India In July Research Articles

Land and Atmospheric Drivers of the 2023 Flood in India

AbstractFloods in India are recurring natural disasters resulting from extreme precipitation during the summer monsoon season (June–September). The recent flood in North India in July 2023 caused substantial damage to lives, agriculture, and infrastructure. However, what led to the 2023 North India flood and the role of atmospheric and land drivers still need to be examined. Using in situ observations, satellite data, and ERA5 reanalysis combined with hydrological and hydrodynamical modeling, we examine the role of land and atmospheric drivers in flood occurrence and its impacts. Extreme precipitation in a large region during 7–10 July 2023 created favorable conditions for the flood in the hilly terrains and plains of north India. More than 300 mm of precipitation fell in just 4 days, which was eight times higher than the long‐term average (2001–2022). Anomalously high moisture transport over northern India was recorded on 7 July 2023, making atmospheric conditions favorable for intense landfall. Increased column water vapor and specific humidity at different pressure levels confirmed the continuous moisture presence before the extreme rainfall that caused floods in northern India from 7 to 12 July 2023. Atmospheric and land (high antecedent soil moisture) conditions contributed to a more than 200% rise in streamflow at several gauge stations. Satellite‐based flood extent shows a considerable flood inundation that caused damage in the Sutlej and Yamuna River basins. Our findings highlight the crucial role of the favorable land and atmospheric conditions that caused floods and flash floods in north India in July 2023.

Thermodynamic modeling and performance optimization of nanofluid-based photovoltaic/thermal system using central composite design scheme of response surface methodology

This study develops and validates a programming code to demonstrate an iterative resolution analytical thermodynamic modeling method for nanofluid-based photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems. The experimental validation of the model is conducted by constructing and testing a novel PV/T collector that incorporates a flow channel with a double-loop rectangular spiral design. Four different operating independent factors, including solar irradiation (G = 300–900 W/m2), ambient temperature as per climate condition of Jalandhar city of India in July (Ta = 283.15–313.15 K), the CuO-water nanofluid concentration (φ = 0.02–0.08%) and mass flow rate of nanofluid (ṁnf = 201–241 kg/h) are used for thermodynamic performance prediction. Mathematical correlations are developed for each of the dependent response factors, including energetic thermal power output, energetic electrical power output, exergetic thermal power output, and entropy generation. Correlations are based on operating independent factors and their interaction on proposed system performance. Different single and multiple optimization approaches aim to predict optimal dependent and independent factor values. The regression model proposed in this study recommends choosing G = 855.353 W/m2, Ta = 313.148 K, φ = 0.08%, and ṁnf = 201 kg/h in order to optimize the energetic and exergetic electrical and thermal power output while minimizing entropy generation.

CORPORATE TAXATION THROUGH THE INDIAN PRISM: CONSEQUENCES OF GST AND DTC

The Indian taxation landscape has witnessed significant reforms in recent years, with the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and proposed changes in the form of the Direct Tax Code (DTC). This comprehensive analysis explores the dual facets of these reforms and their consequential impact on corporate taxation in India. The study encompasses a detailed examination of the implications of GST implementation and the potential effects of the impending Direct Tax Code on corporate entities. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India in July 2017, heralding a paradigm shift in the taxation system by replacing multiple indirect taxes. Simultaneously, the Direct Tax Code (DTC) has been proposed as a comprehensive reform of direct taxes, aiming to simplify and rationalize the existing tax structure. This analysis delves into the impact of these reforms on corporate taxation, considering the intricate interplay between indirect and direct taxes. The implementation of GST streamlined the indirect tax system, reducing cascading effects and enhancing overall tax efficiency. This, in turn, has had a direct impact on corporate taxation by simplifying compliance procedures and reducing the burden of multiple taxes on businesses. The analysis explores how these changes have contributed to increased tax compliance among corporate entities. GST introduced the concept of Input Tax Credit (ITC), allowing businesses to offset taxes paid on inputs against their final tax liability. This section assesses how the availability of ITC has influenced cost management for corporations, promoting a more transparent and efficient taxation system. The GST regime prompted corporations to reevaluate their supply chain structures to optimize taximplications. The analysis investigates how companies have adjusted their operations to align with the GST framework, leading to improved logistics, reduced lead times, and cost savings. The proposed Direct Tax Code envisions revisiting tax slabs and rates, potentially altering the corporate tax landscape. This section examines the anticipated impact of changes in tax rates on corporate entities, exploring the implications for businesses of varying sizes and sectors. The DTC proposes a reevaluation of existing tax incentives and deductions. The study analyzes the potential impact on corporate decision-making, investment patterns, and overall economic growth. It delves into the implications for sectors currently benefiting from specific incentives. The DTC aims to align international taxation principles with global standards, impacting the taxation of multinational corporations operating in India. The analysis assesses the potential challenges and opportunities for such entities, considering the implications for transfer pricing and cross-border transactions.

