Indian Environment Research Articles

An inquiry into queer experiences of regimes of morality in Indian schools: a phenomenological institutional ethnography

Previous studies indicate various atrocities against queer individuals in schools globally. However, no in-depth inquiries have been conducted into the experiences of queer individuals in Indian schools. A novel form of ethnography – phenomenological institutional ethnography (PIE) based on Schutz’s phenomenology of life-worlds and Smith’s institutional ethnography was devised to conduct a qualitative inquiry into the experiences of queer individuals. Participants included 19 queer individuals from different regions of India. Findings revealed five forms of disciplinary mechanisms in schools: regimenting through silencing, moral dictation, name-calling, public shaming, and physical abuse, which deleteriously affect the development of self-concept among queer individuals, and leads to experiences of alienation and inauthentic self-expression, guilty conscience and internalized homophobia, and compromised mental health and low self-esteem. Developing inclusive policies to provide a supportive school environment in India for the queer population is suggested.

Deal Value Threshold and M&A: A Competition Law Analysis

In 2023, the Indian Parliament introduced amendments to the Competition Act, 2002. The primary focus of these amendments is to provide regulatory certainty, ensure faster market correction, and provide a trust-based business environment in India. These amendments also aim to give the Competition Commission of India (CCI) adequate power to ensure that no anti-competitive practices are undertaken in India. A plethora of amendments have been enacted, and one of the key amendments impacting M&A is the introduction of the Deal Value Threshold (DVT) while retaining the asset and turnover test. The rationale for this amendment is to ensure digital markets are covered within the ambit of DVT and to ensure that no anti-competitive M&A deals are undertaken in the digital market space. The impact of the new additional threshold in India has been analyzed, and the loopholes in the DVT framework have been highlighted. The impact of DVT on M&A deals undertaken in India has been showcased. In addition, solutions have been provided that can be adopted by the CCI in order to plug the loopholes in this new framework to make it comprehensive.

Analysis of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Ratings and Financial Performance in Indian Firms: A Panel Data Study

This research examines the link between Indian companies' income and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings between 2014 and 2024. The study assesses how differences in ESG ratings affect financial performance using panel data regression analysis, which includes fixed effects and random effects models, as well as the Hausman test. The research provides a ten-year perspective on this dynamic by using sales data and ESG rankings that are collected from MoneyControl and Yahoo Finance, respectively. The results show a statistically significant negative relationship between revenue and ESG ratings, with a higher ESG score being correlated with lower income. This implies that even while businesses engage in sustainable practices, there's a chance that these initiatives won't always result in quick financial rewards. The research provides insights into the possible trade-offs between sustainability and profitability in the Indian environment and emphasizes the need of taking firm-specific aspects into account when assessing the effect of ESG activities.

Antimicrobial resistance burden in India and Germany in 2022: A systematic analysis along with One Health perspective

Globally increasing antibiotic resistance has been linked to the extensive use of antibiotics in medical, veterinary, and agricultural Practices. This study aims to investigate the correlations of antimicrobial-resistant of various pathogens in three compartments: humans, animals and the environment in India and Germany. A systematic search was carried out in Medline via PubMed, Google Scholar, and science direct, including studies published in 2022. Out of 532 papers, 24 were considered for meta-analysis. Our findings reveals that in India, β-lactam is highly resistant in animals. Quinolone, on the other hand, was highly resistant in humans. In the environmental sectors, aminoglycosides and β-lactams is resistant. While in Germany, β-lactam resistance is high across all three sectors. However, E. coli was the most frequent and resistant pathogen in both countries, with significant resistance to β-lactams and cephalosporins across all compartments. These results underscore the critical need for monitoring antibiotic resistance patterns and developing targeted antibiotic regimens. A One Health-based intervention strategy is essential to mitigate the spread of AMR and improve health outcomes globally.

