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions among the cooks exposed to the burning of solid biomass cooking fuel. Questionnaire-based survey and lung function tests were administered to capture the self-reported respiratory health symptoms and lung health respectively. The estimated prevalence of chronic bronchitis was 3.14%,4.84%, 7.09%, 10.91% for 26–35, 36–45, 46–55, 56–65 years age group respectively.
Solar-Based Decentralized Energy Solution-A Case of Entrepreneur Based Model from Rural India
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
In India one of every three rural households depends on kerosene based lighting systems that are characterized by low illumination and hazardous smoke. Given the existing and foreseeable gap between demand and supply, universal modern energy access can only be achieved in the short to medium term through a combination of grid and off-grid approaches. The paper presents a case study of solar photovoltaic based micro-grids (generating 75 W–1 kW) used to meet basic lighting requirements of 30 rural communities during peak demand hours (6–10 pm).
Synthesis and swelling characteristics of chitosan and CMC grafted sodium acrylate-co-acrylamide using modified nanoclay and examining its efficacy for removal of dyes
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Chitosan/carboxy methyl chitosan (CMC) grafted sodium acrylate-co-acrylamide/nanoclay superabsorbent nanocomposites have been synthesized in this study by following conventional and microwave assisted grafting methods. Microwave assisted grafting method showed higher grafting yield with enhanced reaction rate. Effect of nanoclay on water adsorption and swelling behaviour of both the composites in acidic, neutral and alkaline medium has been studied. Results showed enhanced swelling rate and water adsorption of both composites after adding 5% of silane treated nanoclay.
The Challenges and Issues associated with the Promulgation of the Environmental Norms as Mandated by the MOEF&CC on 7th December 2015
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has notified the revised standards for coal-based Thermal Power Plants in the country, with the primary aim of minimizing pollution. These standards are proposed to be implemented in a phased manner. Thermal power plants are categorized into 3 categories, namely those:- (i) Installed before 31st December, 2003 (ii) Installed after 2003 upto 31st December, 2016 and (iii) Installed after 31st December, 2016.
Challenges Ahead: WTO and Food Security
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
At the forthcoming World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Argentina, the global community must address real subsidies in agriculture rather than a theoretical construct on the measure of support that also includes impacts of subsidies in rich countries and the tariffs that are duly allowed.
Acidic Potassium Permanganate Chemiluminescence for the Determination of Antioxidant Potential in Three Cultivars of Ocimum basilicum
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Ocimum basilicum, a member of the family Lamiaceae, is a rich source of polyphenolics that have antioxidant properties. The present study describes the development and application of an online HPLC-coupled acidic potassium permanganate chemiluminescence assay for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of antioxidants in three cultivars of O. basilicum grown under greenhouse conditions. The chemiluminescence based assay was found to be a sensitive and efficient method for assessment of total and individual compound antioxidant potential.
Agricultural Trade in South Asia: How important are the Trade Barriers?
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Greater intra-regional trade in agricultural goods by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers is often considered to be a good way of promoting rural development and improving food security in South Asia. Openness to trade of agricultural sector varies across South Asian countries, yet agricultural trade plays a crucial role as, in many countries, its share in exports is reasonably high, apart from the fact that most of them are net food-importing countries.