A Literature Survey on National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and Libraries

NEP 2020 refers to the National Education Policy 2020, which is a policy document released by the Government of India in July 2020. The NEP 2020 aims to transform the education system in India by focusing on holistic and multidisciplinary education, promoting research and innovation, and incorporating technology into the learning process. In terms of libraries, the NEP 2020 recognizes the crucial role that libraries play in promoting a culture of reading and lifelong learning. The policy emphasizes the need to strengthen school and public libraries by providing them with adequate resources, including books, digital resources, and trained librarians. Furthermore, the NEP 2020 recognizes the need to incorporate technology into library services, such as providing access to e-books, e-journals, and other digital resources. The policy also highlights the importance of promoting local and indigenous knowledge through the development of community libraries. Overall, the NEP 2020 envisions libraries as vital institutions that can contribute to the promotion of a knowledge-based society in India.

A Literature Survey on National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and Libraries

NEP 2020 refers to the National Education Policy 2020, which is a policy document released by the Government of India in July 2020. The NEP 2020 aims to transform the education system in India by focusing on holistic and multidisciplinary education, promoting research and innovation, and incorporating technology into the learning process. In terms of libraries, the NEP 2020 recognizes the crucial role that libraries play in promoting a culture of reading and lifelong learning. The policy emphasizes the need to strengthen school and public libraries by providing them with adequate resources, including books, digital resources, and trained librarians. Furthermore, the NEP 2020 recognizes the need to incorporate technology into library services, such as providing access to e-books, e-journals, and other digital resources. The policy also highlights the importance of promoting local and indigenous knowledge through the development of community libraries. Overall, the NEP 2020 envisions libraries as vital institutions that can contribute to the promotion of a knowledge-based society in India.

Investigating the Extent of Primer Dropout in SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequences During the Early Circulation of Delta Variants

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, corresponding to the Pangolin lineage B.1.617.2, was first detected in India in July 2020 and rapidly became dominant worldwide. The ARTIC v3 protocol for SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing, which relies on a large number of PCR primers, was among the first available early in the pandemic, but may be prone to coverage dropouts that result in incomplete genome sequences. A new set of primers (v4) was designed to circumvent this issue in June 2021. In this study, we investigated whether the sequencing community adopted the new sets of primers, especially in the context of the spread of the Delta lineage, in July 2021. Because information about protocols from individual laboratories is generally difficult to obtain, the aims of the study were to identify whether large under-sequenced regions were present in deposited Delta variant genome sequences (from April to August 2021), to investigate the extent of the coverage dropout among all the currently available Delta sequences in six countries, and to propose simple PCR primer modifications to sequence the missing region, especially for the first circulating Delta variants observed in 2021 in Switzerland. Candidate primers were tested on few clinical samples, highlighting the need to further pursue primer optimization and validation on a larger and diverse set of samples.

A rapid entomological reconnaissance during the first Zika outbreak in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala, India

There was an outbreak of Zika virus in Thiruvananthapuram city of Kerala state, India in July 2021. In order to ascertain the prevalence and breeding pattern of the potential vectors, a study was conducted from 22 July 2021 to 27 July 2021. Breeding habitat surveys were conducted in seven localities in the city from where Zika cases were reported. House to house searches were conducted from mosquito breeding in 35-40 houses in each locality. Fourth instar larvae were identified using larval keys and later confirmed their identities after emergence. Lower instar larvae were reared in the laboratory and were identified after emergence using adult keys. Larval indices were calculated using WHO methods. Of the 280 houses surveyed mosquito breeding was encountered in 38 houses. Three Aedes species viz., Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Ae. vittatus were detected. Ae. agypti and Ae. albopictus were breeding in 30.5% and 43.9% of the outdoor habitats and 56.0% and 16.0% of the indoor habitats respectively. The overall Container Index for (CI), Breteau Index (BI) and House Index (HI) for both species together were 56.07, 23.07 and 14.61 respectively. Two established urban Zika vectors viz., Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were prevalent in the city with very high container indices. For the first time in the world, indoor flower vases used for money plant has been observed as an important breeding habitat of Aedes mosquitoes. Rapid elimination of the breeding habitats with community support is recommended to reduce the larval indices.

Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess preventive practices against COVID-19 pandemic in the general population.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide with far-reaching socio-economic implications in society. The adoption of preventive practices by the public remains the mainstay in reducing the spread of COVID-19 but there is a dearth of validated tools to assess such infection prevention practices related to pandemics. This study was conducted to develop and validate a questionnaire for the assessment of preventive practices against COVID-19 in the general population. It was done following a standardized protocol involving questionnaire development through literature review, focused group discussions, in-depth interviews, expert opinion, and pre-testing. This was followed by the validation of the questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey on 108 individuals from diverse backgrounds in New Delhi, India in July 2020. Exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate construct validity. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The developed questionnaire for assessing preventive practices consists of two sections: the first section of 18 items to evaluate preventive practices and the second section of 19 items for assessing various reasons for deficiencies in the preventive practices. The first section has good content validity (CVR=0.81 and S-CVI/Av=0.97) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.82). Thus, this questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for the comprehensive assessment of preventive practices and barriers related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be useful in assessing the preparedness of the public and will be helpful to policymakers in designing appropriate interventions for protection against COVID-19.

OUP accepted manuscript

BackgroundThe first serosurvey conducted in Chennai, India in July 2020 reported sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) prevalence of 18.4%. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence in the month of October 2020.MethodsWe conducted a survey in 153 streets covering 51 wards and all 15 zones of the city and enrolled from each street 40 individuals ≥10 y of age. We collected 3–5 ml of venous blood and tested for anti-nucleocapsid (N) immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using a SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. We estimated the weighted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and adjusted for test characteristics.ResultsOf the 6366 sera tested, 2052 were positive for anti-N IgG antibodies. The weighted seroprevalence after adjusting for test characteristics was 30.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.7 to 36.1). There was wide variation in the seroprevalence between wards, ranging from 11.0% (95% CI 5.6 to 16.4) to 48.1% (95% CI 39.5 to 56.7).ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Chennai nearly doubled between July and October 2020.

Comparative Evaluation of the Canal Shaping Ability of F6 SkyTaper, Navigator EVO and One Shape File Systems in Preparation of Curved Root Canals using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Introduction: Knowledge on shaping ability of advanced Nickel Titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments holds a great significance in the field of endodontics. Root canal shaping systems should maintain the original canal anatomy and thereby, reduce the risk of iatrogenic errors. Aim: To compare and evaluate the canal transportation, centering ability and time taken for preparation of curved root canals after instrumentation with F6 SkyTaper, Navigator EVO and One Shape file systems using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging. Materials and Methods: This was an in vitro study conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, I.T.S Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India in July 2020. Thirty mesiobuccal canals of extracted mandibular molars with an angle of curvature between 20 to 40 degrees were selected and divided into three groups (n=10 into each group): F6 SkyTaper (group I), Navigator Evo (group II) and One Shape (group III). Canals were biomechanically prepared till size 30/6%; scanned using CBCT, before and after instrumentation to evaluate shaping ability at 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm and 9 mm from the apex. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc test with level of significance set at p-value <0.05. Results: Out of three file systems selected, Navigator EVO showed significantly least canal transportation (0.222) (p-value <0.05) and highest centering ability (0.535) as compared to F6 SkyTaper and One Shape. Overall, F6 SkyTaper and One Shape showed comparable results with respect to canal transportation and centering ability. The F6 Skytaper showed the fastest preparation (75.72 sec) of canals while Navigator EVO took the maximum time (307.046 sec). Conclusion: Navigator EVO showed superior shaping ability in curved canals than single file systems, although the time taken was the least with F6 SkyTaper.