Thermal modeling and Machine learning for optimizing heat transfer in smart city infrastructure balancing energy efficiency and Climate Impact

The paper proposes a framework based on deep learning, transfer learning, and multi-objective optimisation to model and optimise heat transfer in smart city infrastructure to make them energy efficient and thermally comfortable. The framework in the paper contains a building thermal dynamics prediction model developed using hybrid CNN-LSTM on an extensive dataset (12.56 metric tonnes) of Indian buildings covering various characteristics, which is then fine-tuned with data from five major Indian cities. This predictive framework has a high generalisation capability of energy consumption and predicting indoor temperature profiles with the mean absolute errors (MAE) of building energy consumption ranging from 8.7 to 12.3 kWh and indoor temperature as 0.6 to 1.1 °C, respectively. Transfer learning is considerably improving the performance of the proposed model in newly added cities, which improved the MAE in the training cities (New Delhi and Mumbai) by 3.6 % and reduced the R^2 to 10.7 %. The multi-objective optimisation involving decision-making processes resulted in energy savings of 15.7 % to 22.3 % and improved comfort levels by 21.8 % to 28.5 % in the evaluated cities. The paper significantly contributes to developing a data-driven, generalisable, and interpretable framework, which can usher how to optimise heat transfer using deep learning to make smart city infrastructure resilient and comfortable. It also provides a novel solution to addressing the problems posed by energy efficiency and climate change in Indian cities. Policymakers and urban planners can utilise these key policy recommendations suggested in the paper to design new, liveable and self-sustaining urban environments in India.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Indian environment: Prevalence, impacts and solutions

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose a significant and growing environmental challenge worldwide due to their remarkable persistence, widespread presence, and potential to adversely affect human health. This review offers a holistic investigation of current knowledge regarding PFAS in India. Existing research demonstrates the presence of PFAS in various environmental compartments, including water bodies, soil/sediment, atmosphere, and even wildlife. Furthermore, the review explores the potential ecological and human exposure pathways. Some of these pathways include consumption of contaminated drinking water, PFAS-laden food, and inhalation of dust particles containing PFAS. The potential health impacts on humans and biota are then elaborated, highlighting developmental problems, endocrine disruption, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. The findings strongly suggest that industrial activity, urbanization, and consumer product usage are significant contributors to environmental PFAS contamination. A critical gap identified within this review is the absence of established regulations for PFAS usage and disposal within the Indian environment. The review summarizes existing remediation techniques, providing a comprehensive strategy for managing PFAS in the Indian context. The implementation of stringent regulations governing PFAS production, use, and environmental discharge, coupled with the exploration of non-fluorinated alternatives, is imperative. Additionally, the deployment of advanced water treatment technologies specifically designed for PFAS removal and the fostering of collaborative research and development efforts are crucial steps towards mitigating PFAS contamination. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to manage PFAS in India.

COVID-19’s impact on food environment in the Indian states of Telangana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Punjab: a descriptive qualitative study to build further research in India’s food environment resilience building

Background and aimGlobally, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on food and nutrition security. This paper aims to gather the perspective from Transforming India’s Green Revolution by Research and Empowerment...

Balkrishna as a Hindu Reformist in Narayan Dhakal's Pretkalpa (The Age of the Dead): A Critique of New Traditionalism

This paper examines reformation in the Nepali society as represented in Narayan Dhakal's novel Pretkalpa (The Age of the Dead). The novel advocates social reform in the Hindu society as modernity in Nepal during the early decades of the twentieth century. The paper hinges on the following research questions: How are modernity and reformation connected? To what extent does social/religious reformation contribute to modernity? Under the influence of reformist ideas from Dayanand Saraswati's Satyārtha Prakāś (The Light of Truth), Balkrishna, the protagonist of Dhakal’s novel – a Kashi educated Brahmin pundit – leads a series of reformation initiatives to change discriminatory practices across the lines of caste, gender, and class. To examine his reformist initiatives based on the Vedic knowledge, this paper recontextualizes Subir Sinha et al.'s critique of the discourse of new traditionalism in relation to the politics of development and environmentalism in India. Threatened by the reformation efforts of Balkrishna, the state – under the leadership of Chandra Shamsher – does everything it can do to retain the orthodox Hinduism, casteism, and feudalism. Eventually, the feudal Rana system based on the practices like cākarī and caplusī (sycophancy and flattery) prevails, exposing the vulnerability of new traditionalism and thereby of the conservative modernity as well. Discussing modernity, reformation, and new traditionalism, and their connections between and among them to analyze the novel, the paper foregrounds new traditionalism as a significant concept to examine modernity in Nepal.