Role of Goods and Services Tax in India’s Economic Development

Indirect taxes are one of the sources of income for government. The indirect tax reforms played a major part in choosing the heading of financial development. Goods and Services tax is one of the noteworthy roundabout charge change in India. It was presented in India in July 1,2017. Numerous pre-GST execution investigate considers demonstrated that products and administrations charge will contribute to the financial development of the nation. Presently, it is nearly two a long time since the usage of GST. This inquire about consider looks for to ponder whether there's any relationship between merchandise and administrations charge and financial development. In arrange to ponder this relationship, GST turnover and GDP of India for these two a long time is considered. At last, the consider arrives at a significant conclusion and clearly clarifies the degree of impact of GST in Indian financial advancement.

Satellite-based monitoring of recent heavy flooding over north-eastern states of India in July 2019

South-west monsoon of 2019 advanced towards northern parts of India during the first week of July. Heavy-to-very-heavy rainfall events during July 05–16 resulted in severe flooding over Bihar and Assam and caused huge damage in the form of life and property. More than 90 lakhs people have been affected, and about 100 causalities have been reported in Bihar and Assam due to severe flooding. Results presented in this short communication highlight the importance of space-borne near real-time monitoring of flood events. It is reported that few districts of Assam and Bihar received cumulative rainfall in excess of 1200 mm from multiple heavy rainy events during July 05–16, 2019. Heaviest rainfall events were reported on July 06, 11 and 13. Few districts of Assam and Bihar experienced daily rainfall in excess of 300 to 400 mm during these heavy rainy days with peak hourly rainfall exceeding 50 mm at few synoptic hours. Discharge from Kosi and Brahmaputra rivers combined with heavy cumulative rainfall from multiple rainy episodes during July 05–16 resulted in severe flooding over Assam and Bihar causing losses to life and property.

Banking Institutions Insolvency Regime in India – A Glance at The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017

Taking into account the lacuna in the resolution framework, Indian bankruptcy and insolvency related regulations recently underwent a major overhaul when the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 was enacted in India and the draft of the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017 was introduced. The focus in the coming years would have been on these two pieces of legislation to save the deteriorating condition of the Indian economy. However, this was not to be. The draft Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017 was withdrawn from the parliament of India in July 2018. The draft Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017 dealt with the Indian economic and financial sectors which have started cracking under the pressure of bad loans and the distressed banks. It introduced concepts such as the bail-in provision, the bridge service provider, formulation of a central resolution corporation, which haven’t yet been used in the Indian banking scenario. The draft Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017 focused on the age-old locution – ‘prevention is better than cure’ thus looking at saving the distressed entities before they head for insolvency. Through this piece of research, the author examines the draft Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017 while also giving a background on its withdrawal.

Safety monitoring of local anaesthetic drugs from the perspective of Pharmacovigilance Programme of India.

Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) was established to promote patient safety by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in July 2010. It covers various medical hospitals/institutes and National Health Programmes across the country. India is coordinating with various national and international programmes to be a part of international drug monitoring and to monitor the risk-benefit profile of medicines. At present, India has contributed more than 200,000 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to the database and can draw signals for regulatory decisions. To foster the culture of spontaneous reporting, India has launched paperless and simple modes of reporting ADRs such as Helpline and an Android application. This will help to create a national centre of excellence at par with global drug safety monitoring standards. With the increasing popularity of regional anaesthesia, adverse events may occur due to local anaesthetic drugs, techniques and adjuvants. Uncommon but clinically significant ADRs can be identified in a nationwide pharmacovigilance programme. Anaesthesiologists in India are encouraged to report local anaesthesia-related ADRs to the national pharmacovigilance database.

Sustainable Banking: Changing Face of Corporate Social Responsibility

The major emphasis of banking players is placed on financial governance, financial soundness, financial discipline and corporate governance. The banking sector players are unable to cope with macro economic, social and ecological challenges. Banking players are now indulging themselves in corporate sustainability practices. Sustainable banking provides a new dimension in the financial sector. A United Nations (UN) initiative, the “Global Compact”, was launched in 2000 to bring companies together with UN agencies, labour, and civil society to support ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment, and anti-corruption. The Equator Principles were developed by private banks, with the support of the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, as a “voluntary code”. They constitute a set of guidelines which banks can sign up to voluntarily, but which then prescribe certain requirements to be followed with regard to consideration of environmental and social issues in their project financing. The National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities of Business released by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India in July 2011.The objectives of the research work are to study the evolution of global sustainable banking and to analyse the business responsibility practices of selected Indian banks. One public Sector Undertaking bank, Bank of Baroda and another private sector bank, Axis bank are considered for the study. The research paper has taken into consideration the secondary data available in several research articles published in the different reputed national and international journals downloaded from EBSCO host and Emerald. Apart from these, different knowledge reports available in the public domain are also considered as the source of key information inputs. The proposed research work will provide a new dimension in the literature of sustainable banking.

P043. Specialist Masters Degree in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: An update of student engagement and feedback

P043. Specialist Masters Degree in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: An update of student engagement and feedback

Pope Alexander vi, Slavery and Voluntary Subjection: ‘Ineffabilis et Summi Patris’ in Context

‘Ineffabilis et summi patris’ (1 June 1497), a little-known letter from Alexander VI to Manuel i, king of Portugal (1495–1521), plays an important role in Joel Panzer's The popes and slavery (1996). For Panzer, ‘Ineffabilis’ clarifies the voluntary nature of submission by newly-encountered peoples to Iberian monarchs. A new and complete translation of ‘Ineffabilis’ shows that it is part of a legal tradition wherein voluntary subjection was one mode of enslavement. ‘Ineffabilis’ also reflects Manuel's broader attempt to gain an advantage over Spain in light of Vasco da Gama's impending voyage to India in July 1497.

Mapping the WSIS + 10 Review Process: Research Report on the 10-year Review Process of the World Summit on the Information Society

This paper is a report on the WSIS 10 mapping project, which was funded by the IAMCR Rapid Response Research Grant on Communication Policy by the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) with the support of the Media Program of the Open Society Foundations (OSF). The project aimed at mapping the events taking place in the framework of the 10-years review process or the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS 10), the actors involved and their concrete contributions, with a particular focus on the role of expert contributions. The report was presented at the annual IAMCR conference in India in July 2014.

An Exploration Framework to Identify and Track Movement of Cloud Systems

We describe a framework to explore and visualize the movement of cloud systems. Using techniques from computational topology and computer vision, our framework allows the user to study this movement at various scales in space and time. Such movements could have large temporal and spatial scales such as the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), which has a spatial scale ranging from 1000 km to 10000 km and time of oscillation of around 40 days. Embedded within these larger scale oscillations are a hierarchy of cloud clusters which could have smaller spatial and temporal scales such as the Nakazawa cloud clusters. These smaller cloud clusters, while being part of the equatorial MJO, sometimes move at speeds different from the larger scale and in a direction opposite to that of the MJO envelope. Hitherto, one could only speculate about such movements by selectively analysing data and a priori knowledge of such systems. Our framework automatically delineates such cloud clusters and does not depend on the prior experience of the user to define cloud clusters. Analysis using our framework also shows that most tropical systems such as cyclones also contain multi-scale interactions between clouds and cloud systems. We show the effectiveness of our framework to track organized cloud system during one such rainfall event which happened at Mumbai, India in July 2005 and for cyclone Aila which occurred in Bay of Bengal during May 2009.

Impact of Globalization on Scheduled Commercial Banks with Reference to Agriculture Sector

Globalization in India is generally taken to mean ‘integrating’ the economy of the country with the world economy. The real thrust to the globalization process was provided by the new economic policy introduced by the Government of India in July 1991. The Indian banking sector has emerged as one of the strongest drivers of India’s economic growth. The Indian banking industry (US$ 1.22 trillion) has made an outstanding advancement in last few years, even during the times when the rest of the world was struggling with financial meltdown. India's economic development and financial sector liberalization have led to a transformation of the Indian banking sector over the past two decades. The Indian banking sector plays a key role in the economic development of nation. It has Rs.82,994 billion as total assets/liabilities. It collected deposits Rs.64,537 billion and sanctioned loans and advances Rs.50,346 billion in the year march 2012. The scheduled commercial banks were playing a key role in the economic development of India. The objectives of the research paper are to assess the Impact of globalization on scheduled commercial banks with reference to agriculture sector. The period for the analysis of the data has been taken for three decades i.e., from 1981-81 to 2010-11. Based on the secondary information it is analysed and concluded with suggestions.