Single Working Mothers and Socio-Economic-Cultural Environment in India: An Empirical Study

Single Working Mothers and Socio-Economic-Cultural Environment in India: An Empirical Study

Related Party Transactions and Audit Fees: Indian Evidence

SUMMARY We examine the effect of related party transactions (RPTs) on audit fees in Indian public companies. RPTs can be used to manipulate financial statements or to transfer wealth between firms and their related parties, and the presence of RPTs increases audit risk. RPTs are relatively more important in India than in advanced economies, so we examine the association between RPTs and audit fees in the Indian setting. We find that audit fees increase by 3.58 percent moving from the first to third quartile of related party sales (RPSs). The association between RPSs and audit fees becomes prominent after the enactment of The Companies Act of 2013. Discussions with audit partners suggest that The Companies Act of 2013 led to increases in audit effort. Our results provide information regarding the corporate governance environment in India and highlight the importance of separately analyzing different types of RPTs. Data Availability: Data will be made available upon request after completion of related projects. JEL Classifications: G34; M41; M42.

Indo-Persian Identities in Medieval Muslim Deccan

Between the 14th and 17th centuries, the Deccan Plateau region saw the emergence of Muslim sultanates (Bahmani, Ahmednagar, Bidar, Golconda, Bijapur, Berar, Bijapur) whose political, religious, intellectual, and artistic elites are deeply imbued with the Persian language and culture. They thus continue a long tradition of the dynasties that appeared in the east of the Muslim world, since the 9th century (Samanids, Ghaznavids, Ghurids, Khwarazmshahs, Ilkhanids, Timurids), as well as the Muslim political power ruling northern India, between the 13th and the 16th centuries (Delhi Sultanate). In all of this, regardless of the origin of the political-military elites who were in power (Turks, Afghans, Caucasians, Iranians, Indians converted to Islam), Persian becomes both the political-administrative language and the language of culture. Our study aims to provide an insight into the ways in which this Persian reference was disseminated, developed, assumed in the Bahmani Sultanate, and then in the other five sultanates that emerged after its dissolution (1527). For over three centuries, the dynasties in power patronized a very rich cultural life, where traditional Persian elements, brought here by scholars, religious people, Sufis, poets, artists coming from the Middle East and Central Asia, were shaped and adapted to the realities of the Indian environment. These symbioses were especially visible in art (primarily in miniatures) and in the development of new artistic expressions within what is called Indo-Islamic architecture.

Legislation for advancing women’s leadership in the health sector in India and Kenya: a ‘law cube’ approach to identify ways to strengthen legal environments for gender equality

ObjectivesThis paper examines the availability of legal provisions, or the lack thereof, that support women to progress equitably into leadership positions within the health workforce in India and Kenya.MethodsWe adapted...

Envirotype-based delineation of environmental effects and genotype × environment interactions in Indian soybean (Glycine max, L.)

Soybean is a rainfed crop grown across a wide range of environments in India. Its grain yield is a complex trait governed by many minor genes and influenced by environmental effects and genotype × environment interactions. In the current investigation, grain yield data of different sets of 41, 30 and 48 soybean genotypes evaluated during 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively across 19 locations and twenty years’ data on 19 different climatic parameters at these locations was used to study the environmental effects on grain yield, to understand the genotype × environment interactions and to identify the mega-environments. Through analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was found that predominant portion of the variation was explained by environmental effects (E) (53.89, 54.86 and 60.56% during 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively), followed by genotype × environment interactions (GEI) (31.29, 33.72 and 28.82% during 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that grain yield was positively associated with RH (Relative humidity at 2 m height), FRUE (Effect of temperature on radiation use efficiency), WSM (Wind speed at 2 m height) and RTA (Global solar radiation based on latitude and Julian day) and negatively associated with VPD (Deficit of vapour pressure), Trange (Daily temperature range), ETP (Evapotranspiration), SW (Insolation incident on a horizontal surface), n (Actual duration of sunshine) and N (Daylight hours). Identification of mega-environments is critical in enhancing the selection gain, productivity and varietal recommendation. Through envirotyping and genotype main effect plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot methods, nineteen locations across India were grouped into four mega-environments (MEs). ME1 included five locations viz., Bengaluru, Pune, Dharwad, Kasbe Digraj and Umiam. Eight locations—Anand, Amreli, Lokbharti, Bidar, Parbhani, Ranchi, Bhawanipatna and Raipur were included in ME2. Kota and Morena constitutes ME3, while Palampur, Imphal, Mojhera and Almora were included in ME4. Locations Imphal, Bidar and Raipur were found to be both discriminative and representative; these test locations can be utilized in developing wider adaptable soybean cultivars. Pune and Amreli were found to be high-yielding locations and can be used in large scale breeder seed production.

HELMET RULE VIOLATION DETECTION USING DEEP LEARNING

The widespread non-compliance of helmet-wearing regulations among motorcyclists in India poses a significant threat to road safety. This paper introduces a new approach to address this issue through the developing a Helmet Rule Violation Detection system. Given the challenges faced by traffic police in enforcing helmet regulations, the proposedsystem leverages computer vision techniques to automatically identify motorcyclists without helmets. The methodology involves the detection of moving vehicles through thresholding, followed by a classification process based on area and aspect ratio to distinguish between motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists. The subsequent identification of helmet violation is achieved by isolating relevant blobs and employing a classification mechanism. By automating this process, the system aims to reduce the burden on traffic police and enhance the overall safety of road users. The proposed approach not only contributes to the mitigation of helmet rule violations but also promotes responsible road behavior, fostering a safer and more compliant traffic environment in India.

Biotechnological Tools for Livelihood Security for Mitigation of Adverse Impact of Climate Change in Environment in India

Biotechnological Tools for Livelihood Security for Mitigation of Adverse Impact of Climate Change in Environment in India

Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in India: geographical distribution, sources and associated health risk-a review.

Atmospheric distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and associated human health risks have been studied in India. However, a comprehensive overview is not available in India, this review highlights the possible sources, and associated cancer risks in people living in different zones of India. Different databases were searched for the scientific literature on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air in India. Database searches have revealed a total of 55 studies conducted at 139 locations in India in the last 14years between 1996 and 2018. Based on varying climatic conditions in India, the available data was analysed and distributed with four zone including north, east, west/central and south zones. Comparatively higher concentrations were reported for locations in north zone, than east, west/central and south zones. The average concentrations of ∑PAHs is lower in east zone, and concentrations in north, west/central and south zones are higher by 1.67, 1.47, and 1.12 folds respectively than those in east zone. Certain molecular diagnostic ratios and correlation receptor models were used for identification of possible sources, which aided to the conclusion that both pyrogenic and petrogenic activities are the mixed sources of PAH emissions to the Indian environment. Benzo(a)pyrene toxicity equivalency for different zones is estimated and presented. Estimated Chronic daily intake (CDI) due to inhalation of PAHs and subsequently, cancer risk (CR) is found to be ranging from extremely low to low in various geographical zones of India.

Green Marketing as New Marketing Trend in India

The emergence of "Green Marketing" as a prominent trend in India reflects a growing societal and environmental consciousness, aligning business strategies with sustainable practices. This article delves into the dynamic landscape where companies are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly initiatives into their marketing strategies. The concept of Green Marketing goes beyond mere product promotion, emphasizing environmental responsibility and sustainable development. In India, a country grappling with environmental challenges, the shift towards Green Marketing is particularly significant. With consumers becoming more environmentally conscious, businesses are compelled to adopt eco-friendly practices to meet market demands. The article explores how companies are leveraging this trend to create a positive brand image, gain consumer trust, and tap into a growing market segment that prioritizes sustainability. Furthermore, the article examines the role of regulatory frameworks and government initiatives in promoting Green Marketing. The Indian government's push for environmental sustainability and clean energy has incentivized businesses to embrace eco-friendly practices. The article also sheds light on the challenges companies face in implementing Green Marketing strategies, such as increased production costs and the need for innovation in sustainable product development. The article underscores the transformative impact of Green Marketing on the Indian business landscape. It provides insights into how companies are navigating the shift towards sustainability, aligning their marketing efforts with environmental responsibility. As Green Marketing continues to gain momentum, it not only shapes consumer behavior but also contributes to a more sustainable and ecologically conscious business environment in India.

Lilium: A High-Value Cut Flower Production Guide for Lucrative Return

Lilium sp. is cultivated worldwide and is one of the most important generators cut flower and pot plant. In terms of the production and marketing of its cut flowers on the global cut flower market, this genus is quite important economically. The majority of the monocot perennial species in the genus Lilium are vegetatively propagated and are among the most significant flower bulbs in terms of economic impact. They are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. Asiatic and Oriental hybrid lilies are the most important groups and are derived from interspecific crosses of the Sinomartagon and Archelirion sections, respectively. Seed, bulb division, bulb scales, stem bulblets, stem bulbils (in some species), and tissue culture are all methods of multiplying lilies. The primary means of propagating Lilium are bulbs. Six to eight weeks after the parent bulbs begin to produce flowers, the small bulbs are removed. In the north Indian environment, mid-September to mid-December is the ideal period to plant hybrid lilies. October through November is a good season to grow Asiatic lilies in the Northern Plains, whereas March through April is a good time to plant in the hills. After 90 to 120 days of sowing, flowers are ready for harvesting. Cutting the flowers in the morning is ideal. The flower stalk should be clipped 8–10 cm above the ground as soon as the first blossom begins to take on color.

Progress of Trade Facilitation in India: A Quantitative Assessment

In this paper, the authors present a long-term quantitative assessment of the trade facilitative environment in India. This pioneering exercise uses average cargo release time as a performance indicator, drawing upon secondary data sources based on transaction-level digital timestamps, as distinct from perception-based global surveys. It concludes that the unsegregated average import cargo release time has improved from 14 days in 2010–2011 to 86 hours and 44 hours for marine and air cargo, respectively, in 2023, yet falling short of 48 hours and 24 hours respective target set by the government. Highlighting the trade facilitation measures that have worked, the paper recommends focusing on the quality of regulatory measures, infrastructural improvement and wider adoption for the next generation of reforms. JEL Classifications: F1, F14, F18, F19

A Study on Novice Investor Behavior in Indian Stock Exchange

Investing is not only a personal financial endeavor but also a critical driver of economic growth, shaping individual prosperity and national development. The research is significant because it emphasizes the critical role that financial literacy plays in influencing investment behavior. It also emphasizes the necessity of ongoing education and awareness campaigns to equip new investors with the information and abilities they need to make wise decisions on the Indian Stock Exchange. All things considered, the results provide insightful information that will help investors, financial institutions, and regulators develop policies to support a more knowledgeable, resilient, and inclusive investment environment in India. This study embarks on a journey to explore the intricate dynamics of investment in India, beginning with an exploration of its foundational role as the engine of economic progress. From influencing aggregate demand to shaping future productive capacity, investments yield significant influence over a nation's economic trajectory, fostering financial markets and enabling companies to raise capital for further growth. In addition, the research reveals that participants have a wide variety of investment objectives, with long-term wealth creation being the primary focus. Investment styles are characterized by a trade-off between risk and return, with moderate strategies being the most common, and considerable shares of aggressive and conservative methods. In emerging markets like India, where investor behaviors vary across a diverse spectrum, understanding the impact of different investor types becomes imperative. Delving into the distinct behaviors of individual, institutional, and foreign investors, this analysis sheds light on their contributions to the Indian stock market, unravelling their unique influences and dynamics.